mNod

Hey, I just found a 2001 Trek 2300, aluminum frame, full Ultegra, and nice wheels, for $500 (ill try to get it for $450) on my local CL. Now, the only problem is that I think the frame is a little to big, the guy says it is a 21" (53.34cm) but I am about 5'5" and I think I need a 4cm-52cm. All the bikes I have ever ridden have always been to big by a few cm so I guess I am use to it.

Do you think I should go for it or not?

merlinextraligh

you need to look at several things: 1) the standover height, 2) the length of stem you'd need to put on it to get the right extension, and 3) the drop from seat to handlebars.

If you can stand over the TT with a little clearence, you can get the bars at the right extension without an absurdly short stem, and you can get the drop you want to the bars it should work.

That said, it is generally more difficult to make a too big bike fit, than a too small one.

However, also realize that ideas in bike fitting have changed, and people used to get fitted on bigger bikes than they are now. (before everyone wanted to look like a racer and have 5" of drop to their bars).

I'd go try it out, and if you're not sure, take it to a good shop, and see what they think.

mNod

Thanks for the info. I think I might get it because I could PROBABLY sell it back for what I will pay for it. It would be a nice bike if it fits though. I want to get into crit racing, if i do i think i might get a smaller "racier" bike. This might work as a good long distance bike though.

steaktaco

Hell no. Get a proper fitting bike.

Phantoj

Sounds too big to me. Unless you're still growing, wait until you find something in the right size.

powpow

No way, don't buy it.

steaktaco

Seriously, if you can't fit a 100mm stem, it's too big.

borg

Exactly what steaktaco said. Free is not a good deal if it doesn't fit...unless you plan to turn around and sell it.

mNod

Man, you guys have talked me out of it

recursive

First of all, all Trek 2300s are measured in cm, not inches, so I don't trust the quoted size in the first place.

Second, there is no deal good enough to get a wrong fitting bike.

What size should you be riding?

merlinextraligh

The OP's post indicates that he thinks that a 52cm frame would be ideal (or at least that's what I made of it). The bike he is looking at is 53.34cm, or 1.34cm bigger. (just over 1/2")

If you assume that the OP would fit a 52cm with a stem around 110-120mm , then this bike would likely fit him with a 100 mm stem.

It's clearly close enough that it's worth looking at and trying out.

I'd certainly agree that buying a poor fitting bike is not a bargain.

However, the reality of buying used on CL means that you may need to be a bit flexible (i.e. like changing stems) to make a fit work.

recursive

For the record, a 53.34cm Trek 2300 does not exist.

steaktaco

True. Except if we're thinking of a standard 52cm bike, it probably has a shorter, 100mm stem. But who knows, maybe his experience is with a 52cm frame with a 130mm stem. Definitely possible.

OP I'm not against test riding it, just don't get carried away or feel you have to settle.

steaktaco

I swear I saw that size in the Asian market catalog.

allezsport

Don't do it. I just went through the same thing. Bought a 54cm frame for a project I was putting together because it was in great shape for a really good price, built it up and knew right away its too big. It really killed the excitement of getting a new bike fast. Rode it for three months, but the whole time I was already keeping an eye out for the next size smaller frame. I finally found one a month ago in the size and price range I wanted, and couldn't be happier. The too big frame is now on ebay. It really sucks to have spent all that time hunting for the frame, agonise and gather all the parts only to realize on your very first ride that you got the wrong bike.
Being patience is part of buying bike gear online, whether ebay, CL or some other sites. Wait for the right one to come along, it will come along eventually.

glight

Buy it, sell the frame, keep the components and put them on a new frame that you buy off ebay for the same price you sold the other one for.