Looking to Get Back Into Cycling. Is the Lemond Arriver the Way to Go?
10-13-22, 08:08 AM
#1
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Looking to Get Back Into Cycling. Is the Lemond Arriver the Way to Go?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/466401412125171/
I want to give cycling another try and spend a little money. Thought the titanium might be nicer than my aluminum bike. Seems like this bike has been well cared for and ridden rather than in just sitting in a garage. Seems like decent people who know something about bikes. I'm 5'10 with a 34 inch inseam. My arms are a little on the short side and I've heard that some Lemond bikes really stretch you out. Is this going to be a super racy type position in the saddle?
They said they'd take $500 and that seems reasonable. Any thoughts? They thought the cassette would be ok but the chain may need replacing soon. Is $500 still reasonable given that fact?
I want to give cycling another try and spend a little money. Thought the titanium might be nicer than my aluminum bike. Seems like this bike has been well cared for and ridden rather than in just sitting in a garage. Seems like decent people who know something about bikes. I'm 5'10 with a 34 inch inseam. My arms are a little on the short side and I've heard that some Lemond bikes really stretch you out. Is this going to be a super racy type position in the saddle?
They said they'd take $500 and that seems reasonable. Any thoughts? They thought the cassette would be ok but the chain may need replacing soon. Is $500 still reasonable given that fact?
10-13-22, 08:32 AM
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My take is that a 57 cm in this model will be too big for you. Check the geometry chart, they claim that a 57 cm would be suitable for someone 4.5 inches taller than you.
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10-13-22, 08:56 AM
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The heights listed in the chart are a bit suspicious. It recommends size 53 for someone of the OP's height (size 53 - 5' 9.3"), and there is almost no difference between sizes 55 and 57 (size 55 - 6' 0", size 57 - 6' 0.8")
10-13-22, 09:13 AM
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I'm 6' 1.5" tall, and my 57cm LeMond of that era fits me wonderfully. At 5'10", that bike may be a little large for you.
10-13-22, 09:19 AM
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Thanks for the input! I'm really surprised as 57cm is usually good. I guess it's because of the long reach to the handlebars?
10-13-22, 09:43 AM
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Some bikes are like that. I own a Look 481SL. Originally I had a 55 cm, but always found it to be just too long in the top tube which measured 57 cm. I had the option to switch to a 54 cm which has a top tube which measures 55.6 cm. Made all the difference in the world. I am the same height as you with a slightly shorter inseam and relatively log arms. Like Looks, Lemond's tend to have longer top tubes than most bikes out there
10-13-22, 10:26 AM
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I have 4 Lemonds and I'm nearly 5'11". I ride a 55cm. At 5'10" I think a 57cm will be too big for you.
That said...killer of a price($500) on that bike...seriously. I have a Victoire(same frame/titanium, Ultegra group..wonderful riding bike)
That said...killer of a price($500) on that bike...seriously. I have a Victoire(same frame/titanium, Ultegra group..wonderful riding bike)
10-13-22, 03:00 PM
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Hard to please?
Bummer none of the other bikes worked. Maybe this is the one!
10-13-22, 04:35 PM
#11
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I was waiting for my favorite weirdo stalker to chime in! How are you doing? Yes I'm picky. Yes I jump in and out of bikes. Maybe you can follow me around when I'm shopping for underwear too?
Or you could just quit trolling my posts and get a life? Try it! You might like it
Or you could just quit trolling my posts and get a life? Try it! You might like it
10-14-22, 06:29 AM
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Bikes used to be measured by the length of the seat tube, not the top tube, so a 55 by that standard might be a 58 (as this bike is, sort of) by more modern (sloped top-tube, virtual top tube, truncated seat-tube) standards. It looks like a great bike (and photos are absolutely reliable---I have some shots of Bigfoot riding a similar bike) so yes, check it out if it is local. I'd think it would be too long, particularly for a short-armed person, but one never knows.
I'd like to know more about the AL-framed bike you currently ride. What is wrong with it?
I'd like to know more about the AL-framed bike you currently ride. What is wrong with it?
10-14-22, 07:02 AM
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I don't have anything right now. I sold it. The derailleur was noisey and didn't shift well no matter how many time it was adjusted. I believe it was Sora. Plus I was just clinically depressed and stopped riding or doing much of anything other than aying video games. I feel like I need to give cycling another try as I'm bored with just treadmilling and watching Netflix. Being outside is supposed to be good for you mentally and physically and I'm kind of over hiking. I used to run but that screwed up my foot and started aggravating back problems. Thought I'd try cycling again.
10-14-22, 09:22 AM
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If it’s not far away, I’d go and look at that LeMond. Maybe the reach is just a bit too long and could be corrected with a shorter stem. If it’s severely long for you, don’t take it. But it can’t hurt to look. Seems like a nice bike for 500 bucks.
If this one doesn’t work out, you should definitely get something. Doesn’t have to be your dream bike. Getting outside again and doing something active (that doesn’t hurt your joints) will likely work wonders for your physical and mental wellness.
If this one doesn’t work out, you should definitely get something. Doesn’t have to be your dream bike. Getting outside again and doing something active (that doesn’t hurt your joints) will likely work wonders for your physical and mental wellness.
Last edited by Broctoon; 10-14-22 at 09:26 AM.
10-14-22, 10:11 AM
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I would say that it is an indication that this bike is too big for the current owner
Last edited by alcjphil; 10-14-22 at 12:42 PM.
10-14-22, 11:27 AM
#17
I don't know.
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I'd err on the side of a smaller frame, not bigger. I've ridden and enjoyed a few on-the-small-side frames with long stems, set-back seat posts etc., but I've never wanted a too big frame with short stem and very little exposed seat post.
10-14-22, 05:30 PM
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Noisy derailleur which wouldn't stay adjusted? Sounds like a bent derailleur hanger. Nothing wrong with Sora ...... or Al frames. Maybe buy a cheap bike just to see if you really want to bike again? No sense dropping many hundred dollars on garage furniture.
10-15-22, 09:00 AM
#19
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That's a good point. The Lemond is a tually closer to blue book value. The guy with the carbon fiber bike wants $150 more than blue book because "it's hardly been used.". That's not necessarily a good thing. Funny thing is there aren't that many cheap bikes near me that aren't complete junk. They are either big box bikes or $500+ bikes
10-15-22, 11:25 AM
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Well, this thread has become irrelevant. 
10-15-22, 11:59 AM
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^^^Thank goodness, it's sure been a journey....
10-15-22, 02:44 PM
#22
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Fwiw I have purchased 3 road bikes. The narrative that I haven't bought any bikes in that period is a false one. By hey, believe what you want. Glad you are so easily entertained by my posts.
10-15-22, 02:59 PM
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Dude .... some day when the time is right, ask my about why some folks don't recommend troll-feeding.
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10-15-22, 05:34 PM
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5' 10" with a 34 inch inseam - sounds like you have long legs and a short torso (vs. norms). You are probably going to have a tough time ferreting out correct fit just from a frame size number. Good luck.
dave
dave