Riding a 1996 Stinson bicycle from Europe to Asia

[Oceanother]

Hello,

I have a crazy but exciting project : travelling from France to China by bicycle.
A reliable bicycle. A Marin one would be great.
So the plan is to use the hybrid mid-90s Stinson from my dad and convert it into a travel bike with a butterfly handlebar and a GRX crankset.
Need some help on frame sizing.
The bike is a 19' and I'm 5'7.
Is it too big for the use I'm considering?
Do you have recommendations ?

Thanks a lot

 

[bikeworkshop]

The 19 will be around 15mm longer than the 17 - this can easily be accommodated in stem length and saddle position.
A longer frame gives a more stable ride, good for long distance and luggage as a rule.

So if you can stand comfortably over the 19, with an inch to spare, then away you go.

 

[moonlite]

For long distances, you do need to make sure it's comfy!

Good luck with your adventure -- maybe post a few updates on here along the way?

 

[Mark Manley]

I am currently in Central Asia with a mini velo, having flown here I must admit and I met a chap who had ridden here from Europe on a 1990s Marin mountain bike that he had fixed up for the ride, it worked well for him
Good luck with your preparations and trip.

 

[Oceanother]

Hi everyone, I gave bad information. It is a 1995 Redwoods size 20.5. The bicycle wasn't closed to me and I was mistaken.
I tried it and feel very comfortable.
Would you say the frame is far too big for a middle-sizes guy like me? I've measured 55cm as for the seat tube length. My crotch length - if I can say so - is 82cm.
Am I breaking the common size rule?

If I happen to travel to China, I'd be happy to share the experience.