61cm frame size question

My mate rides a 56cm frame in the city and he found a good bike deal on eBay that he really likes, but that frame size is 61cm (same maker).

He's asking me what's the difference, I kept searching to see what that actually means but no luck. There are dividing opinions on this.

I told him the reach could be pretty much the same as he can use a shorter stem, right? Also, the saddle could be adjusted if needed (horizontally).

Is there anything else he should consider? He's 6 foot tall or so.

Is the height the same or roughly the same?

Briefly, that's a big jump in size. 56cm would be for someone around 5'10", 61cm for someone 6'2" (very, very roughly).

Ultimately, frame sizes come down to stack and reach. They don't always increase consistently with nominal frame size (depends on manufacturer), but a 61cm frame will generally be a lot bigger in both. Attempting to overcome that through a shorter stem will lead to odd handling.

Also keep in mind standover height. I'm 6'3 and can barely stand over my 60cm frame. This is not a huge deal for me since it's my road bike, but I can imagine this would get annoying real quick in a city setting.

He just confirmed the stem he has on his bike is 100mm and the frame size 56cm. Surely a slightly shorter stem will compensate? As for the height, it is what it is haha.

Advised him to go into a shop and sit on a 61cm frame to see how it feels, really.

The frame is/will be too big, that's a fact. Unless it's something unique or he really wants it for some other reason, look for a properly sized frame. I know it's not the answer you're looking for, but buying a frame that's (way) too big just isn't a good idea.

I’m 6’2” and a 61cm frame would be absolutely massive on me. Bear in mind along with the TT size, the headtube will increase - likely to be about 5cm more.

Only way to mimic a 56cm with 100mm stem would be to run a 50mm -30 degree stem. It’d look hideous and handle terribly.

That’s the thing about bargains - if it’s the wrong size it’s just a bargain for someone else!

I'm 6'2 and have 35.25 inside leg to floor. Look on Dolan website at Preffisio size chart. The 61 is perfect for me. I'm lost on a 56 and IMHO a 58 looks like I bought the wrong size. It's all down to the geometry of frame though, I know a man who rides 56 at the same height as me but his legs are shorter and arms longer so he has a very long stem slammed. Go and sit on bike is only answer but I recon unless his 56 has HUGE amount of seatpost showing it'll be too big. Bear in mind crank length too, big bikes tend to be 175mm. If he doesn't buy it share the bargain!

He shouldn't buy it