What size am I?

[jehocu03]

I realize that I need to be "fitted" for a new bike, but my current bike is literally on it's last leg and I need a new one fast. I am looking to get the Giant OCR A1 women's specific. I have been calling shops in my area (to see if they have any in stock) that are Giant dealers but I'm not sure of my size since the women's compact sizing differs from the men's. Someone told me I was a 50cm because I am just under 5'4". That would make me a size medium on the women's giant. If that's the case, that seems awfully weird that Giant would only make this specific model of bike for women 5'4" and under (they only list XS, S, and M as size options). What am I doing wrong here? haha

[VeloVT]

Found this on Giant's website:
6000

(Here's the link: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/1246/29289/).

Assuming this is the correct chart, based on my (non-expert) assessment of the top tube lengths, I would think that at 5'4" you would be choosing between a W-XS and a W-S (or a regular XS and a regular S). It looks like the bikes have a very big slope to the top-tube, so the seat-tube length (=nominal frame size) that "fits" you is going to be shorter than with a less compact frame.

A 54 cm top tube (which is what the W-M/50 cm frame has) seems biggish for someone your height, at least in the abstract. If you were looking at a bike with traditional geometry, on the other hand, a 50cm bike would likely have a 51/52 cm top tube (approximately), in the same range as the XS & S compact Giant frames...

Others who have experience with Giants may have more to offer though...

good luck!

[HoosierGiant]

I realize that I need to be "fitted" for a new bike, but my current bike is literally on it's last leg and I need a new one fast. I am looking to get the Giant OCR A1 women's specific. I have been calling shops in my area (to see if they have any in stock) that are Giant dealers but I'm not sure of my size since the women's compact sizing differs from the men's. Someone told me I was a 50cm because I am just under 5'4". That would make me a size medium on the women's giant. If that's the case, that seems awfully weird that Giant would only make this specific model of bike for women 5'4" and under (they only list XS, S, and M as size options). What am I doing wrong here? haha

Not sure how much help this will be (if any :)), but I'm 5'5" and ride a Giant OCR Limited Composite, size S -- not WSD, however.

[rij73]

I recommend you take your measurements with the fit calculator at http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO
For me, the numbers it gave me for the "Eddy Fit" are exactly what I went with on my bike. It worked great. Since the bike you are looking at has a compact geometry, pay attention to the top tube measurement particularly. That's column D in the chart above. Just measure yourself carefully, and that should get you the right frame size.

[Ana]

I'm 5'3" and my top tube is 510mm. I was measured by my LBS and they said I had a "long torso for my height" (i.e. I have very short legs...) :p

My stem is also shorter than usual (70mm). So I could probably have fit the next size smaller and had a longer stem. Keep in mind that most people can ride 2 sizes, depending on their preference.

If you are proportioned like most women (shorter torso, longer legs), then I would say you are looking for a top tube about the same length as mine :) Remember, you can always get a little longer stem if the bike feels good :) (maybe a 90mm?)

Also, the best way to know if the bike fits you is to ride it ;) :D

Hope this helps!

[uforgot]

Someone "told" you that 50cm was correct? Based only on height. Well, if you do a search, you can find all kinds of 5'4" riders and the size bikes they ride. They range from 46cm to 53cm. I'm also 5'4", but my inseam is 32". Someone else may have one that is 29". Big difference so you can't go by that. Also, bikes are different. My 46cm Surly has a higher standover than my 53cm Burley, but the Top tubes are the same (52.5cm). I find that I pay more attention to TT than to standover.

I second the online fit calculator. It will give you a better idea of where to start. Don't just go by height.

[rij73]

Also... You need a standover height that is equal to or less than your inseam in bare feet. That way, when you are in shoes and cleats you will have at least an inch of clearance. I am 5'6" and have a 29 inch inseam measurement. So.... very short legs. Because of that, these Giant bikes would simply not work for me. I need about 52.5 cm top tube but a standover of 29 in or less. You can see that there are no bikes on the chart that have those measurements. My bike has a 52.5cm top tube and a 28in standover. Perfect fit.

That's another good reason to do the fit calculator. Get your optimum top tube range and inseam measurement. Check bike geometry against those two numbers.

[spokewench]

I realize that I need to be "fitted" for a new bike, but my current bike is literally on it's last leg and I need a new one fast. I am looking to get the Giant OCR A1 women's specific. I have been calling shops in my area (to see if they have any in stock) that are Giant dealers but I'm not sure of my size since the women's compact sizing differs from the men's. Someone told me I was a 50cm because I am just under 5'4". That would make me a size medium on the women's giant. If that's the case, that seems awfully weird that Giant would only make this specific model of bike for women 5'4" and under (they only list XS, S, and M as size options). What am I doing wrong here? haha

I am 5'4" and ride a small - I know some people who are 5'4" who ride the XS cause of short torsos. I'm pretty sure you would not ride a medium

spoke

[jehocu03]

Thanks so much for the advice ladies!! You are all a wonderful resource! As somewhat of a new cyclist looking into buying my first NEW bike (original starter bike was used), this info was GREAT! I will use the online bike fit calculator (with the help of my boyfriend for measuring), as well as consult my LBS. Thanks again! :D:o:):p;)

[kelownagirl]

I realize that I need to be "fitted" for a new bike, but my current bike is literally on it's last leg and I need a new one fast. I am looking to get the Giant OCR A1 women's specific. I have been calling shops in my area (to see if they have any in stock) that are Giant dealers but I'm not sure of my size since the women's compact sizing differs from the men's. Someone told me I was a 50cm because I am just under 5'4". That would make me a size medium on the women's giant. If that's the case, that seems awfully weird that Giant would only make this specific model of bike for women 5'4" and under (they only list XS, S, and M as size options). What am I doing wrong here? haha

I'm 5-3 and ride an XS Giant. I also found a 48 cm Ruby to fit perfectly.

[Ana]

Oh, after I purchased my bike (LeMond Tourmalet; my LBS wasn't very attentive to my needs as a cyclist and I feel they didn't put as much effort into finding the right bike for me rather than having be bikes they had in stock....), I researched bikes and fit more and now I'm dying to try a Specialized 48 :D

It's very much out of my price range especially since I already have my first road bike :P I'll keep my eye on the Specialized bikes for when I can get a new one :D

[Flybye]

I am 5'4" and ride a small - I know some people who are 5'4" who ride the XS cause of short torsos. I'm pretty sure you would not ride a medium

spoke

I am 5'8" and rode a medium Giant (my first bike) , so I second that you wouldn't ride a medium either. It was not a womens specific bike.

[Mr. SR500]

Trek has this chart to get people in the ball park. Generally you can ride 2 or 3 sizes with adjustments. However, getting you best fit requires riding, fitting, and often some trial and error.

http://www.trekbikes.com/faq/questions.php?questionid=33