Question about sizing for bikes

[Suesi]

Hi
I am looking for a road bike. More specifically at the Giant ocr1.
I noticed someone on here mentioned getting one and was wondering how they liked it and how it fit? I had fitting problems at the lbs. The said the XS worked but my height was in the S range (which they were out of!) I thought maybe they were just trying to sell the bike, what do I know, my other bike is a mtb 14 years old. So now I am confused, anythoughts about sizing from the LBS might be rigged to sell the bike they have?
Maybe I'm just paranoid!

[Cari]

Hi
I am looking for a road bike. More specifically at the Giant ocr1.
I noticed someone on here mentioned getting one and was wondering how they liked it and how it fit? I had fitting problems at the lbs. The said the XS worked but my height was in the S range (which they were out of!) I thought maybe they were just trying to sell the bike, what do I know, my other bike is a mtb 14 years old. So now I am confused, anythoughts about sizing from the LBS might be rigged to sell the bike they have?
Maybe I'm just paranoid!

That depends. Height is not necessarily the best indicator of bike size, because leg length can vary a lot even among persons of the same height. Torso and arm length are also important for determining what length top tube works for you.

Did they measure your inseam at the LBS? That would be the distance from your crotch (in bike shorts) to the ground, measured barefoot and with your feet about 6 inches apart. You take that measurement (in centimeters) and multiply by 0.67 to get your approximate frame size. So for example, I'm 5'4.5" and my inseam is 75cm. 75 x 0.67 = 50.25 so my road bike size should be about a 50cm. The size refers to the seat tube length for traditional (non-compact) frames. On compact frames, that would be couple of centimeters smaller. (For example: my road bike is a size 50, but the seat tube actually measures 44cm because it has a sloping top tube.)

According to Giant's info page on compact geometry frame sizing (http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/050.000.000/050.600.100.asp) my height puts me square in the size Small range. But I would go with an XS because: 1) my legs are short in proportion to my height, so the S's standover height is a tad close for me, 2) my arms are long, but I can increase the cockpit length by using a longer stem, 3)my femurs are long in proportion to my leg length, so I tend to push saddles back anyway, and 4) why carry the weight of a size S frame when I can be just as (or more) comfortable on an XS?

I suggest you go to the OCR1's webpage (http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?model=11261) then click on the link for geometry data (just beneath the pic of the frame) and use the page on compact geometry frame sizing (http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/050.000.000/050.600.100.asp) to guide you through.

If you still need help, have someone help you measure your inseam (instructions on how to do it are on the compact geometry frame sizing page). Tell us your height and inseam and I will gladly help you work it out. :)

Hope this helps,

Cari

[Suesi]

Thanks for the info. They did not actually measure me, I've gone to 3 differrent bike stores. They all just kind of eyeball and try different frame sizes but it all depends on the brand. I/m 5'5" with inseam at 29 in. I always thought I had short legs and long arms but thats not what the stores are telling me. I know they can adjust alot of things on the bikes and with a sloping bar, changing out stems, moving seats I could fit on the two different sizes. I am just scared to get an XS only to find 3 months down the line(after I get a bit more comfortable with riding) that it feels too small. I guess my main question to anyone - has anyone been "fitted" for a bike only to find it not fit after they got comfortable on it?
Thanks

[Deb76]

I went into our local bike store and my husband and I talked with an employee there about getting road bikes. My husband is 5' 8" with a 32" inseam and I am 5' 7" with a 31.5" inseam. The man in the bike store kept telling me I should be riding a 56cm road bike and kept telling me to test ride that size. I did and it felt okay but it did feel like I was too stretched out. I really thought I should be on a 54cm but the man kept insisting I should be on a 56cm. I went against his judgement and bought the 54cm and have had it now for quite awhile and I just love it. It fits me perfectly and every other cyclist and bike store employee I have talked to has told me I should be riding the 54 cm. That same employee also insisted upon my husband riding a 56 cm but he also bought a 54 cm because to him it just felt much better. The point being... just because a bike store employee tells you that you should be riding a certain size doesn't mean they are always correct. You should test ride both the XS and S sizes and see which one feels better to you. Is there another store in your area that would have the S size in stock for you to try out?

[Suesi]

All the bike stores seem to be out of that bike in a S. :( I probably need to try a different bike, but that seemed to have the best components for the price, I also think I would feel safer on a bike with a sloped bar for some reason. Thanks

[bcipam]

Thanks for the info. They did not actually measure me, I've gone to 3 differrent bike stores. They all just kind of eyeball and try different frame sizes but it all depends on the brand. I/m 5'5" with inseam at 29 in. I always thought I had short legs and long arms but thats not what the stores are telling me. I know they can adjust alot of things on the bikes and with a sloping bar, changing out stems, moving seats I could fit on the two different sizes. I am just scared to get an XS only to find 3 months down the line(after I get a bit more comfortable with riding) that it feels too small. I guess my main question to anyone - has anyone been "fitted" for a bike only to find it not fit after they got comfortable on it?
Thanks


Not to put down the shop but I would not buy a bike from a shop where you are "eye balled" for a fitting. First of all fit is different for everyone. Fit is different on different bikes (you may need a 49cm on one style but 50cm on another - I range from 51cm to 56cm depending on brand, model and geometry). A good shop, that cares if its customer buys the right bike, will at least take measurements of your inseam, your torso, arm reach etc. The fit lengthwise is actually more important than standover.

Take your time shopping and buy the right bike the first time. Too many opeople (myself included) buy the wrong size bike the first time around. Insist the shop clerks measure you properly and if the clerk is not qualified to take your measurement ask in the shop who is and make an appointment with them. Better yet, find someone that does professional fittings and have them size you for the bike you have selected.

Good luck - it's tough buying a bike. Just be patient.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for the info. They did not actually measure me, I've gone to 3 differrent bike stores. They all just kind of eyeball and try different frame sizes but it all depends on the brand. I/m 5'5" with inseam at 29 in.

I am usually a big advocate for smaller bikes, as I am just 5'2.5" with inseam of 28-28.5" and always ride the smallest or second smallest size of any model, but it sounds kinda unlikely that someone 5'5" would need an XS frame (though I don't know the geometry of this model). Like the others have said, don't take the LBS's word for it; you really do need to test ride. And if there are no Smalls anywhere in the model you're interested in, try some different shops and brands. "Your" bike is certainly out there waiting for you somewhere - don't compromise on fit!

Emily

[Cari]

It does sound a bit off that Suesi would be 5'5" and an XS, but keep in mind that it's a men's bike so the sizes cover a very wide range -- the XL is equivalent to sizes 63-67cm, for persons who are 6'3" to 6'7" tall! According to Giant's page on compact sizing, the XS is equivalent to a 49-51cm frame, and her inseam puts her right within that range. Also the size Small has a 29.8" standover, so she wouldn't even be able to stand over the top tube. :(

On the other hand, I do agree that a test ride is in order. Suesi, do they have any other Giant road bikes in size Small that you could try? From what I've seen on their site, it appears that all of their compact frames have the same geometry. If you try it and decide that the Small fits best, you can feel confident about ordering the model you want in your size, since some shops won't order a frame unless you make a commitment to buy it.

If you do decide to give the XS a second look, ask if they can set one up for you to try with a 110mm stem, and if that feels short, a 120mm. (A 130mm stem is also an option, but if you have to go that long, you probably need a longer bike.) Also make sure they don't push the seat *too* far back in order to make the bike feel artificially long, because that can throw the vertical alignment of the knee and the pedal spindle out of whack.

Finally, I suggest you try to read up a bit on road bike fitting because this will give you the tools you need to take control of the situation and decide what's best for *you*. It will also help you to better communicate with the salesperson and to quickly spot any b.s. they might throw your way. :D

Good luck, and have fun!

Cari

[emily_in_nc]

It does sound a bit off that Suesi would be 5'5" and an XS, but keep in mind that it's a men's bike so the sizes cover a very wide range -- the XL is equivalent to sizes 63-67cm, for persons who are 6'3" to 6'7" tall! According to Giant's page on compact sizing, the XS is equivalent to a 49-51cm frame, and her inseam puts her right within that range. Also the size Small has a 29.8" standover, so she wouldn't even be able to stand over the top tube.

Ahh, I didn't realize that (and was too hurried to check out Giant's web page). I was thinking it was a women's bike. Yes, if she can't even stand over the Small, that certainly wouldn't work.

It's also possible her inseam measurement is off - 29" sounds very short for someone 5'5". I have seen posts from gals here who are 5' to 5'2" with inseams in the 28-30" range. Most gals my height (5'2.5") seem to have inseams around 29" as well. So that may need to be re-measured. She might find she can stand over the Small in actuality.


Also make sure they don't push the seat *too* far back in order to make the bike feel artificially long, because that can throw the vertical alignment of the knee and the pedal spindle out of whack.

True, but that all depends on her proportions. I have my saddle all the way back on all my bikes (and some also have setback seatposts as well) in order to get my knee over the pedal spindle properly. I doubt the LBS will check that measurement with a plum bob, but if they would, it might indicate she needs that seat pushed back, as I do.

Good luck, Suesi, and keep us posted!

Emily

[Cari]

It's also possible her inseam measurement is off - 29" sounds very short for someone 5'5". I have seen posts from gals here who are 5' to 5'2" with inseams in the 28-30" range. Most gals my height (5'2.5") seem to have inseams around 29" as well. So that may need to be re-measured. She might find she can stand over the Small in actuality.


Yup. I thought that perhaps her inseam had not been measured, ummm... as aggressively as it should be. :D But then again, I'm about 5'4.5" (can't forget that extra bit, no Sir!) and my inseam is 75cm(29.5") in socks and 78cm(30.7") with mtb shoes. (There are a couple of recent threads here about my search for a full-suspension mtb. The standover on Smalls is too high for me, but XS's are too short in the top tube.)

Speaking of which... Emily, have I asked you what mtb you ride? You can PM me if you like, so I don't hijack Suesi's thread.

[Cyclesome]

I am 5' 5 1/2 " and have an inseam of 30 1/2 ". My LBS has indicated I should be testing out a 54cm road bike. I thought I would 50cm would be my size. I have tried two Specialized Allex in both a 52 and 54 cm and both felt fine. But I have much more testing bikes to do. As I look at the geometry of TREK, Cannondale and Specialized, I apprears to me that in some cases a 54 WSD has similar geometry (top tube length) to that of a 52cm men's bike.

My advice is do not buy a bike that is too small just because it is available and a good price. I have been there and done that. My hybrid has the seat pushed the whole way back, longer stem installed, and the handlebars all the way down so I am not scrunched. I was in too much of a hurry to buy a bike, this one was availabe and appealing moneywise. Take your time, be patient, test out numberous bikes before making any rash decisions. You want to be happy for years to come not days.

[cherinyc]

but it sounds kinda unlikely that someone 5'5" would need an XS frame
Emily

Hmmmm....well, i just purchased my first road bike and i can tell you that it's really really really important to find a lbs that will make sure you are comfortable - and really take the time to figure out what's BEST for you.
Because I am 5'6", and based on my inseam - 3 of 4 bike shops wanted to put me on bikes that were bigger than I ended up getting.
Height and inseam are of minimal importance. In the lbs guy's words, "I am all leg". Meaning I have a short torso and a short reach. my Giant OCR1 is the compact frame, and a size XS. The seat is way high up, but the shorter top tube and smaller geometry overall - gave me the ride positioning I needed. Find someone who understands how different a woman's fit can be from a mans, b/c we have a MUCH harder time getting comfortable in the saddle than men do, and if you are not comfy you won't ride for very long.
Good Luck!!

[eclectic]

Oh the woes of getting the proper fit :(

Cherinyc I am like you 5'6", longer legs (32"inseam, stocking feet) and short torso - I wear petite tops (is it our Swedish heritage ? ?)

According to my torso length I should be on a woman's small or XS but according to my leg length I could go as high as a 56 cm frame

I didn't want my seat up that high and felt scrunched so -

Solution for me: I bought a medium frame (54 cm) which gives good clearance and changed out the stem cutting 2" off of the reach

Bike seems to fit like a glove now and ended alot of pain spots

Suesi:
fitting is so personal and you know your body proportions the best.
Keep trying and go with what feels the best. In my experience male LBS people don't really understand the female figure

Good luck