Ocr composite 3?

[easterbird]

doc, thanks for the explanation re Giant lime. I am beginning to understand the product line now thanks to you. Since I am new to biking(but becoming more addicted), I am really grappling with the next bike. My current one I bought in Oct 2005 to see if I could even bike for exercise. Now .... Do I go for a bike that will probably meet my needs for sometime to come or do a minor upgrade(just from comfort bike to a low end road)? Pros/Cons? I know personal fit/feel versus cost will be paramount in my final decsion but wonder how others have approached a change.
I have been doing rides of 25-30 miles with my longest ride at 41 miles. I want to go further yet and believe a road bike will make it more pleasureable since the 'comfort' of a comfort bike starts to wear thin after the first 25-30 miles!

Oh dear what to do what to do......such a wonderful dilemna because anyway I look at it, I'll buy myself a present to enjoy daily

[doc]

Jen
You said you're 5'4". What's your inseam?
The proper inseam measurement for a bike: stand barefoot and hold something big like a large level, or broomstick horizontally in your crotch. Make sure it is pressed firmly into the crotch. Measure from the floor to the top of the stick. Make sure the stick it is perfectly horizontal. Using a level is therefore the easiest.

[Wisconsin]

Thanks for the isnight on the ocr. I am too 5'4" with an inseam of 30 1/2 and never thought of trying the xs in the mens. Doc, did you have to get different or smaller handlebars or anything else?

Thanks,
Wisconsin

[tatormc]

I'm 5'2 and riding a Giant TCR Composite 2 size XS. The only change I made was narrower handlebars. Eveything else was perfect.

[Jen]

I don't remember, I'll will have to measure my inseam. I am 5'2 I probably could have gone down to a 47cm frame but then I would have to get the smaller wheels 650 cm??? I ws right on the edge. The reach is ok, not sure. It wash't comforatble at first. The guy raised the handlebars so it looks more like a terry touring bike, even with the seat, and he tilted the handlebars up a little so I had a more comfortable reach to the brakes. Can't trust those fitters at a bike shop, best to be informed.

[doc]

Thanks for the isnight on the ocr. I am too 5'4" with an inseam of 30 1/2 and never thought of trying the xs in the mens. Doc, did you have to get different or smaller handlebars or anything else?

Thanks,
Wisconsin

I did not need to switch out anything. The handlebars are very proportional to an XS bike. Compared to all my riding buddies (men) I look like I ride a baby bike. But its soooooo light.
Since your inseam is longer than mine, it means your torso is shorter than mine. That can affect reach. That is where WSD comes in. Shorter top tube so the reach is easier. However, only 1/2 inch probably won't make any difference at all.
Ooops I lied. I did switch to a 165 crank arm from the standard 170. There is LOTS of debate as to whether this is necessary. There is a thread on crank length on TE and here are a bunch of websites you can go to to determine the right crank arm length for you:

http://www.cranklength.info/cranks.htm
http://www.cptips.com/crnklth.htm
http://www.cranklength.info/
http://www.nettally.com/palmk/crankset.html
http://www.zinncycles.com/cranks.aspx
http://www.billbostoncycles.com/crank_length.htm

Remember, we are only talking a 5mm difference.