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Frame Size Advice

by Darthshearer
Fri, Jun 22, 2012 10:38
10

I am looking for a new frameset to build myself a nice summer (albeit late now) bike. Its going to be a long term project given the late stage I am building the bike.

I am 5'9.5" Now, I currently ride a 56 Giant Defy and I have no problems at all.

I have read all sorts and the size of frame varies where you look from a 54 to a 56. It also depends on the frame too I should think and the correct answer is, get a correct frame measure.

Now, I have seen a nice Dolan frameset and I was going to go for a 54 but they only do it in a 56. As I am riding a 56 with no problems, would that be ok?

Am I worrying for nothing? A friend of mine says the 56cm is too big for me even though it feels fine and have no problems, dont feel overstretched.

TIA

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10 comments

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Darthshearer | 12 years ago
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Thanks for the replies.

Judging on the Ribble sizing guide I should be riding a 56.

I think I will try a couple first and see what the craic is.

Thanks very much.

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localsurfer | 12 years ago
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You've just got to try them. I'm 5'8" and my bike is 48" It's tiny.

I also use 175 crank arms.

It fits me perfectly, but according to the 'rules', it's horrendous.

I am a slightly odd shape to be fair, but any advice you get here isn't going to suit you, it's going to suit the person giving it. If a bike is comfy, it's the right size.

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manoirdelourde | 12 years ago
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Duplicate post somehow . ..

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manoirdelourde | 12 years ago
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6' here, and ride a TCR in M/L which is a 53.5cm.

If you look at Giants size chart a M/L suits 5'10" to 6' and an L (55.5) suits 6' to 6'3". I chose the M/L due to having a slightly less flexible back, preferring the shorter top tube.

Your Defy sounds too big for you.

If the Dolan is a conventional (horizontal top tube) frame, then a 56 might be ok, but you need to try it. If it is a compact (sloping top tube) frame, then I reckon probably too big.

All of the above assumes normal body proportions.

BTW, my missus is 5'9" and rides an M in a Giant.

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road ronin | 12 years ago
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i ride a medium Ridley everybody told me i should have a small but i just did not feel good on the small frame.

many riders comment that my seat post is to low but i feel so much more comfortable on the size up
so if you can get out there and try a couple of different frames sizes and bike makes as they are all slightly different.

im also only 5'.9"
4

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festival | 12 years ago
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You say your current bike is a 56, as its a Giant Defy I assume you a riding a large, which measures 55.5cm and is a compact frame design.
This size would be the equivalent of about 59cm in a conventional frame size and would be for a rider of 6'+ therefore its too big.
I am 5"8' and a medium (50cm) is as perfect a fit as you will get and IMO you should be on a M/L (53.5) at most.
Don't forget the Defy is an endurance bike,with different geometry to other race bikes. Giant don't use the word sportive because its also seen as a race bike but different to the TCR. In fact the Rabobank team use Defy's in some races,so be aware the head tube is higher by 2.5cm and the top tube is 1.5 shorter than the TCR.
In many ways its the reach to the bars that's the most important size, because the defy is shorter than many it may not be crippling you but unless you have unusually long arms you are stretched. Also, because its a compact frame the lack of stand over height is disguised.
Sorry to be blunt but I hope this helps.

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andylul | 12 years ago
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Not that a trivial thing like this should help you decide, but I'm assured that all new Stealths have full internal cable routing

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/552940_101510983020...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/547795_101510982889...

Hubba hubba...

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Darthshearer | 12 years ago
0 likes

Cheers Lul.

Ive always been an admirer of the Ribbles, especially the Stelths

Hmmm decisions, decisions 1

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andylul | 12 years ago
0 likes

Not wanting to influence your Dolan choice but I found the Frame Size Guide on the Ribble Bike Builder really helpful - here's the link I used to size up for my (soon to be ordered) Stealth

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikebuilder.asp?action=GenerateConstructor...

I'm 6'1" and they recommended the largest compact (54.5cm) frame, based on my measurements

Hope this helps
Lul

[cough] Buy the Ribble [cough]

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SamShaw | 12 years ago
0 likes

Give Dolan a ring, I was considering one of their bikes and wanted to have a chat about frame size, Terry Dolan himself phoned me back and gave me good advice, but essentially he said go try it out if you're unsure.

Incidentally, I'm 5' 11" and ride a 55.5cm top tube, 56cm feels to big for me as I'm not very flexible.

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