|   Frame size; is bigger better? | ChromeElvis
Dec 11, 2003 9:50 PM | | I'm about to purchase a 04 Giant VT2 (deal thru a friend), my dilemma is that he said I'm in-between frame sizes, so he recommended the bigger frame size (20.5") verse the smaller frame (18.5"). I'm 6' with a 32"-33" inseam and weigh 165lbs. Any opinions??? |
| Is there not a 19"? | AK Ken
Dec 12, 2003 5:12 AM | | Don't know anything about that bike, but it seems a jump of 2 inches in frame size would be unusual.
In general, it seems easier to make a slightly small frame ride larger than make a too large frame ride shorter. You can get setback seatposts and longer stems to help stretch you out a bit if you need to. By far the best choice is to get a frame that's just right to start with if possible. A 'deal' on a bike that doesn't fit isn't a 'deal'.
Can you demo both sizes and see how they fit?
Ken |
| Agree with Ken... | FreeRangeChicken
Dec 12, 2003 8:24 AM | | First and foremost, a deal on a bike that doesn't fit you isn't a deal.
I would suggest finding a Giant dealer near you and test ride the sizes you have to pick from. The giant website has a dealer locator...
http://www.giant-bicycle.com
If you're smack between sizes, I'd recommend the smaller size. I've ridden frames a little too big and little too small for me and I felt more comfortable on the smaller frame. A smaller frame will feel more agile. As Ken said, you can adjust stem length and seat position to make it ride a bit larger.
There's no substitiute for sitting on the bike. Try to find a dealer in your area and sit on the same model frame. Don't try to cross compare from differen't manufacturers. Manufacturers measure their frames differently. For example, a 21" Trek may be similar in size to a 19" Litespeed. Some manufacturer's even measure differently between frame models. |
| What size R U riding now? | Jrm
Dec 12, 2003 7:49 AM | | That sezs alot. Like what do you like or what would you change about your current ride size wise? |
| re: Frame size; is bigger better? | ChromeElvis
Dec 12, 2003 12:09 PM | | Thanks for the knowledge and suggestions |
| You don't want to outgrow | C-Ling
Dec 12, 2003 1:54 PM | | The old addage, it's better to grow into than grow out of, i made the mistake of buying too small on my first bike and had to later plunk out for a bigger bike. but a smaller frame may give you better handling so weigh your options.
dan |
| Go see if you can test fit/ride one | pimpbot
Dec 12, 2003 10:08 PM | | Don't blow a lot of time at your LBS if you do not intend to buy, but it seems you need to see how they size their bikes. In other words, keep your stroking down to a minimum.
The inch sizes you see on bikes means almost nothing. They are only good for comparing within a bike model line, maybe within any given brand. I ride a 19.5" Giant Yukon and a 16" K2 Razorback that are practically the same size. Go figure. |
| Agreed, you can't buy a bike simply by framesize. | Danny
Dec 23, 2003 8:09 PM | | My GT Avalanche in large feels much more stretched out than my GT I-drive. There are many factors that add up to a good fit for you. You can also do wonders with a stem change. Just bought my two boys a couple XS/S framed bikes that were supposedly the "same size." I can drive the small Avalanche myself but am totally squashed on the K2 Monkey.
Danny |
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