Recreational & Family - I think I made a mistake

I just purchased a 2002 21" Giant Sedona SX at a LBS. The people at the store said it was a good deal @ 479.00 because it had better componentry even though it was a discontinued model. They said it was brand new.. although it had been test-ridden a few times. The sales people where I purchased the bike had me stand over the top tube and they said a 21" frame was right for me. I have 2 concerns..

1. Frame size... I am 6'3" and weigh 290lbs. with a 31 inch inseam. After using a size calculator at totalbike.com. It says I should be using a 17" inch frame. I had originally test-ridden a couple of other bikes at another LBS and I really liked the ride of a 18.5" (L) frame size of a Specialized Expedition. I really just want to make sure I'm getting the correct size or at least close to it.

2. Was it a good deal @ $479.00 with it being a 2002 model. See specs below. Thanks..Kevin



frame Oversized ALUXX butted aluminum frame, Comfort-designed w/ "Ideal Body Position Geometry", 3.75" rear travel
fork Manitou Six Elite, 3" travel
derailleur Front: Shimano C-102, Rear: Shimano Deore XT
derailleurshifters SRAM Centera, 9-speed
cranks Giant, 28/38/48T
pedals Platform/Clipless
handlebar Alloy 2" rise
stem Adjustable Alloy Ahead
headset WTB Momentum Comp, 1 1/8
brakes Alloy Direct pull w/ power control
saddle DOUBLE DENSITY Comfort
seatpost Alloy micro-adjust, 27.2, QR seat lever
rims Alloy Double Wall, 32H, Black w/ Brushed sidewall
hubs Shimano RM40
tires MTB Comfort anti-puncture, 26x1.96
cassette SRAM 7.0, 11-34T, 9-speed
spokes Stainless Steel, 14G

"Right size" aside, are YOU happy with it? I'm not sure I agree on their take on the size fitting of a comfort bike...it's not like it matters as much as it does on a road bike or a mountain bike. You're not going to be jumping off cliffs and endangering the family jewels or need a "performance fitting" like on a road bike.

Heck, I am 5'4" and I've ridden a Trek 17.5" hybrid and have a Trek 16" MTB. Could I have gone smaller? Yes, but I felt ok on them, so that was what I went with. On my road bike, that is another matter...want a good "fit" on that one.

If you're not satisfied, most shops have a 30 day return policy. Take it back and buy the bike that you will be satisfied with. It's a big chunk of money to put out to not be satisfied, aka "elated"! Don't be shy and don't feel that you owe them a major explanation.

I can't speak to the price of the bike...not familiar with it. Sorry...

How's your standover hight? (can you stand over the top tube with your feet flat on the ground?) The bike has an adjustable stem, so if the standover hight is OK, the rest of the bike can be adjusted to fit you. I'n 5'11" with an 30 inch inseem and funkie long "ape" arms and I like 21 frames most of the time.

As for the price... I don't know, it sounds about right to me. You have 9 sprokets in back, right? Most new hybrid bikes have 8, the cheapies have 7. Not that it will matter to your riding, but 9 is kind of an upgrage. You have name brand front fork that's more than likely good, and all the other parts are at least OK. Don't sweat it... it's going to be fine.

Unless the LBS people creeped you out.... then you have trouble. Super good customer service is worth a 100 bucks on the starting price of a bike IMHO.

If it feels good, than, it is the right size. The price seems okay. I nearly bought the same type of bike but they recommend a smaller bike 17". Feels fine. I ended up getting a TREK 7200 (paid more). I love it! I got it the July 6 and except for four days when I was real sick I've riding it everyday and have over 300 miles on it. I've lost 10 lbs.
Buying a bike, car or house - forget what you paid for it! Because you'll play the head game, "Did I pay to much?" By the way - my bike is on sale now -10% less.

It depends on what type of riding you plan on doing. If you will be mostly on roads, bike paths or fire roads then a 21" frame should be just fine for you. If you are thinking about possibly doing technical trails then you would be best off on a smaller frame for maneuverability in tight tech situations.

I have known a few riders however that prefer the larger frames in any condition. As others have said, if it feels good to you then there is no problem. Fitment charts will give you an idea of what you should be on but it all boils down to personal preference.


:beer:

The issue with frame size may be due to a 31" inseam which may lead to a 18-19 inch frame being a better fit. But the reach of your arms (being over 6') tends to mate to a larger frame. If the 21 inch frame has a sloping top tube you should be okay. It really depends on the comfort level when riding the bike. Numbness in arms, hands, legs, feet, etc are sometimes an indicator of wrong frame size, or inproper fit.

Pricewise sounds like a good deal with the components described.