compact geometry on cyclocross bike?

[DRLski]

I was thinking about getting either a Redline Conquest Pro or a Giant TCX cyclocross frames, both which are extremely different as you can see, I've heard a lot of good things about the redline but I love the paint scheme of the giant and my giant mtb is the best I've ever had, but I'm concerned bout the compact geometry on the giant, it's the only bike I could find with compact geometry on a cyclocross bike, would you guys recommend against this? any recommendations on these two frames? problems with them?

thx once again,
Dave

[oldskoolboarder]

The issue w/ a compact geometry is being able to shoulder the frame. W/ a small frame, a compact geo may be tough. But on a larger frame, it may not be an issue. Really depends on the frame size.

[DRLski]

yea, I'd be using a small in a giant because I'm only 5'7", kind of short

[BlastRadius]

I'm 5'5" and I currently ride a 48cm Redline Team that has more shouldering room than my 49cm Bianchi Axis because the Axis has a sloping top tube. Not sure what the Giant geometry is like though.

[DPCX]

My Team rides on Giants & when we first got the new bikes (last fall) it was a concern of ours as well. After a few rides on them you do get used to it though. Three of my team mates are on size smalls & don't seem to have any problems. They TCX's do ride really nice & I would highly recomend them. A good friend of mine "The Cat" really digs his his new Giant this year & he's been around a while so that says a lot.

I do think the new Redlines look pretty sweet as well. Either one would be a great choice. Good luck!

DP

[DRLski]

now, I'm 5'7" and use a 54cm c-c top tube on my 52cm orbea road bike, I've tried the 52cm on the redline and it seems to fit fine with me, does this mean I'd probably be getting a size small or medium in the giant? Is the giant compact cross geometry of the same measurements of the giant compact road geometry? I'd try the two sized for myself but I have to make an educated guess because I don't know of any shops around my area that has the cross bikes in stock.

[DRLski]

no thoughts on this?

[bertt]

Giants website says you should use a medium.
http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/050.000.000/050.600.100.asp?sPageID=050.600.100

[ASCracing]

the giant compact and road geometry is different. I was currently riding a 52cm redline, but may be switching to a giant 50cm. I haven't encountered any shouldering problems. Keep in mind that the giant frameset has and integrated headset and a carbon fork+ full top tube cable routing with a pulley to use a bottom pull front derailuer (wrong spelling) + carbon spacers/top cap. Big weight difference with the carbon fork, but no bad flex and I've never heard of one breaking before. The redline rides great, but is very heavy, and its also a good deal cheaper with its aluminum fork

[Homer]

The '05 Axis isn't really a compact anymore. It's top tube is relatively short compared to it's seat tube so you don't have to lift as far to shoulder the bike.

The '04 and earlier was a different bike...