tallteacher

i find it curious that the Giant defy 1 is sized at a 58.5, with a seat tube of 58.7 and ETT of 59.5


the trek 2.1 size 62 has a seat tube of 59.3 and ETT of 59.8...

those seem pretty closely sized.... for some reason the giant appeals to me BUT the LBS i like to deal with deals in trek and canndondale....the 2013 models of the caad 10 and synapse allow are a lil more than id like to pay for a first bike....at least thats what im telling myself TODAY....


why the size label discrepancy between the 2 bikes?...looking at their geometry the appear to be almost identical....

LarDasse74

The number they use for the frame size is just the 'name' of that size of that model of bike from that manufacturer. There is no standard seat tube length or standardized way of measuring seat tube lengths. The numbers can really only be used for comparing different sizes of the same bike (or often comparing different sizes of bikes from the same model line).

Back in the ~mid '90s, almost all road bikes had top tubes that were level with the horizon, and a 58 cm bike from one manufacturer, 58 cm indicating the length of the seat tube, was probably somewhat similar to a 58 cm bike from another manufacturer. But around that time, some companies (Giant included) started making road bikes with sloping top tubes... the effective top tube lengths and head tube lengths were similar to what they had been, but the back half of the frame was smaller and designed to have more seatpost exposed to allow the rider to get proper leg extension. The confusion comes in that there is no standard angle at which top tubes slope, so a medium sized bike (that used to be pretty universally called a 56, 57, or 58 cm) now has a lord-only-knows how long seat tube, but has the same top tube and head tube length, and thus similar fit, of the 56-58 cm bikes of yore... but due to the sloping top tube, the actual seat tube length (and the number indicating the size) might be 50 or 53 cm or something.

tallteacher

Thanks...does it make a difference if there is a little or a lot of seat tube showing comfort or performance wise??? I am aiming more for comfort at this point....is it functional or aesthetic?

skilsaw

Take each bike for a good long test ride. After you have basic fit... Seat height, Stem length, it takes an hour in the saddle to really feel the difference between a good fit and a great fit.

mdphoto

When looking for a new bike make sure that the LBS properly fits you to the bike. I recently (Past weekend) purchased a new Trek 2.1 after test riding numerous bikes. Each one the different LBS that I went to did a quick fitting and then I took a good ride on each bike. When I finalized my final two choices I had them both fitted to me so I could get the best ride and see which bike was the “perfect” fit. I choose the Trek 2.1. Big different over my 22 year old Bianchi Alfna. So have the LBS fit you then taking it out for a good spin before deciding which bike you want.When looking for a new bike make sure that the LBS properly fits you to the bike. I recently (Past weekend) purchased a new Trek 2.1 after test riding numerous bikes. Each one the different LBS that I went to did a quick fitting and then I took a good ride on each bike. When I finalized my final two choices I had them both fitted to me so I could get the best ride and see which bike was the “perfect” fit. I choose the Trek 2.1. Big different over my 22 year old Bianchi Alfna. So have the LBS fit you then taking it out for a good spin before deciding which bike you want.

vesteroid

I am 6'5" and ride a defy advanced in an Xl. I added a 120mm stem and it's perfect. The trek even in a h2 is a more aggressive geometry.

Were I to buy a trek and I would strongly consider a 6 series or above, I would go with a 62 in the h2 fit. The defy is more treks h3 fit.

I would say go with either, but the defy is a more relaxed, upright fit, and perhaps a better all around first bike.

BUT, honestly any bike you start on is going to Hurt some, so getting use to the trek is no more difficult than the defy really

tallteacher

The LBS i was measured at is going to call when a 62 cm 2.1 comes in and a 61cm caad and/or synapse....the upside of that shop is it is closer and great to deal with ( I am 5'17" as well)

The Giant, and for some reason I really like the looks of it, is at a bike shop about an hour away...thats the biggest downside..i rode a xl defy 2 or 3 for a little bit and it seemed to fit well...when the motorcycle sells, I will go back and try that again, along with the trek and probably cannondale..i love the looks of the caad and synapse, most likely final purchase will depend on fit and what kind of deal I can get... I want to have money for bibs, jersey, shoes etc...


The more i look, the reality seems like it will be between the 2.1 and Defy 1, and NOT a cannondale...THIS time

3 shoulder surgeries are telling me that my first bike should concentrate on comfortable

the labeled sizes blew me away, from 58.5-62, especially seeing how close the actual geometries are...

funny thing is Giant seems to have a better following in the UK and Australia according to many of the reveiws I have found

IBOHUNT

How tall are you and what's your inseam?
For a 5'7" person I'd think a 58+ size is a bit on the large size. Sure hope the LBS measures and fits.

CraigB

I'm not sure, but I think the OP was saying they're 6'-5" (5'-17"). In which case a typical 58 would be too small.

tallteacher

Yeah I am 6'5"...I use the5'17'' to throw off students ....
I was measured.. 62cm 2.1 would fit...for fun he tried me on a 60 and said it would fit for a short ride or a couple days like a rental, but would not feel comfortable selling me one... from what I remember he was quoting about 150 off or so of the MSRP before taxes and stuff... about the same for the synapse alloy 5.... although the caad seems like a sweet ride, I am worried about long term comfort with its racier geometry than the other 2....plus for a first bike, not sure I can justify the extra $$$....

I will try and see if i can get a copy of the measurements he took.

maybe I Like the giant cuz I am one....
my heart is telling me to stay with the LBS close and who is good work with...my brain is telling me to make sure I dont really like the giant better first....

IBOHUNT

5'17" would be 62'ish