I have a Giant FCR2 (2008) that is the 'large' size frame. I think I got the wrong frame size and should've gotten an XL. I replaced the stubby handle bar ends with longer ones, the kind that angle in on the end. I find having my hands on the ends of those are probably the most comfortable position but it would be nice to have something a little longer to be able to stretch out a little. Actually I rarely have my hands on the actual grips unless I'm braking or changing gears. I know getting a larger frame is one solution but is probably going to be expensive vs. the price of the original bike and be a little bit of a PITA. So I'm wondering about a longer stem or different handle bars. The bars that came with the bike kind of swoop up and back so maybe something flatter would be better?

I'm worried though that if I go that route that I will run into other problems like stability/geometry issues or am I worrying needlessly? I'd appreciate some input on this - and maybe suggest some parts so I at least have an idea of what I should be looking for.

Thanks,
Ryan

More information please. How tall are you and how much reach do you need? A large should be a 56 to 58. But the top tube is far more important because there isn't as much adjustment. You can always get a longer stem and get the stretch you need. I tend to get the smallest frame that will fit me but I have short arms so I need a shoreter top tube.

I'm 6' 1". Giant sells their bikes based on L, XL, etc. so I'm not sure what the measurements you gave me are referring to. I'd like to get maybe 2" - 3" more reach than what I have now.

How long is your current stem? Can you post a picture of the bars? Sounds like it you might have an easy fix. I go to Frankenbike meets and collect stems so I can tweak my reach on any of my bikes.

Don in Austin

scroll down to the fcr sizing....https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/contentPages.asp?pageID=61

large should accomodate 5'11- 6'3

XL is 6'3-6'7

As Beanz pointed out you may have the right frame and only need a longer stem. You can stretch out with a longer stem. You also could try Treking bars or even Bull Horns rather than flat bars. I have everything from a 65mm stem to a 120mm stem in my parts box from different bikes. Unless you have very long arms you should have the right frame.