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I am looking for a good fitting bicycle, preferably a Giant or Merida, since they are a pretty good deal in Taipei. However, I have strange body geometry that falls right between many manufacturers sizes. I went to the competitive cyclist website and entered in my measurements to the best of my ability. The standover height is a bit taller than listed. (at end of message for reference).

However, there is some discrepancy between the suggested top tube length and the standover height. On Giant's Defy Model it is suggested that I am either on a S or an M?? However the M size defy top tube length fits the Eddy and French fit size where as the Competitive fit size corresponds to the S size. When i stand over the M it is a bit uncomfortably snug against my privates, and over the S it just touches. The M size has a wider handlebar too, which I like since I have broad shoulders.

I am looking for more of a comfortable ride which I can do long distance rides, credit card touring, and centuries over very hilly terrain with steep grades. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.


Measurements
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Inseam: 74.5 (approx)
Trunk: 65.5
Forearm: 33
Arm: 63.5
Thigh: 55.5
Lower Leg: 49.5
Sternal Notch: 139
Total Body Height: 170


The Competitive Fit (cm)
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Seat tube range c-c: 47.9 - 48.4
Seat tube range c-t: 49.4 - 49.9
Top tube length: 53.8 - 54.2
Stem Length: 10.8 - 11.4
BB-Saddle Position: 63.1 - 65.1
Saddle-Handlebar: 51.1 - 51.7
Saddle Setback: 2.7 - 3.1


The Eddy Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 49.1 - 49.6
Seat tube range c-t: 50.6 - 51.1
Top tube length: 53.8 - 54.2
Stem Length: 9.7 - 10.3
BB-Saddle Position: 62.3 - 64.3
Saddle-Handlebar: 51.9 - 52.5
Saddle Setback: 3.9 - 4.3


The French Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 50.8 - 51.3
Seat tube range c-t: 52.3 - 52.8
Top tube length: 55.0 - 55.4
Stem Length: 9.9 - 10.5
BB-Saddle Position: 60.6 - 62.6
Saddle-Handlebar: 53.6 - 54.2
Saddle Setback: 3.4 - 3.8

tom cotter

The most important thing is how you fit ON the bike, not standing over it. The old 'have an inch of standover clearance' is used to get you in the general ball park. That's not to say that standover height isn't to be considered, parts of your body will tell you that. Just not the primary concern. A bike that fits you well as you are riding it, but may be a little too tall on the standover, is Ok as long as you don't overdo it.

Lemond bikes work well for those with slightly out of whack body geometry, long torso and short legs. Most Lemonds have longer top tubes.

badamsjr

You may want to consider finding a Local Bike Shop that offers proffesional fitting. If you buy the bike from them, many will give you most of the cost back on the price of the bike. Finding a bike that fits is the MOST important part of buying it.

vik 

+1 - on my best fitting bike I have zero stand over clearance. It's never been a problem for me. I size by effective TT and then check the SO just to make sure it's not crazy low or crazy high. If it is I need to look at a different frame.

Six jours

I ride frames that I cannot stand over without crushing important bits. This does not matter because I never have any reason to stand over my top tube with both feet on the ground. Standing over the bike with one foot on a pedal and the other on the ground - at stop lights, etc. - does not require standover clearance.

circleback

Ok. Great - thanks for your responses. Much appreciated.

I suspected that the ol' frame standover test was not as important as I had thought. Ill have to take the advice mentioned above and get a fitting done I think.