Michael Novo

6'2", 33" inseam and 200-215lbs (depending on weight lifting season) which puts me square in the L on Giant site. Their L frame for the Defy says 53.5cm and the XL is 56.5. After entering my measurements online (before the test rides) it simply spits out a 57 as the suggested frame size. However on Giants website, their sizing for my height and seam shows solid in the L.

On my initial test rides I can't tell much of a difference between the sizes. When I pushed into the corners a bit, I'd say the L felt more nimble vs XL. After spending 20 mins or so on each bike I didn't walk away with either one being a clear winner so it will be a long term riding test that I would need. Anyone in my size range have longer term feedback on the Defy or TCR bikes?

bgrider

I am the same height/weight as you (well actually 1/2 shorter) and I ride a size L Defy (2013 aluminum model). I am quite pleased with the fit. Ride both sizes and go with the one that feels best to you. I believe you are correct that the Giant suggested size charts should put you in the L range.

bruce19

Interesting stats. I'm 5'9" (was 5'10 1/2" in my youth) with a 32 1/4" inseam. I can ride 54-58 frame bikes. But, the sweet spot is 55-56 with similar TT length. Given your data I'd say your inseam would indicate something around a 57-58 with a longer stem to accommodate what I am guessing is a longer reach than I would take. I am not a fan of the generic S-M-L bike sizing. But, having said all of that, I'd get a fitting to find out what really works. I think you will find that a range of sizes works.

trainsktg

I am 6' with a 33" inseam. I ride a L Defy w/175 crankarms and an M/L TCR with 172.5s.

Keith

Michael Novo

Thanks for the feedback all. I'll go get a more detailed fit. Seems odd that their L frame is 53.5 but it looks like all their frames run small at least in terms of the pure number. Wonder if the measurement is different.

corrado33

Your inseam seems a bit short. Are you using your pants inseam or do you just have relatively short legs? (Pants inseam ≠ your inseam for bikes.) The XL bike will have you sitting up more due to the larger headtube (which goes against common thought because the bike will also be longer.) So do you prefer to be more leaned over or more up straight? If push comes to shove, I always choose the smaller bike. I personally think it's easier to make a bike bigger than it is to make it smaller.

rpenmanparker 

Giant's seat tube measurement is actual seat tube, not effective seatube. So the slope of the top tube is not accounted for. To get a truer numerical size for a Giant racing frame add 4 cm to the seat tube number provided. So the Giant L is comparabel to a 57-58 in other brands.

rpenmanparker 

I have always ridden 54 cm frames. The Giant TCR Medium says 50 cm, but it fits exactly as 54. Like I said above, add 4 cm to the Giant seat tube measurement to get a nominal numerical size.

rpenmanparker 

Yes, see my replies above. You are used to effective seat tube measurements measured all the way up to where a horizontal top tube would intersect the seat tube. Giant uses actual seat tube length justt up to the sloping top tube.

ptempel

I'm close to your size (1" shorter and close to same inseam). Assuming that "top tube" means virtual top tube length, then 57.5cm in L sounds good for you. Do you know the virtual top tube lengths in your previous road bikes? If so, then that will help you to decide. Sorry, but can only give feedback on the general size and not the bike (never owned a giant but they look like really good value for $$ bikes).

ptempel

Agreed. 53.5cm sounds like the actual seat tube length which is useless in compact frames. Giant should call the size by the top tube like some others do.

70Degrees

Don't forget that, regardless of frame size, there are going to be a lot of variables with saddle height, stem length, saddle-to-handlebar drop, crank length, etc., that will help with the fit. I'm on a Trek frame that's probably 2 cm larger than the measuring charts would suggest for my height, reach, and inseam, but I've got it set up to fit me very nicely. In other words, there's a fudge factor that manufacturers' charts can't account for.

Michael Novo

Went to the LBS and took a longer ride on the L sized Defy (not the exact model I'm looking at but frame is the same). They laser measured me, took the bike out and also tried it in front of them in the trainer. I think it will be just a matter of getting used to it and possibly swapping out the seat but the L seems to be the correct fit. Any other oddities are likely just getting used to the bike coming from a hybrid Specialized Sirrus. Great input and thanks everyone!

Hoonigan

I'm 5'10" wi a 30 inseam and I ride a medium defy. It's fairly upright but super comfortable for me. It's a great bike.

Jackmen

I am 6'0" have a 32" inseam, fairly short arms, and have a M/L giant defy advanced 0 and it fits me great. When I bought it the frame size was comparable to other 55-56 CM frames.

JerrySTL

I'm just an inch shorter than the OP but the same inseam and weight. I ride a 2010 Defy Advance 3. I did have to raise the handlebars with an angled stem to make is about an inch higher.

bgrider

I agree with this - and offer the following as further explanation: On a larger frame, you won't raise your seat tube as high relative to the bars/stem and will feel like you are sitting more upright. That said - I think Giant top tube lengths seem long to me and you may feel a bit stretched out on an XL.