Giant Avail 1 frame size question

needforspeed1

I couldn't find a women's road category so I posted here.

I've just bought a Giant Avail 1 road bike. I'm 5 feet 2 but the frame size is XS, 43.5 cm, which seems quite small for my height (sizing charts say around 48 cm for 5 feet 2). The guy at the shop said the XS frame size is better for me because on the larger frame, S (46.5 cm), he could not get the handlebar/saddle height right.

I'd like to know what people think about this. The bike seems to ride pretty well and doesn't 'feel' too small.

TheRealGuybrush

You have to bear in mind that Giant use a 'Compact' frame sizing. Their bikes have a much shorter seat tube as the top tube slopes down, rather than a lot of other manufacturer whose top tubes are fairly horizontal.

What sizing charts are you looking at? Other manufacturers sizing charts will show different optimum sizes.

If you look at the Giant sizing chart for the avail your fine for size: http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk/3176/products/2013-liv-giant-avail-1-ladies-performance-road-bike.aspx (Click 'Sizing and Usage')

It sounds like he's sized you up right and I would probably have put you on the same. (Give or take, with not being able to see you)

needforspeed1

Thanks a lot for the info. I was looking at various general sizing charts, such as this one at Evans:
http://www.evanscycles.com/help/bike-sizing#womensroad

Regarding the frame size, I simply looked at this:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... /#geometry

Having looked at Giant's sizing chart, which I hadn't, I see what you mean. I also have fairly short legs in relation to my height so, as you say, XS would seem the correct size.