Wrong bike fit.

Youngoggy
Youngoggy Posts: 5
edited October 2013 in Road general
Just joined and found some great advice etc on here so thought I would post about the frame size of my new bike.
I have just bought a Giant Defy Advanced 2 2013 model based on the good reviews etc
I'm 5' 10" with a 31" inseam.
The LBS fit me with a M/L which did surprise me at first but went with it as they know what they are doing right?
As soon as I rode it I was struggling to get on the hoods, I can't get the KOS right without sliding the seat right up to the stops, the measurements marked on the seat post aren't visible as they are still hidden in the frame and riding what is supposed to be the most comfortable bike out there is in fact really painful in my lower back.
I have had the bike back to the shop and they have set it up as a M. Which mainly involved dropping the bar height as the M head tube is a lot shorter. This has made a difference to the ride so intend to go back and ask them to change it for a medium. Anyone else out there had a similar experience who can share their story?
I spent a lot on the bike and it needs to be right and don't want to be fobbed off.
Thanks Rich. :D

Comments

  • pinarellokid
    pinarellokid Posts: 1,208
    sounds like they sold you what suited their stock,, and not you..

    get it back quick and ask for an actual medium frame
    Specialized S Works SL2 . Campagnolo Record 11spd. rolling on Campag Zonda wheels

    http://app.strava.com/athletes/881211
  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    A story of a Giant bike being too big?
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • Grill
    Grill Posts: 5,610
    SloppySchleckonds wrote:
    A story of a Giant bike being too big?

    :lol: First thing I thought too. They really need to sort out their 'compact' geometry..
    English Cycles V3 | Cervelo P5 | Cervelo T4 | Trek Domane Koppenberg
  • frisbee
    frisbee Posts: 691
    An M/L is about the right size for you.

    Road bikes can be pretty uncomfortable if you are not used to it, removing spacers would generally make a bike less comfortable.
  • janwal
    janwal Posts: 489
    I've also found Giant sizing odd.I'm 5'7ish and 31 inside leg.I bought a medium SCR second hand for my first road bike as it had the 'right' geometry for me according to their sizing charts etc. Approx 54ish top tube.However no matter what I tried I (shorter stem,higher stem.altering seat etc) I kept getting lower arm pains, similar to tennis elbow pain I had when I played badminton.In the end I couldn't pick heavy things up safely.Eventually put it down to my slightly shorter reach. I sold it to my best mate who had no problems at all.I bought a Scott CR1 and and now a Kinesis Titanium both with 54 top tubes but I've never had the arm pains with either of them.
    Take it back as no matter what you change I feel you will never be happy with it and the longer you try the more you'll become fed up with it and ride less and less.
    good luck
  • city_boy
    city_boy Posts: 1,616
    pinarellokid wrote:
    sounds like they sold you what suited their stock,, and not you..

    get it back quick and ask for an actual medium frame

    +1 for this.
    I'm 5' 10" and have a medium and it fits perfectly. I tried a M/L in the shop and they advised it was too big and put me on the M.
    Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarves are not happy.
  • Youngoggy
    Youngoggy Posts: 5
    Thanks for the advice everyone. Should have mentioned I have been riding around 5 years so know how a road bike should feel!
    Will get hold of the shop again and see what they say. Will let you know how I get on but I think you are right pinorellokid it was the last one in the shop!
  • Mikey41
    Mikey41 Posts: 690
    I agree with some above, M/L is too big for you . I'm 5' 10" also and I ride a Medium Defy. I tried M/L and it was too stretched out.
    Giant Defy 2 (2012)
    Giant Defy Advanced 2 (2013)
    Giant Revel 1 Ltd (2013)
    Strava
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    Quite a few people end up on road bikes with frames that are too big. As you have been riding road bikes for years trust your instincts / experience and try the smaller size.

    Just as an example I am over 6ft6 and ride a 62cm Trek. Going by the size chart it should be too small for me but after a few adjustments it fits really well.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Bike fitting is great but only if the bike fitter knows what he is doing, in this case he didn't, sorry to hear you had a bad experience. you do hear of this though, shops having excess stock and getting rid. Not good.
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    Youngoggy wrote:
    Just joined and found some great advice etc on here so thought I would post about the frame size of my new bike.
    I have just bought a Giant Defy Advanced 2 2013 model based on the good reviews etc
    I'm 5' 10" with a 31" inseam.
    The LBS fit me with a M/L which did surprise me at first but went with it as they know what they are doing right?
    As soon as I rode it I was struggling to get on the hoods, I can't get the KOS right without sliding the seat right up to the stops, the measurements marked on the seat post aren't visible as they are still hidden in the frame and riding what is supposed to be the most comfortable bike out there is in fact really painful in my lower back.
    I have had the bike back to the shop and they have set it up as a M. Which mainly involved dropping the bar height as the M head tube is a lot shorter. This has made a difference to the ride so intend to go back and ask them to change it for a medium. Anyone else out there had a similar experience who can share their story?
    I spent a lot on the bike and it needs to be right and don't want to be fobbed off.
    Thanks Rich. :D

    Yep. Same here. 5"10 and ended up with M/L. Always felt too big. Was naive at the time and the shop that sold it to me said I needed M/L so there was not too much seat post showing! kind of defeats the point of a compact frame. Up for sale now and I have bought a Ribble 872 instead (in Medium!) I have long legs for my height which might have influenced the decision?
  • adamfo
    adamfo Posts: 763
    It's not rocket science. The Defy size chart shows exactly what the OP should be riding !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk/319 ... spx#sizing
  • Youngoggy
    Youngoggy Posts: 5
    Thanks for all the advice. Spoke to the shop today and they are going to source me a medium frame. Will see how I get on and let you know. Fingers crossed.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    Good move , don't worry you are not only paying the shop for the bike but for their expertise to get you the right bike that fits you. If the bike is a little too small it is easy enough to sort out. If it is too big there is not alot you can do really.
  • Youngoggy
    Youngoggy Posts: 5
    Well after a lot of messing about and stress I have managed to get it sorted. Sort of! All the defy 2 mediums in the country have now all been sold. It's change over to the 2014 models. The guy in the shop then offered me a 2012 frame! Not a chance!
    Finally I spoke to the owner who agreed the bike was wrong for me and apologised..I now have a credit note and a 2014 model on order. The M/L has gone back. Only snag is there is a delay on next years models. Not arriving until Feb! Some problem with supply from shimano!
    On the winter trainer for now and looking forward to next Feb. An experience not to be repeated I can tell you but the good advice on here helped a lot and kept me pestering the shop until they sorted it out so thanks very much.
    Rich.
  • Camcycle1974
    Camcycle1974 Posts: 1,356
    ??? My local Giant dealer has 2014 models in stock now.

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