WilliamK1974

Hello everyone,

Someone on my local FB Marketplace is selling a Giant Excursion. They say it has 700c wheels and Shimano LX components with 21 speeds. Seller says he's 6'2" and the bike is a good fit for him. Asking price is $120.

The ad states that the frame is a 23" size. I'm 6' tall and wear a 30 inseam trousers. If I measured high enough, my real inseam would probably be a 32 or 33.

Never having owned a Giant, at least not one sold under their brand name, I don't know what to expect size-wise. While it's being sold as local, it's located about 45 minutes away from me.

Does this seem like something worth pursuing?

Thank you,
-William

wrk101

1. Google bicycle inseam, I bet its a lot more than 30 inches. People other than Elvis don't wear pants up against hard stuff.

2. Sellers rarely if ever get size right. It would be unusual if this seller is right.

3. Go take a look.

ryansu

+1 on what @wrk101 said. For reference I am 5"11" and have a 30 inch inseam. I ride a 23" road frame because I have short legs and a long torso -so I don't show a "fistful of seat post" and the stand over is snug but the bike fits for actual riding.-I need the Top tube length. Like bill said - go take a look.

ThermionicScott 

Another +1. Should be a good size for you, or close to it.

WilliamK1974

This is the problem I have with my Schwinn World that was a late birthday present in the summer of 1989. My family must have thought I was going to grow some more, but I didn't grow enough to keep the top tube from being quite snug on that bike. I still ride it some, and doubt I could/would part with it if only for sentimental reasons. But as I've gotten older, my tolerance for that type of discomfort has lessened.

On top of that, where I live is pretty hilly, and those older 12-speed gear ratios don't help much going uphill. This Giant looks like it has some of the gearing advantages of an MTB with the posture of a non-dropbar road bike. The perfect thing for exercise and recreational riding. I know there are probably better bikes available, but I don't want to fork out new bike money right now. Let's just hope it fits. I've arranged to meet the seller tomorrow after work.

rhm

I'm 6' and I ride 23" or 24" frames. Based on the little we know at the moment, I'd guess the bike will probably fit well enough, but it's a guess.

WilliamK1974

I met the seller and had a look at the bike. Got to take it on a short parking lot spin. He said that he owned it since it was new, but having had 10 knee surgeries in the last three years, he no longer needed something like it. It's in good shape overall, the tires are nearly new and the wheels were true. I offered $100 and that was enough to complete the sale.

The top tube hits right at the crotch fork of my trousers. But starting and stopping, and mounting and dismounting didn't seem awkward or dangerous.

Hudson308 

Pics or it never happened.

Salamandrine 

Assuming the crotch of your trousers is a bit below your actual crotch, that is correct sizing for a vintage frame. The old way or sizing was to stand over the frame, and lift both wheels off the ground evenly (with your heels on the ground). Wheels should have some clearance from the ground. Typically one to two inches, depending on the time period.

ryansu

I have the same snug standover issue but then I remind myself I spend 98.97% of my time riding the bike which fits great and only about 1.03% standing over it YMMV

+1 on pics

easyupbug 

As you set up your new bike check this site out: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/S...ulatorBike.jsp. When I checked out this fit calculator years ago I was impressed that it all matched my professional competition fit from our frame builder. Now in my 60s I have move several bikes from to the "french fit" and they get a lot more miles. I have used it with my daughters and their families with great success. Best is keeping up with my granddaughter frame needs as she grows, now 5'-0".

wahoonc

Got pictures? I have two Giant Excursions. Please tell me the one you got is complete with racks, lights and generator? I am 6'2" with long legs and arms and typically ride frames from 21"-25.5" depending on the angles, stems, etc.

Aaron

WilliamK1974

No, I'm afraid mine has neither racks nor lights. Did they all come fully kitted out like that?

wahoonc

Yes. As best I can tell they were sold in the North America market and the UK from ~1987-1989. They came with flat bars rather than drops. Both of mine currently have drop bars, but I have flat bars too. I will probably convert the one back to flat bars and keep the other with the drops. I have actually had 3 of them. Bought one in 1990, it got stolen, found another one NOS in a small shop in NC and purchased it around 1996. The other one I have belonged to my brother and has been ridden hard, but is still in decent shape. IMHO Giant bikes from that era are some of the best bikes on the market, they were absolutely the best bang for the buck when they were new. I have a couple of rigid Giant mountain bikes from that era too.

Aaron

OutnBack

Older Thread, But I picked up a complete Giant Excursion that had been converted to drop bars. Racks, fenders, & bottom bracket generator intact.

itsmeken

I have two Giant Excursions both fully loaded with racks, fenders, generator, lights and lock. Both in excellent condition. I'd post photos, but I don't have enough posts apparently for that privilege. Both bikes experienced two tours before being retired due to getting a touring tandem. Always stored indoors. I'm looking to sale them and hoping for some advice on what would be a fair price.

beicster 

I suggest posting six more times and then make your 11th post in the Classic and Vintage valuation thread. Lots of folks will offer up considered opinions. You can also do some searching around on craigslist and facebook marketplace in your area. Bike markets are fairly local unless you want to list on eBay.

Also, we love pictures.

thumpism 

Also post your location. There might be someone nearby who's always wanted one of those. You never know!

itsmeken

Frame Size: 21" and 23"
Location: SoCal

The_Claw

Any chance you still have these? If so, I am interested. I road one of these across the country (Seattle to Manasquan, NJ). I rode it for years until the frame finally broke. I'd love to pick up an Excursion for a 30 year anniversary ride this summer.