Chef1978

Hi everyone, im sure this was discussed here somewhere, I just wanted to make few points and questions. Last week I got Giant OVR 1,it was great price ,but the frame is 50 cm, im 5'11,so logically I need 55 cm I guess.Now keep in mind I'm beginner and this is my first road bike. I adjusted the seat height,went to work today,and it was actually nice ride,no back pain or hand numbness. Now with frame like that,lifting the seat and handlebars up,is it possible to make this bike work for longer rides ? If not why? And what ate the signs I should be looking for that will indicate I need to change for bigger frame? Cheers.

Iride01 

Do you mean a Giant OCR 1 or something like this? https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/valu...product/92890/

I suppose you'll know it's the wrong size if you start having issues that you can not resolve by moving the position of something.

I'd wonder if you can achieve the proper saddle height with that small a frame. For me that'll be somewhere between 106% to 109% of my inseam snug in the crotch to the ground and then measured from the top of the saddle to the top of the pedal at it's furthest position from the saddle.

If the saddle height can be obtained, then bar height and reach will be your next two things that might require changes.

But if you can ride it and be comfortable and put out the power you want for the distance you wish to ride, then who's to say it's too small for you?

Bob the Mech

The only thing I would worry about with a smaller frame is toe overlap where the front of your shoe contacts the front tyre because of the shorter wheel base. Then again I've had this issue with frames the 'right' size that have a compact geometry. As for comfort, best fit for longer ride...well make all the adjustments you can and go ride...and see how it feels. I think the OCR sizing is Small, 51cm, 5ft 2 – 5ft 6 and Medium, 54cm, 5ft 6 – 5ft 11. It still depends if you're short in the leg, long in the arm, normal in the upper body or any combination of the three But if it feels comfortable then happy days.

Iride01 

Toe overlap shouldn't be an issue. Unless someone is riding less than my guess of 2 mph ( 3.2 kph) then the wheel won't be turned enough to interfere with the toes. If it is, then the wreck was probably well in progress by that time.

Bob the Mech

Point taken At lower speeds yes...sub walking speed...track-standing at the lights...tight turns on CX courses

Chef1978

Yeah my leg inseam is 32 ,all the points ate gteat here and I do feel better abouty choice,thanks a lot

PeteHski

The basics:-

1. Your seat is very high relative to your bars causing you to bend lower than you are comfortable with.

2. The reach is too short, causing you to feel cramped on the bike. Especially when climbing out of the saddle.

3. The relatively short wheelbase makes it feel a bit unstable at speed.

If you are not having any of those issues then I wouldn’t worry about it. If you are not sure then try to get a ride on a larger frame for some comparison. But it’s not unusual for a rider to fit fine on 2 frame sizes with the appropriate adjustments ie stem length, stem spacers, saddle setback etc. In those cases it becomes a matter of personal preference. The smaller frame would be a little lighter and more nimble, while the larger frame might feel a little more stable and relaxed.

For example I can fit on most 56 or 58 cm frames (I’m 6’1” tall) but I generally prefer the larger of the two. Mainly because I don’t like the bars too low, so prefer a little more stack height.

swami69

Interesting subject. I’m about the same height and considering a smaller frame myself. Wondering if flexibility factors in as I get older (and trying to clear a higher bar/seat).