Road/Race Bike Frame Size help needed PLEASE

[jbb]

Hi, sorry to post this question but I have looked through what seems like a million website and shop websites with sizing charts and am still stuck.

I have bought my girlfriend a second hand race bike and think I've got the wrong size :-( It'll be her first bike so wanted something cheap to see how much use it would get before getting the perfect bike.

She is 5ft5 and I've bought her a 50cm COMPACT frame Giant racebike!
I believe a compact 50cm frame works out at circa 54cm normal! Do you think this will be alright for a first bike or have I got it way wrong and it shold be 50cm normally, not in a compact version???

(thanks in advance for any help)

 

[Garz]

It looks like it wont be majorly off size tbh, I think my 'small' frame on the boardman is a 52 and im 5'7". Have you measured her inside leg?

 

[jbb]

Hi Garz. It's supossed to be a suprise present, hence I'm not able to do the sensible thing and take her with me to buy one.

She might also be suspicious if she wakes up in the night and I'm measuring her inside leg :-)

 

[John the Monkey]

The only sizing chart I could find puts the 50cm size at a rider height of 5'6" (min), so it's not a million miles away.

If it's an SCR, she could prefer being slightly more stretched out, they do have quite an upright riding position, ime.

 

[Garz]

Pretend your getting her some new jeans or trousers for whatever reason and measure her!

 

[accountantpete]

Girls have longer legs so the seat tube measurement will be ok but the top tube length will be the important factor. You may have to adjust the seat/stem length to suit.

 

[HLaB]

At first glance 50cm for 5'5" seems about right. When I was buying a bike a lbs advised this site, it may help.

 

[jbb]

Thanks for all the replies so far. My concern is that it's a COMPACT model by GIANT (50cm) which is said to be like a 54cm (and surely a 54cm is too large).

I was hoping that a bit of seat adjustment will do the trick, but I didn't want her hurting herself (she is a bit clumsy to say the least, so I wouldn't be a good partner if I put her on a Penny Fathing style deathtrap) :-)

 

[jimboalee]

A 50cm Giant should be OK.

Giant's dimensions are 50cm BB centre to top of seat tube.

Standover height is a tad under 31" ( the only dim specified in inches?? ).

5'5" height with a 52.5% SHR ( Sitting height ratio, norm lady ) = 31".

She won't notice 1 cm.

Reach on the Ladies frame is 5mm shorter, so take 10mm off the stem and your laughing.

 

[jbb]

Hi jimboalee, thanks so much for the detailed response. That's put my mind to rest. I was debating selling the one I've bought and buying another (It took me long enough to find the first bike).

Thanks for your help :-)