giant anthem, what size???

[rootri]

hi guys

i am buying a new anthem, and i was wondering what size do i need? obviously a test ride will help, but i just want an idea of how people size their xc bikes, being new to this type of riding.

i am 6 foot even, 183cm. standard length legs and torso i think.

[tegski]

I'm 5.10 on a medium Anthem 1. Try the Med and Large and see which feels best. If you are racing on it you will want to feel as comfortable as possible...when you are stuffed as you charge up hills and down the other side! Very happy with bike by the way!

[akashra]

At 178 I'm on a medium, the felt was tiny!
As said, give both the medium and large ago - it'll depend on your leg length really. There's no such thing as "standard" when it comes to body geometry :)

[Oxis]

I'm 5'11" and have a medium anthem 0 which I'm very happy with. A great bike to race on..
Cheers

[Fatman]

I'm 5'11 and wouldn't consider going smaller than a Large, I tried one but it was just too cramped. Definately try one first and dont settle until you've tried a few sizes.

[rootri]

thanks guys

according to the giant size chart i am right between the two sizes, typical

for xc riding is it better to be on a larger bike for handling with smaller post / stem,

or a smaller bike with long post and long stem.

would their be a big difference in the handling?

i am leaning towards the smaller bike

[El Guapo]

I'm 165cm and have a medium 07 Anthem 0 with a 70mm stem. I set it up as my race bike, but at the time it was my only duallie, so I didn't go silly on lightweight components. My local trail is Manly Dam, so having a longer toptube with a shorter stem made for better handling on the relatively rugged terrain in the area. The sizing guide would definitely have me on a small, but I found it way to short in the top tube. For a race bike, I certainly want to be more stretched out than for general trailriding. Just about to upgrade to the 09 Amthem X Ltd and am definitely getting a medium again. Can't wait to loose about a kilo and half off the current bike!

[rootri]

well guys after much umming and arring i came to a decision.

rightly or wrongly i decided to research what some of the top guys were riding, i did take a very small sample size i admit:

lance 5"11 20mm longer reach (tt + stem on a trek large) than large anthem

ettough 5"10 same reach on a trek as large anthem

craig 5"11 large anthem


good enough for them, good enough for me

[Some Guy]

The problem is height isn't all of the equation, your leg and arm length effects things too. I'd strongly recommend riding both the medium and the large first before making up your mind.

[VTSS350]

The problem is height isn't all of the equation, your leg and arm length effects things too. I'd strongly recommend riding both the medium and the large first before making up your mind.

Some Guy is spot on.

What year model are you talking about???

I have just purchased an 09 Anthem X Medium. I am 5'10 and it fits me perfectly.

BUT

If it was last years model I would be riding a large.
Be very carefull giants sizing is all over the place.

[jmcavoy]

I'm 6'2" and run large size Anthems (and other Giants) and they fit great.

That's all well and good, but sizing is individual and you should go try a bike out for fit at the LBS; and when you buy one, the shop should fit your new bike to you; set the right seat hight and rail position, then set you up with the right stem. This will ensure you don't get a silly knee injury or something.

Ofcourse if you are ordering over the net to get a bargain, well, you get what you pay for :)

[rootri]

as far as im aware giant dont sell over the net. i am getting this years model.

to be honest i am actually sponsored by giant for triathlon (so cost isnt too much of an issue on the bike), i just wanted some opinions from my basic details.

i have tried a medium and it is too small for sure (post 2mm from minimum insertion), so a large is ordered. i would also need a much longer stem.

im sure i could have found top guys riding smaller bikes if i really tried, but i am now happy the right decision is made.


thanks everybody for the feedback, may even see some of you out on the trails