L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing? - Bike Forum

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

siwal — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 12:49:58 +0000

Hi robster

I went on a test ride with a 2017 CdF 20 XL version.
Height: 191cm
Inner leg length: 90cm (at least, not that easy to measure)

I really liked the XL version. I plan to buy one, but currently don't have the budget.

I will use it for commuting and short rides, mainly in the city. It really felt very agile, which is important for me, because I have to navigate through traffic. I did not have the impression that it is too big. For long distance rides and touring, it could even be a little bit too small. But, I guess even for these use cases it is okay. But the L version is for sure not an option for me and I guess also for you the XL version is most probably the correct choice.

siwal

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

robster1 — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 07:52:39 +0000

I have to make that same decision with these measurements:
Inseam: 92
Trunk: 68
Forearm: 39
Arm: 73
Knee: 67cm
L. Left: 63/64
Sternel: 159cm
Height: 192cm

Thing is, as far as I understand a cyclocross has to be a little more agile than a race bike and with that mostly a little smaller than one.

I ride a 61cm sized road bike with a 59 to 60cm top tube. I feel comfy on it but I am aware that it's a sportive long distance machine.

So according to Evans (https://static.evanscycles.com/production/pdf-media/sizing-table/Croix_De_Fer_2017_Geometry_Chart.pdf) the CdF model of 2017 has a good frame size of 58cm. That would fit me considering the frame has a little bit of a sloping geometry. The top tube length of 60,5cm is what concerns me a bit, as it's quite long. Of course I could compensate with a shorter stem, but all in all I am not sure if a XL is just right, or a little too big.

What would you guys recommend to me regarding my measurements. Going with a XL or considering the smaller L version, that has a 55cm frame size, which really sounds small. Although the top tube length of the L (58cm) sounds ok.

Any help is highly appreciated.

robster

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

Frankenstein — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 11:07:02 +0000

I'm your height O.P. Long arms too.

I start with a 57.5cm top tube for racey road feel but 56.5cm top tube for a touring feel.

Also depends on the bike and if you have a gut/flexible.

Genesis use a longer tube for large but make up for it with a shorter 100mm stem instead of 120mm to make it a large instead of XL.

I hope you can try it first. Personally I would get the next size down and use a 120mm stem but then it would defeat Genesis's setup.

The XL would be too big imho.

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

Bream — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 10:40:42 +0000

I'm about the same sizing as you OP, have a size L CdF and it's spot on.

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

ampthill — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 09:54:26 +0000

I'm looking at getting a 30 so not sure if those huge hydraulic hoods will make a difference.

A bike fitter in here said these add about 10mm effective reach and that in the end Giant shortened the bikes to allow for this

If you paying full retail some one might swap the stem for test rise

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

rob13 — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 11:45:08 +0000

I'm 5'8, and i'm also looking at which size Croix De Fer to buy. I've tried both small and medium but only a short ride and genuinely cant decide which one is best.
BB to top of seat is 730mm for me, reach between small and medium looks about 10mm difference? Medium obviously a higher head tube, but small less reach? Any other vertically challenged riders be able to comment? I'm looking at getting a 30 so not sure if those huge hydraulic hoods will make a difference.

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

drovercycles — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 09:57:39 +0000

You're smack in the middle of the two sizes I'd say OP, and could almost certainly get a good fit on either. I'm a smidgen taller than you and can happily ride either a L or an XL, probably with a slight preference for an XL.

We have an XL in stock if it's of any use. Fork was damaged in transit so will be supplied with a carbon fork instead of the specced steel one.

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

highlandman — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:35:23 +0000

I'm 5'11" on a size L, 33 inside leg and using it with a slight layback post, flat bars and a relatively short 90mm stem.

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

ElShalimo — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:38:04 +0000

thanks, that's really helpful info
Now I need to find a size L to try out

Re: L or XL Genesis Croix de Fer owners - sizing?

GHill — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 10:39:52 +0000

I ride the 60 cm version and I'm a smidge over 6'4. As above, I'd suggest the 58 cm (although my CdF is the 2014 model, maybe different geometry).

Last time I looked the CdA's were really different to the CdF, more of a road+ type of bike.