Free Giant Kronos

DiamondDave said:

My sister gave me her Bicycle. Its a Giant Kronos. I know very little about these things but am interested in doing some riding. Please help me with these questions

1. Is this a good bike?
2. She's about 5'6, I'm about 6'2, are there things I need to consider about the bike frame?
3. Other than a helmet, a seat for a man and pedals (she took them) what else should I consider getting?

Thanks

If the bike is in decent condition, then it is fine for you to get started on--provided that it fits. However, depending on your body proportions, that bike is likely to be small for you. Take a look at some of the bike sizing information on these websites and compare to what you are starting with.

If your sister is a long-legged 5'6" and the bike was on the big side for her and you are a short-legged 6'2", maybe you can make it work for you. If it fit her properly, I think that you would be much more comfortable, and happier, on a larger framed bicycle.

http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

Other than the helmet, good cycling shorts is the next thing to get, then maybe gloves, bike shoes, and sunglasses

Is this the bike?
http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?year=2000&model=10323
If so, the geometry is just below the pix.

gclark8 said:

Is this the bike?
giant-bicycle.com030.000.006.aspOpen ↗
If so, the geometry is just below the pix.

No, the word KRONOS is written on the Top Bar.

I've found a local dealer that I am going to take it too for evaluation.

Hopefully they can help.

DiamondDave said:

No, the word KRONOS is written on the Top Bar.

I've found a local dealer that I am going to take it too for evaluation.

Hopefully they can help.

Well, I think the question was actually whether or not YOUR bike looked similar ...

So, presumuing the bike was similar to the one pictured in the link that gclark8 provided AND the components are Shimano 105 then it is a pretty nice bike (presuming the condition is sound) -- but, too small FOR YOU ...

... Because, if the frame was properly fit for your sister, it is very unlikely that you could ride it for more than a few miles at a time because you would be so uncomfortable due to the fact that the frame is probably a SMALL (53.5cm top tube) and YOU need a LARGE frame (based on your height -- you would be fitted 9-times-out-of-10 with a frame whose top tube is between 57cm & 59cm).

While you could put a longer seapost on AND a longer stem, the handlebars would be very low relative to the saddle.

You could get the bars a little higher (about an inch) by inverting the LONGER stem that you would inevitably buy, but that is probably going to leave the handlebars in a position that is more aggressive than you would find comfortable.

You could put a Cyclocross/CX or touring fork on the bike to get the front end & handlebar another inch higher.

The question you need to ask is: How much do you want to spend on the bike to get it suitable for you to ride?

You could have most of the components moved to a larger frame (i.e., get one on eBay OR from your local bike shop [but, be wary as to how much you will be spending ... you probably don't want to spend more than $400US for a replacement frame & fork]) ... sell the (presumably) SMALL Kronos frame (also, on eBay OR locally).

alfeng said:

Well, I think the question was actually whether or not YOUR bike looked similar ...

So, presumuing the bike was similar to the one pictured in the link that gclark8 provided AND the components are Shimano 105 then it is a pretty nice bike (presuming the condition is sound) -- but, too small FOR YOU ...

... Because, if the frame was properly fit for your sister, it is very unlikely that you could ride it for more than a few miles at a time because you would be so uncomfortable due to the fact that the frame is probably a SMALL (53.5cm top tube) and YOU need a LARGE frame (based on your height -- you would be fitted 9-times-out-of-10 with a frame whose top tube is between 57cm & 59cm).

While you could put a longer seapost on AND a longer stem, the handlebars would be very low relative to the saddle.

You could get the bars a little higher (about an inch) by inverting the LONGER stem that you would inevitably buy, but that is probably going to leave the handlebars in a position that is more aggressive than you would find comfortable.

You could put a Cyclocross/CX or touring fork on the bike to get the front end & handlebar another inch higher.

The question you need to ask is: How much do you want to spend on the bike to get it suitable for you to ride?

You could have most of the components moved to a larger frame (i.e., get one on eBay OR from your local bike shop [but, be wary as to how much you will be spending ... you probably don't want to spend more than $400US for a replacement frame & fork]) ... sell the (presumably) SMALL Kronos frame (also, on eBay OR locally).

It looked NOTHING like that picture.

Also, I looked at the frame again and found a sticker that says 56cm. Therefore I'm assuming that may be a tick too small. The Gears said something to the effect of Shimano FSR.

Thanks for all the input.

DiamondDave said:

Also, I looked at the frame again and found a sticker that says 56cm. Therefore I'm assuming that may be a tick too small. The Gears said something to the effect of Shimano FSR.

Thanks for all the input.

One inch too small is better than three inches too small!

Depending on the top tube length AND your fitness level (i.e., how aggressive a riding position you can handle, or want), you can JUST make that frame work if you really want to ...

I'm not familiar with Shimano FSR ...

DiamondDave said:

It looked NOTHING like that picture.

Also, I looked at the frame again and found a sticker that says 56cm. Therefore I'm assuming that may be a tick too small. The Gears said something to the effect of Shimano FSR.

Thanks for all the input.

If that is really a 56cm, you may be able to make it work. My guess is that it would actually have been a bit big for a 5"6" rider, unless she had longer legs than average for height. Take it to a good shop, have them check it over and advise on fit. Perhaps with a longer stem and a setback seatpost, you can get a good fit.