Kona road bike sizing

[Jo-n-NY]

We are going to a bike event in Monterey CA next week and decided to rent bikes. I ride a womens geomtry but needless to say there are non available so I rented a 49cm Kona road bike. I don't know what model it is but I am 5'2 with a 29in inseam. My bikes are all Specialized, 51cm, although now most comfortable on a 48cm.

Does anyone think I might have problems with the rented Kona, not that I have any choice options.

Much thanks!

[emily_in_nc]

I can't answer your question (though I am your size and have never ridden a bike as large as even a 48 cm successfully), but I hope you have a WONDERFUL time! And I hope the bike will work for you!

You'll have to report on your event here when you return home.

[zoom-zoom]

I'd think you'd be OK. My Cannondales have been 48s, though they tend to run big, so they'd be closer to 50-51 in other brands, from what I have been told. My inseam is just an inch longer than yours.

[Hartmame]

I've been looking at Kona's and noticed that the top tubes are long compared to similarly sized frames. I admit I've never ridden one.

[Jo-n-NY]

Thanks. I am kicking myself for not researching the baggage rules for Jet Blue myself as I would have invested in a hard case since it is only $50.00 each way to check in a bike. My husband said it was much more. I think he assumed and didn't actually check with "Jet Blue".

I will be fine with a fitness bike if need be. Of course my husband was able to rent a Specialized Allez. Never a problem for the men. I told him upon returning, we will invest in at least one hard case for me since my size bike seems to be more of an issue to get.

The second half of this business/vacation is going to Sea Otter. I am real excited finally having the opportunity to attend this!!!

[Jo-n-NY]

I can't answer your question (though I am your size and have never ridden a bike as large as even a 48 cm successfully), but I hope you have a WONDERFUL time! And I hope the bike will work for you!

You'll have to report on your event here when you return home.

Thanks Emily! Funny, I have been riding a 51 since 2005 with my original Dolce and then got the Ruby and rode 15000+ miles without a problem. When I demoed the Amira in a 48 last year that was when I noticed a slight difference. I was sitting more on my sit bones when on the hoods where on the 51 more pressure was in the front. It wasn't until then I found when I rode my Ruby every so often I have to move back in the seat. Now that I am a proud owner of the Amira in a 48, I really, really love the bike for more reasons than one :)

[Crankin]

This is precisely the reason I bought a custom bike with couplers.
The first two supported tours I did were with Trek Travel. At the time, I had a Trek 5200 and on the first trip, I had my own bike, since we drove to the start, and when we went to the Czech Republic, I had one of the first Madones, which was even nicer than my bike... in a 47 cm. The other tours we have done were ones we could drive to, until we went to Spain in 2009. I had a lower end Orbea in a 48 cm. Now, my carbon bike is a men's frame in a 48 cm, but, I have the short reach brifters, etc. I could barely ride the Orbea for the first day. Seriously, I was so far behind when we took off, because I felt totally unbalanced, and could barely squeeze the brakes. I was miserable.
Yes, it's never an issue for DH, even though he is shorter for a guy (5' 7") there is always a 52 cm for him.
I am so looking forward to going to the San Juan Islands, with my own bike.