Did I get the right size bike?

[Aymi]

Hi All! I am new to this forum, and got a new bike about 2 years ago. It is a 2011 Specialized Vita. The thing is, when I bought it, it was the first bike I had bought in several years, and i wasnt exactly sure about what to look for at the time in regards to size. The girl at the bike shop didn't spend much time with me and basically just had me test ride a couple of bikes at the time, and told me that this would be good for my size. She only looked at my standover height with the bike. I am now questioning if I got the right size bike. I am 5'10" and have a long torso but average size legs. My arms are fairly long also. My bike is a size L, large. The stand over height on my bike seems to be fine, my toes barely touch when I am on the saddle. However, I am thinking that maybe my reach to the handlebars is too short, and maybe the tube should be longer. I feel a little scrunched. I a wondering if maybe I should have gone with a men's bike. As I have been riding more often, I am wondering if I should try to sell mine and look for something else, maybe an XL or a men's bike if I could get a better fit. Or may even stick it out on this for a while longer, and just get a road bike in the future. I really like the Specialized though. Any thoughts on size? I guess I just don't want to be riding with bad form or have it end up hurting my back. I mostly ride on paved roads, and paths. Thanks for any input!!

[thekarens]

Can't help with whether you got the right size, but I can tell you you can go see a good fitter, get a fitting and they will tell you what size of bike to get.

Good luck with whatever you decide and let us know how things turn out.

Oh and FWIW I'm 5'3 and ride a men's 48.

[TigerMom]

Since you want to buy a specialized bike in the future, I recommend that you call your local Specialized bike shop. Then ask who the certified bike fitter is (the fitter usually does sales also). Make an appointment to discuss what size your future bike should be (bring in your current bike too so that you can point out what makes you currently uncomfortable). This should help you to decide whether you want to spend money for a bike fitting on your current bike OR what size bike you should buy instead and then sell your current bike.

[featuretile]

I agree with getting a bike fitting. They can change out the stem and make the reach longer if you need it. The saddle can also go back. Then you can ask them what size bike you should get in the future.

[lgibster]

I am 5'10" and have a long torso but average size legs. My arms are fairly long also. My bike is a size L, large. The stand over height on my bike seems to be fine, my toes barely touch when I am on the saddle. However, I am thinking that maybe my reach to the handlebars is too short, and maybe the tube should be longer. I feel a little scrunched. I a wondering if maybe I should have gone with a men's bike. As I have been riding more often, I am wondering if I should try to sell mine and look for something else, maybe an XL or a men's bike if I could get a better fit. Or may even stick it out on this for a while longer, and just get a road bike in the future. I really like the Specialized though. Any thoughts on size? I guess I just don't want to be riding with bad form or have it end up hurting my back. I mostly ride on paved roads, and paths. Thanks for any input!!

I agree fit would probably help at lot. I started on a Specialized Vita Elite Large size frame and I am 5'7" but I have longer legs than I should. The Vita is a more upright type feel to the bike and not like a road bike. I switched to a Specialized Ruby Elite this year and ended up needing an XL frame in that bike, but with a shorter stem. I don't feel scrunched any more either, but mainly because the road bike is different overall from the hybrid. I would suggest finding a really good fitter BEFORE you purchase a road bike (wish I had gone this route) and have your measurements taken as if you were going to order a custom frame (not cheap for this type of fit but comfort in the end is well worth it) so you can see which bike geometries may fit you best. I have had the same issues and determined that money spent for a good fitter as well as time riding various demo bikes (ask your LBS what they have you can borrow for a weekend) is better than just riding across the parking lot to see if you like the bike. For example I loved the parking lot ride of one road bike I tested, however after borrowing it for a demo weekend, I noticed that after 10 miles there was no way that bike was right for me. Good luck.