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I have read some of the posts on sizing. Makes me feel like I am way out in left field. If one were to ride a bike too large for them what could be the most probable difficulties? I am 5'4 and have tried 43 to 52cm, and I'm liking this 52cm flat bar the best.
I think a lot has to do w/ leg length and body proportion.
I am 5'6" and ride a 54 cm - medium - compact (I think that is the right term) frame. One of my riding partners is 5'6'' and he rides a 48cm or 50cm - extra small - compact. He asked the LBS owner "why does SHE get a bigger bike?" :pout: Owner responded "look at her legs"
He wears a 28" inseam I wear a 32 - 33" :D
We traded stems and Voila perfect fitting bikes.
I agree with eclectic. I've had a devil of a time finding a comfortable bike because not only am I short, but I apparently have a much shorter torso and longer legs than most people, even women, of my height. So go with what feels most comfortable--size charts are only a starting point.
Back in the early 90's, I bought a new road bike. I am short. I spent, what to me, was a fortune on the bike ($790). It had 700c wheels, but it was the smallest Novara (REI) bike they made. I took it around the block, loved the "fit", took it around the block again, and bought it. Not until I took my first "long" ride, did I feel the bike was not for me. My DH was against the purchase, but I was headstrong. The WSD bikes really weren't available. After one summer, I had to admit, the bike was too big for me. I could barely make 20 miles on it without neck/shoulder/back pain. I shelved the bike and kinda shelved riding because of this purchase. I am 4'10" tall. I now own the smallest Lightspeed Bella. It has 650c wheels. I switched out the drops for flat handlebars because the reach was still a tad to "long" for me. I haven't ridden more that 78 miles on it at one time, but aim for a century. I do wish I had drops to ease the stress on my shoulders and am thinking of adding areo bars (I think that is what they are called) to get a more "layed" out feel for a longer ride. Please make sure the bike is not "too big" for you for the type of riding you want to do. If you can, rent a bike and take a "long" ride to see how it feels. My lbs worked with me and changed out my drops to straight bars and I absolutely love my ride....
The effects of riding a bike that's too big for you depends on "where" it's too big for you. The standover element of bike fit is easy enough to gage. Can you stand over the top tube and still have about an inch between the tube and your crotch? Assuming that, you should be able to place your saddle so that is higher than your handlebars. How much higher is a function of what you intend to use the bike for, e.g., racing versus recreational rides, your flexibility and reach. If the bike is too "tall" for you, it will be impossible to raise the saddle high enough to put you in an aero position. In effect, you'll be sitting upright like you would on a hybrid or mountain bike.
That said, when people complain that their bike is too big for them, I generally take that to mean that they feel too stretched out, i.e., the top tube plus stem is too long. As a starting place for determining whether the bike you're interested in is too big in this regard, when your hands are in the hoods, you should have some bend in your elbows. Your arms should not be straight and rigid. Riding in this same position, the hub of your front wheel should be obscured by the handlebars. If you're too stretched out, you won't be balanced ideally on the bike and may experience neck, shoulder, arm and/or back pain.
The problem that many riders encounter, however, is that reach is not a static thing. It changes as you grow stronger and more flexible on the bike. When I first bought my bike, I felt just a little too stretched out and experienced some elbow pain at first because my arms were too straight. After 2,000 miles, however, the bike feels great. I may even have to get a longer stem sometime next year.
My advice? Buy a bike from a shop that spends time--ideally a lot of time-- with you on fit. They should, in the very least, take some arm, shoulder and leg measurements to determine a good starting place for you, and once you select a bike, they should spend some time getting your saddle and bars in the "right" position. If all they do is have you stand over the bike, go to a different shop. Or do what I did. I bought a bike from a shop that took measurements of me, bought the bike that best fit me and then took it to a professional fitter for fine tuning.
Good luck,
Kate
The 52cm flat bar may feel best to you because you are probably sitting more upright due to a longer head tube & bar position. The correct fit will depend on several factors--not just your physical dimensions, fitness level and flexibility, but intended use of the bicycle. Are you interested in long rides and centuries, touring, club rides, racing, or just leisure rides around the neighborhood? Sitting upright may be great for cruising, but not for fast club riding or racing. Riding a bike that does not fit can lead to pain and overuse injuries.:(
Indysteel said it best when she recommended seeking out a professional fitter. The best ones aren't cheap, but you will save yourself money and frustration due to ill-fitting bike(s) in the end. And not all stock bike's geometry match well with the intended rider, especially women with our "non-standard" proportions. Getting the correct saddle position over the bottom bracket is paramount in determining the right frame size; reach and stand-over are the next things to consider. When all is dialed in and adjusted to the type of riding you want to do, you will have a properly fitted bike. As you gain fitness and flexibility, you may wish to stretch out more and/or go lower with a simple change of the stem.
It seems like a lot to think about, but it will make your riding experiences so much more enjoyable. You can also check out www.competitivecyclist.com for a free on-line fit. Not quite the same as an actual fit session, but good to see if you are in the ballpark.
Good luck!