First Road Bike Purchase

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Originally Posted by indysteel

When you're in between sizes as the OP might very well be, one's overall inseam tells only part of the story. The more important question often is whether her femurs are relatively (relative to her inseam that is; not relative to women in general) long, relatively short or average. It's femur length that dicates how far back or foward her saddle needs to be to get her knees in the appropriate position relative to her pedals. If she has relatively long femurs, chances are she's going to have to put her saddle farther back which will, in turn, effectively lengthen the top tube of the bike. If she has relatively short femurs, then her saddle may have to be set forward a bit, which will effectively shorten her reach to the handlbars.

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Very good point, indy! I have long femurs for my height and always have to have my saddles set way back on the seatpost (along with a setback seatpost!) So I end up needing a bike with a shorter top tube than might be predicted for my height and inseam. There is a lot more to fit than just standover height.

Sounds like the OP got the right size for her, though, and I would have predicted a 50-51cm based on her inseam and height, but depending on manufacturer and geometry, she could have taken a 48 or 49cm. Glad she got a bike that fit as that is #1!

Congrats on the purchase, and enjoy your ride tomorrow.

Interesting information on sizing and fitting. So many variables! I actually have proportionately short femurs (so says the LBS guy) which explains why I can almost never get the proper knee/toe alignment. But even with the seat forward, I still feel like the reach is too far. Maybe my arms are too short, too.

Congrats! I also needed a larger bike than expected for my size. I'm glad I got the 48 cm instead of the 44cm that was initially recommended based on my height and leg length. I'm glad that you checked with a few LBS to make sure the 51cm was right for you.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

Congratulations on your new bike! How has it been so far? I am 5'5" and tried both a 48 and a 51 - the 48 felt too cramped and the 51 was much more comfortable although I had less clearance over the top. I tried the SuperSix, albeit in a 51, and it was way too stretched out for me and I couldn't see it being comfortable for me in the long run. There were no 48s in the store for me to try but I ended up picking the 51 Synapse both for the overall comfort and yes, the color. :)

Here's hoping for many happy miles for you and your bike!

Sorry to have been absent to the forums when you first asked about the Synapse, but since you went forward with the purchase, I can add my +1 to your purchase. I picked up a Synapse carbon frame on eBay in 2011 and built it out with a mostly Shimano Ultegra group. I love my Synapse! Yes, it has more relaxed geometry, but that works really well for me. I'm 5'2" and have the 48.

Congratulations, and be sure to share pictures!