How important is standover height?

I bought a used bike recently (a Bridgestone RB-T touring bike) that fits me very well in every way except for one: when I straddle the top tube and stand on the floor flat-footed, the top tube just brushes ever-so-slightly against my feminine parts.

Standover clearance is important for men for reasons that are obvious. But I'm interested in hearing from other women who might have had success owning/riding bikes that are technically "too big" for them. Is this something that I can get away with?

Any advice/expertise is much appreciated. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by venacava

I bought a used bike recently (a Bridgestone RB-T touring bike) that fits me very well in every way except for one: when I straddle the top tube and stand on the floor flat-footed, the top tube just brushes ever-so-slightly against my feminine parts.

Standover clearance is important for men for reasons that are obvious. But I'm interested in hearing from other women who might have had success owning/riding bikes that are technically "too big" for them. Is this something that I can get away with?

Any advice/expertise is much appreciated. Thanks!

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Nice catch getting an RB-T Bridgestone. :)

If you clear the top tube while standing then there is no problem. You'll get used to what you need to do to 'safely' hop off your saddle at stop lights, etc. ;)

But- if that touring bike is a little large for you, the problem you might experience will be in too long a reach, which would make you feel like you are falling forward all the time. Lots of tweaks can help that, but sometimes the frame is just too darn big and all the tweaks in the world won't make it feel right.
But ride it a while and get used to it- the longer you ride the more you will be able to tell what might need adjusting. And when you change anything, only change ONE thing at a time so you can see the results accurately. Making multiple changes at once gets very confusing.

I wouldn't mind seeing a picture of that lugged Bridgestone beauty! Can you post one here? :)

If you check rivendell's website, they determine standover height using the actual pubic bone and don't count the soft tissues - so according to them, your bike's the perfect height for you.

I don't have much clearance on my road bikes, and I've never had a problem with it. I probably don't have clearance with my shoes off, but put on my shoes and that extra half inch or whatever's enough.

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

Nice catch getting an RB-T Bridgestone. :)

If you clear the top tube while standing then there is no problem. You'll get used to what you need to do to 'safely' hop off your saddle at stop lights, etc. ;)

But- if that touring bike is a little large for you, the problem you might experience will be in too long a reach, which would make you feel like you are falling forward all the time. Lots of tweaks can help that, but sometimes the frame is just too darn big and all the tweaks in the world won't make it feel right.
But ride it a while and get used to it- the longer you ride the more you will be able to tell what might need adjusting. And when you change anything, only change ONE thing at a time so you can see the results accurately. Making multiple changes at once gets very confusing.

I wouldn't mind seeing a picture of that lugged Bridgestone beauty! Can you post one here? :)

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Thanks.


It is indeed a great catch! So you understand why I'm trying really hard to make this work even though the frame might be a bit on the large side for me.

The stem is definitely too long and I felt some neck and shoulder strain on the brief rides I've taken so far. But I've got a 6cm Nitto Technomic stem on the way from Rivendell, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will alleviate those problems.

If not, I'll definitely do more tweaking, one at a time as you suggest, to get the best fit possible. (It'd break my heart to have to sell the bike.)

No access to any photos right now, but I'll post some as soon as I can. Thanks again!

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Originally Posted by Catriona

If you check rivendell's website, they determine standover height using the actual pubic bone and don't count the soft tissues - so according to them, your bike's the perfect height for you.

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Interesting (and very different from any conventional "wisdom" I've heard/read on the topic). Thanks for pointing that out; I hadn't seen it before!

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Originally Posted by venacava

Interesting (and very different from any conventional "wisdom" I've heard/read on the topic). Thanks for pointing that out; I hadn't seen it before!

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If you were asking about a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike, I'd say you definitely need clearance.

But for a road bike, as long as you can make that top tube and the other gemoetry fit you, then you'll probably be fine. If you wanted to race the bike and needed to get down into an aero tuck, then you'd want something smaller - but for a more upright type posture a bigger frame generally will work.

I tend to ride the largest frames that I can still fit - just because I don't like the 73.5 or 74 degree seat tube angles they put on smaller bike frames. So typically my seat's about even in height with my handlebars, and I'm sitting fairly upright. But I don't race.

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Originally Posted by Catriona

But for a road bike, as long as you can make that top tube and the other gemoetry fit you, then you'll probably be fine. If you wanted to race the bike and needed to get down into an aero tuck, then you'd want something smaller - but for a more upright type posture a bigger frame generally will work.

I tend to ride the largest frames that I can still fit - just because I don't like the 73.5 or 74 degree seat tube angles they put on smaller bike frames. So typically my seat's about even in height with my handlebars, and I'm sitting fairly upright. But I don't race.

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This is going to be used for light touring, commuting, and riding around the city...no racing...so it'll work for those purposes (thankfully!). Now I'm just waiting for that nice, short stem to arrive in the mail...I think that will be the real test.

If the stem alone doesn't cut it, you might check into some short drop shallow reach bars. Could help. I decided that there was not enough help for my too big frame, thus I'm starting over with a new ride. But, I certainly understand you wanting to keep a great find.

Also, just be really aware about the hop off in traffic at your stop lights and hill climbs that get too steep. That can be some major pain for ladies just like men. Been there. I know this would sound yucky looking to put on the beautiful bike, but some bmx bikes have a foam wrap pad on the top tube for whoops/ouch cushion. Just if you got desperate, an idea.

Also, did you have shoes on when assessing this lady bits touching the TT? Or barefoot? If barefoot, the shoe will help a smidge. Plus, what has been posted is what I learned from my fitter... one's "cycling inseam" for clearing a bike is different than you "pant's inseam" clearance.

I don't know if you have had a formal measuring fitting or not. But, the ones I got recently measure the "cycling" inseam by pressing a leveling type tool *very firmly* into the crotch--then take the measurement for SO clearance. The pressure is suppose to be equal that of sitting on a bicycle seat. Which makes sense for legs on the bike. And not so much pain just brushing the bits w/a short chamois on, vs straddling the TT like a gymnastics bar non-weight bearing.

:)Best wishes for safe and happy riding on the new addition!

EDIT ADD: Also, if you don't already know this the stem length can affect the handling performance of the bike. Like shorter the stem, the quicker the steering. Plus, if the bike is biggish already to "man-handle" (how I felt w/mine) trying to add tight steering on top of it can cause some unstable feeling. Just something to know/think about once you get the short stem on.

The test is can you clear the top tube with cycling shoes on. I would guess if you barely can without you can with. You may even consider mountain shoes for that reason. If you have an inch you are fine.

Reach is another matter. 6cm is short for a stem, 8-9 cm would be better if you could be comortable. If you could also shorten the reach of the bar that's even better than jus the stem. The bontrager fit, salsa poco, and 3T ergonova are some popular choices for short reach bars. I use a 9 cm stem with an ergonava bar and love it.

For years I rode a 58 cm frame when my ideal is 54, though I wasn't actually touching the top tube when straddling it. If you're actually touching the top tube on flat ground in cycling shoes, then I think riding this frame is a bit risky. If shoes give you a smidge of clearance, you can probably ride it with proper caution. Note that you give yourself more clearance by leaning the bike while stopped at a stop light. But the main concern is stopping on hills, because the bike will be parallel to the ground and you'll be perpendicular to gravity, noticeably decreasing your clearance. So go test your clearance on hills to make the most informed decision.

Thanks everyone for your input and for sharing your experiences.

After receiving the stem in the mail and spending some time at my neighborhood's bike co-op (quick plug for Arlington VA's wonderful Phoenix Bike Shop; www.phoenixbikes.org) installing it (as well as switching out the down tube shifters for bar-ends), I took it on a five mile test ride today. I can confidently say that the new stem makes a world of difference; I felt no neck or shoulder pain after five miles (whereas with the old stem my neck and shoulders were feeling it after just one).

I had initially tested the standover height in my bare feet, but with my MTB shoes on there's a good inch of clearance between the top tube and my pubic bone. (Hope Grant Petersen doesn't see this thread and find out that I plan to wear Cycling Shoes when riding one of his bikes; oh the sacrilege!)

I don't think the top tube pad is a bad idea at all, and might consider getting one as a just-in-case bulwark.

It'll take a little getting used to, but I think it's going to work out ultimately!

As promised, I'm posting a photo of the beaut. Thanks again for your advice and opinions.

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Originally Posted by Catriona

If you check rivendell's website, they determine standover height using the actual pubic bone and don't count the soft tissues - so according to them, your bike's the perfect height for you.

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hmm I define standover as the location of my ovaries. this may be a problem someday.

madscot -- funny :p.

Vena cava -- congrats on a beautiful bike! Wow -- it's really pretty. Many happy miles :).

You may want to tweak the bar/hood position a bit -- that looks like a hard position to brake from, esp in the drops!

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Originally Posted by liza

madscot -- funny :p.

Vena cava -- congrats on a beautiful bike! Wow -- it's really pretty. Many happy miles :).

You may want to tweak the bar/hood position a bit -- that looks like a hard position to brake from, esp in the drops!

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Thanks! That's a comfortable bar position for me, perhaps because my default hand position is right on the hoods.

Beautiful bike!!! I'm glad it's going to work out for you, because it would be a shame for you to have to give it up after finding such a great bike. :)

Oooh, she's pretty! She and Fern should get together for a playdate! How do you like the barend shifters?

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Originally Posted by mayanorange

Oooh, she's pretty! She and Fern should get together for a playdate! How do you like the barend shifters?

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I love them! I installed them myself (the previous owner used downtube shifters) and they make me proud.

If she ever makes it to MA, I'll contact you!

It's pretty, but judging from how low your saddle is, probably simply too big. One day you probably will want a new bike....

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Originally Posted by alpinerabbit

It's pretty, but judging from how low your saddle is, probably simply too big. One day you probably will want a new bike....

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You make me want to put my hands over my ears and go "la la la la la la la".

It's definitely the biggest bike I own (and since it's become my main ride over the last couple of weeks and my body has been growing more and more accustomed to it, my other bikes now feel too small for me...imagine that). But it's caused me no pain so far. The real test will be this weekend when I take it for its first long-long ride.

About the position of shifters. :confused:
To me, they are a little bit higher. I imagine that it will be very difficult for me to apply brakes with my hands either on hoods or on the drops, especially when going downhill.

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Originally Posted by wildeny

About the position of shifters. :confused:

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:confused: I'm assuming you meant to write "position of <i>brakes</i>", as bar-ends are bar-ends, and they can only have one position...on the ends of the bars.

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Originally Posted by wildeny

To me, they are a little bit higher. I imagine that it will be very difficult for me to apply brakes with my hands either on hoods or on the drops, especially when going downhill.

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As I said before, hands-on-hoods is my default position; I apply brakes from that angle all the time.

Thought I'd post an update on this, for those who may be interested...

I took the RB-T for its first long-ish ride last weekend (70 miles one way, then 70 miles home two days later). Everything went superbly, with the exception of fatigue in the part of me where my neck meets my shoulders. "Oh no," I thought. "The new stem didn't have the effect I was hoping for; this frame really is too big; I'm never going to be able to make it work; buyer's remorse wah wah wah" and so on.

Then I remembered that several years ago, when I bought my first road bike, I was feeling pain in the exact same part of my body. BUT that bike was closer to the correct size for me (52 cm). So I figured that if the RB-T hurt in the exact same place, the problem wasn't the frame size.

THEN I remembered that I took that road bike to an LBS for a fitting, and the woman who fit me determined that the handlebars were too wide for me. I had the bars switched out, she made a few other adjustments, and the pain went away.

So I measured the RB-T's bars, and they were 4 cm wider than the bars on my road bike. I took the bars off of the RB-T and replaced them with a (significantly narrower) pair of SR World Randonneur bars that I had lying around. So far, so good on the couple of short rides that I've taken with the new bars. I guess the real test will come when I take it on it's NEXT long ride, though :D

Happy riding.

Is this a 53cm? I have a 50cm in beautiful shape and am looking to purchase or trade for a 53cm. would be willing to swap frames.