Frame Size Question

First off, nice to see that this forum even exist. :-)

I plan on purchasing a Trek 1000 WSD and was told by my local bike shop mechanic that a size 47 frame would suit me best. He came to this conclusion fairly quickly, glancing at me, and then having me sit on the bike for about 5 seconds.

Not that I'm doubting his expertise (okay, so I am), but I was just wondering if you all think a size 47 frame would fit someone who's about 5'5, weighs about 125, and has normal size limbs?

Thanks for any help and for your time.

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Originally Posted by Geyser

First off, nice to see that this forum even exist. :-)

I plan on purchasing a Trek 1000 WSD and was told by my local bike shop mechanic that a size 47 frame would suit me best. He came to this conclusion fairly quickly, glancing at me, and then having me sit on the bike for about 5 seconds.

Not that I'm doubting his expertise (okay, so I am), but I was just wondering if you all think a size 47 frame would fit someone who's about 5'5, weighs about 125, and has normal size limbs?

Thanks for any help and for your time.

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I really have no idea but I am 5'3" and was told the same size (47). The main thing they seemed to be concerned with was whether I could straddle the bar with a bit of space to spare....

barb

Hmmm, I'm 5 feet (no inches) tall and I ride a Trek 2000 size 47. We're all built differently, but there is a 5 inch difference between us! Unless you have very short legs and a long torso (which is what I have) I'd say this bike a bit small for you.

What's your inseam? The Trek website says the standover height for this bike is 28 inches. Is your inseam close to this number? If your inseam is greater, then try the next size up.

There are certainly some differences in sizing throughout the range of bike manufacturers... however I'm 5'5" and I ride a 50 centimeter bike. You might compare sizing throughout some of the top brands and also get another opinion/test ride some bikes. Perhaps the best idea would be to get a bike fit, although can be somewhat costly... worth it in the long run.

I'm 5'6" and ride a 54. As others have said - we are all built differently. Test ride as many bikes as you can and a couple of different sizes of the same bike. I was test riding 50/51s of 2 bikes that I had narrowed my choices to and still didn't feel quite right. We tried a 54 and walla - it fit! Now - a 54 on other makes of bike - not good. The geometries can really vary, especially if you're looking at WSD and unisex bikes. Good luck!

I am 5 2½ and ride a Trek 47cm. My LBS did a very extensive measure/fit kit to determine the size I need. My experience with my former LBS was similar to yours - if you can stand over it, you can ride it, eyeball type of fit. I ended up with a bike that was too big. In your case, you may be ending up with a bike that is too small. Either way, fit is very important. I think I would go to LBS where they took some measurements and did a proper fit. Jus my $.02:) Good luck with your bike shopping.

I would be very concerned if a bike shop ordered me a bike based solely on me standing over the bike for a few minutes. While standover is one measurement there are so many more that help select which bike frame would suit you best. More important than standover is "reach" in other words whether or not you can reach the handlebars, shifters and brakes comfortably. If the shop is not willing to do a full "fitting" before you order and purchase a bike I would try another shop or at least insist they do a fitting. A 47 inch frame is very small. In addition, how do you know you are suited with a women's specific frame? Not all women (myself included) benefit from a WSD frame. Anyway a bike purchase should never be a rushed decision. If the shop won't do a proper fitting find someone that will and make sure you get the right size bike.

I agree bcipam, I don't think it's fair to compare people based on height and frame size since it's less height related, more based on your leg length and your torso length. There are people with short legs and long torso and long legs and short torsos...they could all be 5'4, but would fit totally differently on bikes.

The salesperson at my LBS spent a LOT of time with me fitting me properly on different bikes and in the end its what feels most comfortable when you're on the bike. The salesperson told me I had the longest femurs he'd ever seen on a woman...something someone also told me in the 7th grade and hadn't heard since then...I'm still wondering if it's a compliment.

I would be very suspcicous. Perhaps what is really going on is they have a 47cm bike they are trying to sell. It would not be unreasonable for this bike to fit you, but you'd want to have been put through a more extensive fit process before accepting this. FYI, in a trek I am a 51cm and 5'4" tall. Are there other shops in your area that are better on fitting?

oh my..... standover is NOT a good indicator for fit!!!!! do NOT pay for that bike until you are 100% sure it FITS you! and without a bunch of modications!

better yet... find a bike shop that will take the time to fit you! i'm 5'3" and ride a 48cm bike!

When I went to be fitted for my road bike they measured my arms, my torso, my legs as well as my height.Then they put me on a machine with a bar between my legs to get the right fit there.Then he put in all info into a computer and from that he moved forward to telling me what size I needed (which was smaller than he had antisipated by just looking at me). Then he put me on the trainer and made more adjustments to the seat as well as having me practice clipping in and out several times. The WHOLE process of fitting me, finding the right size bike and test riding it, shoe fitting, doing the trainer took about 2 hours total. I felt like they took their time to really get the bike adjusted to be a perfect fit for me. They told me the importance of a great fit and how people (new to riding bikes) stop riding because often they've bought a bike at WalMart that's too big for themselves and therefore are uncomfortable riding and they quit after a while. They stressed it should take a good bike shop about an hour or maybe more to properly fit a NEW rider.

I agree - do make sure that the shop fits you properly. Some shops will charge you for a real fit (which is reasonable because it takes a long time, but will throw it in for free if you buy the bike there. Don't buy the bike if all they are doing is eyeballing the fit. Find another shop - or maybe even another salesperson at the shop.

Yes..definitely see if they'll do a full fit for you! I'm 5'4" and the 47cm Trek WSD was actually too big for me! :eek: I was test riding a 51cm Specialized because I could stand over the top tube (compact frame) and when I asked the shop if the 44cm I ordered would be too small, he showed me how my reach measurement compared to the top tube/stem combo measurement. I truly needed the 44cm...even with a long torso (I have short arms).

There are just WAY too many options to eyeball it! After riding for a year on a bike that was much too big for me, I cannot emphasize enough how important fit is...

It's ok Geyser - doubt his expertise. Someone who "looks at you", has you sit on a bike for a brief period of time and then tells you the frame size you need, is just guessing. Any good LBS will give you a bike fit and they should do it without charging you if you're having it done in order to buy a bike. Especially a higher end bike. I would either find another bike shop or find someone else at that LBS that inspires more confidence in you.

After all, you won't ride a bike that doesn't fit AND....it's YOUR money! :D



PS: there's a thread under open titled "getting to know you". Gives you a chance to learn more about us and tell us more about you!! and welcome to the board!

hey Geyser - have to say that I unequivocally and very emphatically agree full-on (is that definite enough?!) with CorsairMac and all others who recommend a professional bike fit. Can't emphasize enough how important it is to have that process not be avoided, shortened or not done properly and, from your account of the guy at the bike shop, you definitely did NOT experience any part of a proper bike fitting experience! If you buy a bike that doesn't fit you, yes then there are some ways that you can tinker with it to improve it, but why not start out with a better frame fit, so that you're comfortable on your bike from the start? That way, you'll continue to ride and enjoy it, to boot - all good goals, eh?
You're totally right to doubt that salesperson, as I don't read any expertise in what you told us about his "customer service" to you - although I would hardly call it service at all...keep asking questions, keep learning about what works best for YOU and keep insisting on getting better served by so-called cycling professionals, as the ones who truly have expertise wouldn't make that kind of a recommendation to you after only eye-balling you on/near a bike for a few minutes; that's just bogus, IMHO!
Tailwinds!
Mary

I didn't get a bike fit.
I've spent weeks adjusting this
lowering that
raising this
oh dear it's a bit hard to reach the brakes
my knee's a bit achey
raise this
adjust that bit
throw in a bit of "BUT THE SEAT'S TOO HIGH! It's SCARY! leave it where I put it!" from me...
I'm a bit thick skulled so I'll just chalk it up as a learning experience. There's also been no really serious issues with discomfort so far <other than my poor sit bones> But it's not one I'd suggest to someone I liked. Just thought I'd chime in with the voice of <in>experience.

Geyser,

Great advice here! I'll also throw in my two cents.

I'm a little over 5' 1" and I ride a 47cm Trek WSD frame. When I was buying it, they measured me and said I could go with the next size up, but that the top tube would be a little long for me.

Since you're 5' 5" and have normal proportions, would it be possible to try the next size up in WSD (51) and a men's 50cm before making your decision and having the shop order it? Also, could they measure you and see what the Fit Kit recommendations are based on your measurements?

Good luck, and enjoy shopping!!

-- Melissa

geyser, You've got great instincts to doubt that advice! Go to a shop that will spend time with you and get a bike fit! Many shops may charge for it, but will deduct the cost of the bike fit from the bike you purchase from them.

the most important part of bike fit on a road bike IS NOT the standover height, but the top tube length on a bike. Every bike has a different top tube length. this determines reach and ability to control the bike. Each bicycle manufacturer is meant to have a different range of stem lengths for optimal riding. (For ex: colnago: longer stems: from 100-120 is best to handle the bike; I ride a 49 colnago, top tube length of 51 and the stem is a 110. My upper body is longer than my legs, thus--a WSD bike does not fit me well).

also, WSD usually means (as far as frame only) that the top tube is more compact than a "standard" bike.

This is probably more info than you need, but I Hope it helps!!!

re: LONG FEMURS: I was told by my old boss (a former racer) that longer femurs make for better climbers. (the type that less likely need to get out of the saddle).

Keep us posted!

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Originally Posted by stella

re: LONG FEMURS: I was told by my old boss (a former racer) that longer femurs make for better climbers. (the type that less likely need to get out of the saddle).

Keep us posted!

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Thanks, Stella, I appreciate your insight into those comments. Now I know to thank someone next time they tell me that! Now if I can just live up to this good climber thing...

It all depends on your personal geometry and that of the bike. I'm 5'3.5" with a 30" inseam and I ride a 53cm Orbea and it is perfect for me.

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Originally Posted by Shimpie

Hmmm, I'm 5 feet (no inches) tall and I ride a Trek 2000 size 47. We're all built differently, but there is a 5 inch difference between us! Unless you have very short legs and a long torso (which is what I have) I'd say this bike a bit small for you.

What's your inseam? The Trek website says the standover height for this bike is 28 inches. Is your inseam close to this number? If your inseam is greater, then try the next size up.

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Yes, my inseam is around 28, but it looks like I'll definitely take everyone's advice here (btw, thanks!) and actually get properly measured for the bike.

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Originally Posted by melissam

Geyser,

Great advice here! I'll also throw in my two cents.

I'm a little over 5' 1" and I ride a 47cm Trek WSD frame. When I was buying it, they measured me and said I could go with the next size up, but that the top tube would be a little long for me.

Since you're 5' 5" and have normal proportions, would it be possible to try the next size up in WSD (51) and a men's 50cm before making your decision and having the shop order it? Also, could they measure you and see what the Fit Kit recommendations are based on your measurements?

Good luck, and enjoy shopping!!

-- Melissa

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Melissa, I'll test out the next size up and also a men's version tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.

Thanks Barb, Shimpie, ridebikeme, fishdr, brok, bcipam, CycleChic06, Triskeliongirl, caligurl, rivergrl, GLC1968, CorsairMac, MM_QFC!, Dianyla, JoyfulGirl, Melissa, and Stella. I'll go back to the shop tomorrow and ask (someone else) for a proper fitting. Fortunately, I live in a bicycle friendly town and can venture over to about 4 or 5 more shops, if I need more or better assistance. Cheers and thanks again! ;-)

Geyser,

So, how did it go? Did you get to go to any of the shops and try out the bikes? Did you find your dream bike?

Enquiring minds want to know! ;)

-- Melissa