Quote Originally Posted by ibike2 View Post
I currently am riding a 54; tried out a man's 48 (which felt very small); and a womens 51 - specialized (which did not feel big small at all)?

The salesperson mentioned that she would put me on a 50-52 womens bike, just by looking at my heighth? I have long legs, arms, and a short torso. I was totally suprised to hear her say that. Now she's got me thinking....

When buying my first bike, they insisted that my bike size was a 54. At that time I would not have known to question anything.

Thank you all for sharing.
Based on numbers, I was also told by several different sources that a 54 was the right size for me. Tried several different ones from Jamis and from Giant and none felt right. Finally the tech asked me "who told you a 54 was right? Just humor me an TRY a 51 because in looking at you ride and listening to your comments I think the 54 is too big". Bazinga! The guy was totally right and the 51 was correct for me.

Since this experience, I've been very reluctant to buy a bike without testing it out in person first.