42 and new to cycling

[Catrin]

That is an issue. I've tried other bikes that are the same size (48) but not that specific bike. I'm limited to buying online (due to the fact that I have an account I can charge it to with no interest for a year) or I can wait until Feb when I'll have cash and get something else.

Welcome to TE and to your continued personal journey! Good for you for taking this on - I waited until I was 50 myself. It is an exciting and rewarding adventure to find both fitness and new activities that both engage and connect us.

Sadly, there isn't consistent sizing across bike companies, so a "size 48" in one brand can be rather different than a size 48 in another. Bike fit is very important, if it doesn't fit properly, then it will hurt and you won't ride/like it.

Do you know what your inseam is? For bike fit, that is the measurement from your crotch to the ground. What other bikes did you try in a 48? How did they feel? We could help you compare the geometry of the bikes you tried that were a size 48 with the geometry of the Diamondback to see if they are similar.