Quote Originally Posted by Aymi View Post
I am 5'10" and have a long torso but average size legs. My arms are fairly long also. My bike is a size L, large. The stand over height on my bike seems to be fine, my toes barely touch when I am on the saddle. However, I am thinking that maybe my reach to the handlebars is too short, and maybe the tube should be longer. I feel a little scrunched. I a wondering if maybe I should have gone with a men's bike. As I have been riding more often, I am wondering if I should try to sell mine and look for something else, maybe an XL or a men's bike if I could get a better fit. Or may even stick it out on this for a while longer, and just get a road bike in the future. I really like the Specialized though. Any thoughts on size? I guess I just don't want to be riding with bad form or have it end up hurting my back. I mostly ride on paved roads, and paths. Thanks for any input!!
I agree fit would probably help at lot. I started on a Specialized Vita Elite Large size frame and I am 5'7" but I have longer legs than I should. The Vita is a more upright type feel to the bike and not like a road bike. I switched to a Specialized Ruby Elite this year and ended up needing an XL frame in that bike, but with a shorter stem. I don't feel scrunched any more either, but mainly because the road bike is different overall from the hybrid. I would suggest finding a really good fitter BEFORE you purchase a road bike (wish I had gone this route) and have your measurements taken as if you were going to order a custom frame (not cheap for this type of fit but comfort in the end is well worth it) so you can see which bike geometries may fit you best. I have had the same issues and determined that money spent for a good fitter as well as time riding various demo bikes (ask your LBS what they have you can borrow for a weekend) is better than just riding across the parking lot to see if you like the bike. For example I loved the parking lot ride of one road bike I tested, however after borrowing it for a demo weekend, I noticed that after 10 miles there was no way that bike was right for me. Good luck.