Quote Originally Posted by Eden View Post
It can be hard to find really little frames, I know I went through it a few years ago, but more manufacuters are making small bikes in more models these days so there is hope. When you look around on the internet and compare frame geometries, one of the more important measurements for us folks with short torso/arms you'll want to look at is the effective top tube. The smaller that number the shorter the reach..
I agree that top tube measurement is important, but don't ignore seat tube angle. Many manufacturers when they shorten the top tube, steepen the seat tube, but that effectively lengthens the reach, assuming you need to then jack your saddle further back to get the same KOP meausrement. So, when you compare TTs, be sure to add 1cm for each degree increase in STA to get a comparison of reach. Another thing to watch for is very slack head tube angles. This eliminates toe clip overlap, but makes the bike super stable. The trails on many small womens frames are in excess of 6 which is too stable for my liking, but YMMV.