Question about bike size

[Kalidurga]

I'm 5'3" and whenever I talk to an LBS person about bike size, without mentioning what I currently ride, I'm immediately told that I need 49cm or less. I've also read and been told that top tube length is one of the main measurements you should be concerned with. The fact that you're uncomfortable in the shoulders and private areas might mean you're too stretched out by riding on a too-long top tube. When you say "private areas", do you mean the pubic area up front, or areas farther back? If the discomfort is forward, that sounds as if your weight might be too far forward, causing you to lean heavily on your handlebars and the front of your saddle.

All of the suggestions you've gotten here are possibilities, but it's hard to diagnose this stuff over the 'net. Can you either go back to the guy who fit you, or find someone to give you a second opinion on the fit? A good bike fitter should be able to help you figure out exactly what the issue is, as well as help you tweak your position on the bike.

[Eden]

Have to say I'm with Kali - there is not a very good way to say over the net whether or not the bike fits you, but a 50 does sound a bit large for someone who is 5'3" - now if you are long in the arm and torso, then that may well be quite right for you and some manufacturers measure differently, but your discomforts do sound a bit like an overy long top tube.

Do you feel stretched out, can you reach the handlebars/brakes/shifters comfortably while leaving a bend in your elbows - if your arms are straight out, elbows locked, thats a pretty good sign the frame may be too long.

Can you have someone take a photo of you sitting on the bike? (side view)

[rij73]

Just want to say that the virtual top tube on her bike is only 505, and it's a sloping geometry, so in this case a "50" is really not a 50. It matches the top tube length of the 48 Ruby.

I agree that over the net is not ideal. But, the bike *may* very well be the right size. It could just need a different stem, saddle, seat fore-aft adjustment, etc. Try to live with it a while to let your body adjust (except get a new saddle!), and then go back to the fitter you used or a different fitter if you are still uncomfortable.

I would also suggest trying the fit calculator at competitivecyclist.com My husband and I did that, and it turned out that both of us have perfectly fitting bikes that fall in the range of the suggestions the calculator came up with. It might help you get a better concept of how fit works and whether you are in the right ballpark.

[teresa]

Thanks so much for all of your responses. I did what is probably a stupid thing and traded bikes while out of town so going back to the store for additional fitting assistance is not an option. HOWEVER, I called him and described the situation and he is mailing me a new stem that will allow me to raise the handlebars just a smidge and shorten the reach. I don't think it is way too long but a little shorter stem will probably help a lot. (I hope) I usually lift weights but haven't for the last couple of weeks and that may be showing itself in my riding as well if my core is weakening. There is a new bike shop in town (I live in Burlington, N.C.) and the has a computerized measuring "thingy" that I may try out just out of curiosity. They also do comprehensive fittings so if I keep having problems, there is somewhere local to go.

This is so much fun. I am so grateful for this site. I would love to find a group of women who are also kinda slow compared to my husband who is forever leaving me to eat his dust to ride with so if any of you are close to Burlington, N.C. let me know!!

About the saddle, that is next on my list of purchases!

Teresa

[froglegs]

A shorter stem might help. I was pretty stretched out on my bike (which i got on ebay) so I went to my lbs and bought a stem that was 3cm shorter. They had it in their bin of used parts, so it cost about $10. It really made a big difference.

[elk]

I don't get it.....I am about 5'4" and my bike is a 53. I tried the bike out in several sizes at a really reputable shop and in the end, I got to pick either a 52" or 53" step through. I picked the step through.

I just had to switch my Brooks S (women's model) for a regular Brooks so I can push it back further on the rails...IOW, the bike is not too big for me..and I do NOT have long anythings..

numbers wise...I would have thought I would fit a 49...but it was way too small for me. And salespeople in 2 shops told me that. I'm just wondering what gives with bike sizes....

elk

[emily_in_nc]

I'm just wondering what gives with bike sizes....

Just like clothing sizes, every manufacturer measures differently! And, as far as bike fitting, we all have different proportions; some women of the same height have longer legs, some longer torso, some longer arms. Back and hip/pelvic flexibility and neck issues can also affect how comfortable we are with a longer reach to the bars. I personally prefer a shorter top tube than might be predicted by my height -- I am around 5'1.5" and know that some women my height ride 47 to 49 cm bikes, where I have to have WSD and have had a 17.5" Terry (44.5 cm, I think), and a 46 cm Aegis Swift that fit me (tho a 44 cm Swift would probably be better), and who knows what size my Bike Friday is! Stem length makes a difference too. You can ride a bike with a longer top tube if you're willing to use a shorter stem, which can compromise handling below a certain length (7-8 cm?)

So, the importance of test riding cannot be underestimated! Of course, I've bought two of my bikes on ebay, so I am not always one who practices what she preaches!

Emily