Question about bike size

[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

[elk]

I also think I'm getting more limber and confident so my seat post is going up higher....maybe I'm stretching!!

ALthough I am ---knock wood--- pretty darn flexible for someone my age and size.

Still...I really was kind of shocked when every salesperson put me on a bike that was bigger than I thought I would need...no matter what the brand...Trek, Specialized, Electra... (I sure liked that Amsterdam...)

I took a size 18 Trek home and dicovered I felt really cramped on it. (thus I took it back..) When I rode the Globe....I knew it was the one...;-)

[VeloVT]

Teresa, I'm not going to attempt to diagnose your fit over the internet (not that I'm qualified to even do that in person !). But I have a Bianchi Axis and I just wanted to share that the Bianchi-branded seatpost that came on it is a PITA to adjust. The only way to adjust tilt, on mine, was to increase setback, requiring a corresponding change in the clamp/rails position (that is, to get the saddle flatter, you had to move the plate that grips the rails back along the canted end of the seatpost -- this is a bit hard to describe I guess, but to get the tilt I wanted I had to push the saddle back a couple of inches, requiring it to be pushed forward all the way on the rails...). If you have the same one, it's really a poor design. I switched mine out for a Thomson and I'm glad I did.

[teresa]

I agree. I think I am going to do the same. Thank you!