Question about bike size

[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!

[michelem]

Teresa,

I am approx. 5'2" and my bike fitter recommended the 47cm Bianchi Dama She with an 80mm adjustable stem for a more upright position. When I got to Italy, I was provided with a 44cm. Although they did install my 80mm stem, I felt horribly crunched up for the entirety of our tour. I do believe the 47cm would have been the correct fit.

All that to say, get a professional fitting.

Good luck to you!

[michelem]

P.S. I ride the 48cm Specialized Ruby with an 80mm stem and I love the fit.