Quote Originally Posted by elk View Post
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