Do I Really Need A Wsd Bike - I'm 5'4"

[tchristinestt]

Hi,

I live in the Virgin Islands and want to start riding - first training then upgrade to some racing. I already swim, run and hike.
I'm 5'4", 105lbs but strong and fit for 46.

Problem is that I can't try a bike for proper fit. I have up to $800 to invest in a new bike. Can you help with suggestions on a good beginner/intermediate option. Novara, Trek, Specialized, K2, Cannondale?

I'm overwhelmed with all the options.

Thank you.

[Aggie_Ama]

There is a pretty active debate about WSD. I am 5'2" and it is definitely for me, I have a very short torso. Someone without a short torso wouldn't find it is necessary.

I am partial to Cannondale but Specialized is also a great brand. The Synapse Aluminum or Dolce would be a good starter bike,

[Cataboo]

WSDs are made for women who have long legs and a short torso... If you don't have long legs and a short torso, then a WSD is not necessarily going to fit you better or do you any good.

I'm 5'1 and by no stretch of the imagination do I have long legs... so I have 2 bikes which are not WSDs and they fit me fine.

[Eden]

Yup - its not about your height at all - its about body proportions... (so WSD is really a misnomer... there are occasionally men built with longer legs and short torsos)

That said, watch out, not all WSD bikes are that WSD... some have just ascribed to the "shrink it and pink it" model and haven't really put a lot of thought into the geometry. Actually getting on and trying bikes is really the only way to see if they are comfortable.

[bouncybouncy]

just to add a note...

I am short (5' 1/2") with short legs, short torso but long arms (yeah...monkey arms hehe) my road bike is WSD, commuter is not, mountain bike is not...and I spent time with a professional fitter for all of them!!! So it really does depend on alot of things and overall height is not at the top of the list.

have fun!!!

[tchristinestt]

thanks all - it really looks like I need to make a trip to bike shop and try a few.

[indigoiis]

I have a wsd Specialized Dolce and frankly I don't really like the fit. I'm 5'6 but have short legs and a long torso, and don't like being so upright on the bike. Because my legs are short they fitted me for a small frame (52) and I feel like my center of balance is more over the saddle than the center of the pedal. I have an old (also small) Giant cadex that stretches me way out and I can crank on that bike. The Specialized leaves me feeling tired. I don't think it's necessarily the brand - it's the geometry. Just not for me.

It's for sale, though, if you're interested. LOL. I'll include shipping for $600.

[tchristinestt]

Interesting - thank you.
I have long legs but not a short torso either!!?? So from your reply I could get a way with a men's bike.

[tchristinestt]

Thanks Eden,

That is my problem, trying bikes for fit.

[SadieKate]

There is a pretty active debate about WSD. I am 5'2" and it is definitely for me, I have a very short torso. Someone without a short torso wouldn't find it is necessary.

At 5'3", I have long legs and a short torso but never owned a WSD bike nor is one necessary. My arms are long (yes, I have been compared to a chimpanzee). Matter of fact, I swapped out my bars on my Spectrum yesterday from compacts to traditional which you would rarely see on a mass-produced WSD bike. The woman who helped me fine tune the fit is the one responsible for Felt's women's bikes. She agreed that a compact bar which is frequently put on WSD bikes or marketed to women is totally inappropriate for someone of my short height with long arms.

It's the fit that's important - not the label. Labels are misleading.

[ilima]

I'm 5'4.5" with longish arms and legs and I don't need a WSD, although this isn't to say I would reject one out of hand.

I ride a 49cm unisex/men's bike. I do use a shortish stem 80mm and short reach bars. I don't use a setback seatpost, but my seat is about as far back as it can go with the non-setback post (and I probably should get a setback seatpost).