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

[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.

[alpinerabbit]

yeah the active debate - Cervelo seems to think WSD is not necessary, but small people specific design is. Google it or search it on this forum.

[ttaylor508]

I have a WSD bike now and don't know if I would go for another one. It is comfortable, but I think a men's frame might fit me better. I am pretty proportional as far as my torso and legs go. I am just a tad under 5'4". I actually had to go up a size in the WSD bike because I was too cramped up on the smaller one and had to set the seat back all the way in order to get proper reach. Anyhow, you just need to try them and go for a LONG test ride to tell if the bike is right for you. Good luck

[SadieKate]

. . . but small people specific design is. Google it or search it on this forum.

Well said.

[ehirsch83]

It all has to do with what you are looking for also. I technically have the build for a WSD but I wanted a more aggressive,compact bike for racing. I decided to go with a man's bike(I used to have a WSD so I have tried it). I went down a frame size but my seat post is up at the limit line, it gives me an extremely aggressive position. I could of gotten a WSD but bike companies do not upgrade the quality of their women's frames when they do the men's. They just don't sell enough to make it worth it. So... if you really want an aggressive frame I would say go for a smaller version in a men's frame. But... if you want to be a little more relaxed then definitaly go for the WSD b/c it will do everything you want it to do.

[Norse]

I am 5' 5" with short legs and a long torso and long arms. When I went shopping for my current road bike, it did not take me, or the guys at the LBO's, long to figure out that WSD is not for me.