Quote Originally Posted by GrassyRidge View Post
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I went to the local bike store to take a look and figure out what size I need. I'm 5-8 to 5-9 and they fitted me on a 17 inch frame. I tend to have long legs, always have to buy my pants in long. Does this sound like the right size bike?
I'm 5' 6" with porportionately shorter legs and test rode a 7.2 FX recently. I found the 17.5 (men's) frame comfortable. It sounds like the 19 inch would be a better fit for your height. Some bike shops will put you on just about anything they have in the store and leave it to you to figure out whether it 'fits' or not. I had one shop tell me last year that 48 cm road bike was the 'right' size for me. It felt cramped and I walked away-after he also tried to have me climb on another bike that was obviously too large. I later bought the same model road bike in a 54 cm and it's perfect.

A good shop will be attentive to you and take good care of you throughout the process, whether you are buying a $300 bike or one costing thousands.