Average sized rider can't find the right fit

[etack]

I am long-waisted, with a long torso and average legs. I have tried twice to get on a men's bike and twice was re-directed to the WSD. It is the reach that feels too short or too long. The bars feel very close with the 51. They're better with the 54 but I worry about my neck, which is my problem spot.

[indysteel]

I would try a longer stem on the 51. I'm long waisted and 5'4. I have one bike that's a 50 and another that's 49, so a 51 for your height doesn't strike me as "wrong." You can lengthen your reach, too, with different bars.In the end, it's easier to make a bike bigger than it is to make it smaller.

[Cataboo]

I am long-waisted, with a long torso and average legs. I have tried twice to get on a men's bike and twice was re-directed to the WSD. It is the reach that feels too short or too long. The bars feel very close with the 51. They're better with the 54 but I worry about my neck, which is my problem spot.

Have you managed to get on the mens bike to try? I'm 5'1 with short legs/long torso - I have been sold WSD bikes before that I ended up not riding jus because they didn't fit right. I do a lot better on a mens bike. Shops aren't always great at realizing that WSD isn't for all women. At 5'1 - I can ride a men's 50 cm, but generally end up riding a 48 cm bike. So with your height, I think you should be on a 51 or a 50 instead of a 54. The bf's 5'6 and he rides a mens 53 - which is border line too big for him (he's 5'6 with a 33 inch inseam, and should probably be riding WSDs)

[KnottedYet]

I have tried twice to get on a men's bike and twice was re-directed to the WSD.

If your shop won't even let you try a standard bike, I'd switch shops.

(I'm also a chickie with a very long torso, and WSD don't fit me at all. Exactly as you describe.)

[ridebikeme]

I agree with Knot, if you aren't able to try a standard size bike... I'd have to look elsewhere. I am 5'5" and ride a standard bike. Like some of you, I have a long torso and short legs. Anytime I have tried to ride a WSD it simply isn't comfortable... at least for me.

Like so many others have suggested, try several bikes/brands BEFORE buying. The bike should fit YOU and not be something that someone is trying to sell because it's a carryover or the one and only. NOt all women fit on womens bikes.... we certainly don't wear all of the same brand of shoes, helmets, etc... so shops shouldn't assume that we all can ride WSD bikes comfortably.
Good luck!

[moderncyclista]

I am 5'3'' and ride a standard (a.k.a. not WSD) geometry 520. I used to own a WSD bike and hated it - my hands went numb because the top-tube wasn't long enough and too much pressure was being exerted on my arms/shoulders. If your torso is longer than your legs WSD might be wrong for you. Hop on all types of bikes - WSD or not. That is the only way to ensure that you'll be satisfied in the end. Best of luck to you!

[Melalvai]

I am 5'5" (half-inch shorter than you). I ride a Trek WSD 7.3FX 17". It fits me very well, except I got a longer stem for it and my wrists were grateful. Good luck finding the right fit!

edit: I have the opposite proportions as you: long legs and shorter torso.

[MartianDestiny]

I am long-waisted, with a long torso and average legs. I have tried twice to get on a men's bike and twice was re-directed to the WSD. It is the reach that feels too short or too long. The bars feel very close with the 51. They're better with the 54 but I worry about my neck, which is my problem spot.

If you have a long torso and average legs a WSD bike was not made for you. You can probably make one fit (especially if they came in a 52 or 53), but there is no reason you shouldn't be also riding "men's" bikes (especially since, at least in Specialized the corresponding men's line fills that needed 52 gap).

If the shop is refusing to let you test ride "men's" frames they don't truly understand fitting. I'd run for the hills. In fact *I* would never set foot back in the store actually.

Stand your ground. Insist on being able to test ride the "men's" 52. Or walk away and find another store with another brand whose sizing fits you better (either in "men's" or "WSD").

THIS is why I hate these terms!!! Screws people out of bikes that would fit better, especially if the shop is less than stellar.


Side note: Small stem length/angle changes and bar swaps can make a large difference in the feel of the bike. A GOOD bike shop will swap stems around for you during test rides especially if something is feeling just a hair long or short to you.

Sounds like you really might be in between sizes in the WSD specialized stuff, however.