Am I too short for my new bike? Pls help

[NurseRichelle]

The ride overall on the bike is pretty comfortable. I do have a longer torso as compared to my inseam. I don't find myself stretching for the handle bars. I have a comfortable bend at the elbows. The shop owner did suggest a straight handle bar at first, so that I can shift gears easier with my short stubby fingers. As I get used to being on a bike again, the owner of the shop will swap out the pedals for cleats and change the handle bars free of charge.
Being a new rider, I think my shoulders and hands are getting a workout because I'm so tense. I find myself gripping the handle bars so tight especially when going down hill. I haven't been on a bike in over 16 years! I just have to keep riding to build that confidence up. I love the sport and I especially enjoy riding alongside my pops! He's been riding for over 40 plus years. Although, my dad reassured me that not having that one inch clearance was fine; I just couldn't shake what a random gentleman said to me outside the shop. He said, "You should have a one inch clearance just in case you need to make an EMERGENCY stop. You feet should be flat on the ground when standing over your bike."

[tulip]

Sounds like your dad has a good head for bike things.

Strengthen your core to help with the death grip. And relax. It's supposed to be fun!

You might want to consider smaller brake levers. Ask the shop about them.

Have fun on your new bike!

[Biciclista]

years. Although, my dad reassured me that not having that one inch clearance was fine; I just couldn't shake what a random gentleman said to me outside the shop. He said, "You should have a one inch clearance just in case you need to make an EMERGENCY stop. You feet should be flat on the ground when standing over your bike."

I'd go with your father. I rode a bike for years that I couldn't straddle like that..

[FreudianSlip]

I just wanted to chip in because we're basically the same height (4'11") and I had the same concerns. I'm riding a Trek 7.3FX, so it's not a road bike, but I have no standover clearance either. At first it really unnerved me, but I don't even notice it anymore. I've only been riding since November, so I'm no expert. But the lack of clearance hasn't been a huge issue for me.

Now, that death grip on the other hand... I'm still trying to shake that off. Exercising the core does help a lot.

[Michelle T]

It's been awhile since you posted, but I had to chime in as I faced the same issue three months ago. I'm 4'10" and had a terrible time finding a bike that fit. I looked at a Trek 7.5 WSD, but was worried because I didn't have the 1-inch clearance. I bought the bike; I've been riding and have had to stop short a couple of times. The clearance is not an issue.

[Cataboo]

standover clearance is a bit more of an issue for guys than females, I think

[Tokie]

It's fun to read the blog "Small things considered" http://www.kerry-litka.com/main/wordpress/ by Kerry Litka, a former (female) pro cyclist for Terry. She is very petite too. ("freakishly small since 1976") tokie (at 5'1.5" I tower over you guys, and am still surprised when people refer to me as short. My motto is "being tall is overrated")