Am I too short for my new bike? Pls help

[socalgal59]

Ideally, industry standards say there should be between 2-4 inches of clearance between you and the top tube. But proper fit is determined by more than the clearance between you and the top tube. In truth, the key is not how much clearance you have when you stand over the bike, but whether you properly fitted in the riding position on the bike.

Proper fitted riding position is key as that determines how much force you can efficiently deliver to the pedals. Moreover, proper fitted riding position is paramount to your level of comfort--which affects your efficiency and power in the long term as you ride. The more comfortable you are, the more efficient you ride; the less comfortable you are, the less efficient you ride.

You and the bike are in contact at three points:

Hands: handlebars

Feet: pedals

Gluteus Maximus: saddle

Where your knees, chin and shoulders line up over the bike, will be completely different from some your same height; accordingly, someone you same height, will have the handlebars, pedals, and saddles adjusted differently. So it’s imperative that the bike be fitted to you. Ideally you want a certified specialists to fit the bike to you. If the store owner isn’t a certified specialist, check around. Yes, will have to pay for the service at another store since you didn’t purchase the bike there, but in the long run it’s worth it. One of the ill-effects of riding a bike not properly fitted is injury.

[bellarosa]

It's always a stressful not knowing the exact size of bike to purchase. Fit is everything. If you don't have a proper fit, you will be doing yourself harm in the long run . . . .no matter how good of a deal you got on your current ride.

I would be happy to send you over one of our fit forms and see how close you are to the proper fit/size. Let me know if you are interested and I would be happy to help.