WSD or not. What's a short girl to do???

[JuneHawk]

Of course stand-over height is important but if there is one dimension that is "most important", it is top tube length. If that dimension if off then you will have the never ending battle of moving your saddle all the way forward or all the way back and/or having to ride a super short stem that will throw off balance and handling.

I know it is very hard to find many bikes in stock that you can ride. Stores just don't stock lots of 44cm, 48cm bikes. And at 5'2" I'm betting that is where you will end up. Get all your dimensions, do your web homework and then be willing to drive to some non-local shops if you have to. Or, try to attend some larger bike rides or events where you might have a chance to ride or at least straddle someone elses bike.

Have you tried the XXS or XS Giant yet? How about a Terry? Be willing to consider 650c wheels if you need to, they are not the disability some people think they are.

Last, Georgina Terry has a great podcast and there are two programs that may interst you. If you don't download MP3 files you can just click and listen on their site. Check out "Small Things Considered" and also "Buying a Bike-The Bike Shop Experience.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/podcast/page/2

I'm a short guy and finding a bike that fits has been a battle for 30+ years. Good luck, have patience and do a regular search of Craigslist for your state and even nearby states if you are willing to drive.

WOW, it's a small world. I looked up Kerry Litka and she posts on a sewing website I frequent! I follow her pattern reviews. I had no idea. LOL

[JuneHawk]

The Terry Tailwind looks nice. Shame there are no Terry dealers around here.

[Koronin]

I know what you are dealing with. I'm 5 ft tall and trying to find a bike with a standover height I can actually use is extremely difficult. So far the only ones I've found are Trek and Specialized. Although I have not actually test ridden them, I have been able to sit on them. I'm personally more comfortable on the Trek, plus I much prefer the Trek store even if it's a 5 hour drive one way than the Specialized store and I will not buy a bike at the local bike store. Basically what I have found is I can ride a men's 47cm Trek, otherwise due to my height and short legs I have to go with WSD versions. I currently have a 47cm Trek men's bike, but am at the extreme limit. My only complaint of the WSD Trek (Lexi) is I feel I want to be more stretched out. (saddle was not close to being moved all the way back. and it is all the way forward on my current road bike and the handle bars are tipped up pretty good so I can reach them). Although when I buy a new bike I'm going with the Madone and yep driving 5 hours each way to get it. LOL.

edited to add: I do not feel scrunched up, just feel that I need to be a bit more stretched out, and that may be due to what I am used to with my current bike, which I bought used.

[colorisnt]

JuneHawk,

I am only a couple of inches shorter, but I do have a WSD trek (47 cm). 40!!! That's sad. I suggest finding a shop that does pro-fits. Even if you have to drive a bit, it is totally worth it.

I have had both and find that my extremely tiny hands and short arms are better accommodated by a WSD frame. I do have long legs and no torso,though, so IDK. If you are built oppositely (longer in the torso), it probably won't fit.

My Dad who is 5'4 and a half can't even do the standover/stem height on my bike. He has a Trek commuter that should technically be about the same size, but totally different geometry. So it makes a huge difference. My sister who is built like my dad cannot take a WSD like mine either, so it just depends.

If I knew the men's bike was a better idea, I would get them to comp me a different seat to sweeten the deal. It makes a HUGE difference if you are riding a bit. I have a unisex seat on my commuter, but I only ride 5 mi to/from.