bike for short woman

[Jo-n-NY]

Also, you really cannot compare the same size bike from one company to another. Specs vary from one company to another. I found by reading so many posts over the years of being here is that even if someone is say 5'1'' and you may be 5'1" there is a chance you might size the same bike differently.

I say this because I am 5'2" and ride a 51cm Specialized Ruby (as well as my Dolce). I see so many ladies posting that although the same height they ride this bike in a 48cm. I got a fit yesterday at the shop that my dh works at. My reach was perfect, I had the exact amount of bend in my arm when holding the hoods that should be. Although he turned my stem around from the more upright position. He felt my shoulders should be down more. I will try it for few rides as it really feels different. The real surprise was that he "raised" my seat 3mm and it feels really better.

I sometimes 2nd guess the size of my bike from the posts that I read, but am at the realization that you really need to try all bikes to see what is good for you.

[lawnchick22]

Have any of you used some of the online measuring guides for fit?
If so, which ones?
Did the measurement results hold true in the purchase and set up of your bike?

[emily_in_nc]

[QUOTE=Jo-n-NY;564180
I say this because I am 5'2" and ride a 51cm Specialized Ruby (as well as my Dolce). I see so many ladies posting that although the same height they ride this bike in a 48cm. [/QUOTE]

Yes, it's interesting how even those of us of the same height vary all over the place in bike size. I have ridden bikes in the 44-48cm size comfortably and am also 5'2", and I can't even imagine riding a 51. You're probably more flexible than me or have a longer torso.

Years ago, I recall that a gal in our bike club rode a 51cm Trek 5200 WSD, and was around 5'4". The bike fit her perfectly. I test rode the 47cm size of the same bike and found that I felt a little stretched out and would want a slightly shorter (or higher) stem than the stock.

Funny, isn't it? That's why test rides are so important, but it can be hard to find smaller bikes to ride in many cases. I've bought several bikes online and gotten lucky, but I'm also very familiar with the geometry that works for me.

[oz rider]

Also, you really cannot compare the same size bike from one company to another. Specs vary from one company to another.

Most manufacturers show geometry on their websites, so you can compare ett, seat tube angle etc. Agree that it doesn't beat a test ride though, especially for new riders.

[Koronin]

Yes, it's interesting how even those of us of the same height vary all over the place in bike size. I have ridden bikes in the 44-48cm size comfortably and am also 5'2", and I can't even imagine riding a 51. You're probably more flexible than me or have a longer torso.

Years ago, I recall that a gal in our bike club rode a 51cm Trek 5200 WSD, and was around 5'4". The bike fit her perfectly. I test rode the 47cm size of the same bike and found that I felt a little stretched out and would want a slightly shorter (or higher) stem than the stock.

Funny, isn't it? That's why test rides are so important, but it can be hard to find smaller bikes to ride in many cases. I've bought several bikes online and gotten lucky, but I'm also very familiar with the geometry that works for me.

I was thinking the same thing in reading this. I'm 5'0". I've stated have short legs and a longer torso. I was fit perfectly to a 47cm Trek Lexa, although my next purchase is going to be a Madone. No one had one of those in a 47cm I could test. I was also at my old LBS where I got to test the Lexa. Well actually my old LBS's sister shop in Charlotte. (I lived in Mooresville, NC which is now 5 hours away). I also prefer a more stretched out feel. We finally figured out this was the biggest issue I have with getting comfortable on a Mountain bike. Once we finally figured that out, we were able to change the stem and get me more stretched out on the Mountain bike so now I'm more comfortable on it. Although I'm still much, much more comfortable on my road bike. I've only had the road bike for about 9 months now, where as I've had mountain bikes for years. (I am also fairly flexible as I participated in gymnastics as a kid and off and on through college, though never competitively.)