I'm 5ft 1in and on a 48cm Amira Elite, but I have a long torso and short legs for a woman (I'm built like a gymnast). So my girl parts are touching (but not jammed into) the top of the bar and when I stop, I usually tilt the bike sideways when I put one leg down just in case. I have always tilted the bike when I stop since I am very short, but this doesn't bother me much.

I tried the 44cm Ruby, but I my back curled up when I rode the bike and was very uncomfortable. I rather be comfortably riding and be minimally uncomfortable getting off of the bike. I did not buy a man's bike because Specialized company said that the man's bike is heavier than a woman's bike for the same sized bike.

Also because I have wide shoulders and wanted to swap out for carbon handlebars anyways, I got a slightly wider carbon handlebar than the original stock alloy handle bar that came with the 48cm Amira Elite.

It's really hard to figure out what is comfortable as a newbie. So, as everyone else on Team Estrogen usually says....try out all the bikes in your price range of various sizes, brands, men/WSD.


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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle