Frame Size Question

[DrBee]

I'm 5'6" and ride a 54. As others have said - we are all built differently. Test ride as many bikes as you can and a couple of different sizes of the same bike. I was test riding 50/51s of 2 bikes that I had narrowed my choices to and still didn't feel quite right. We tried a 54 and walla - it fit! Now - a 54 on other makes of bike - not good. The geometries can really vary, especially if you're looking at WSD and unisex bikes. Good luck!

[brok]

I am 5 2½ and ride a Trek 47cm. My LBS did a very extensive measure/fit kit to determine the size I need. My experience with my former LBS was similar to yours - if you can stand over it, you can ride it, eyeball type of fit. I ended up with a bike that was too big. In your case, you may be ending up with a bike that is too small. Either way, fit is very important. I think I would go to LBS where they took some measurements and did a proper fit. Jus my $.02 Good luck with your bike shopping.

[bcipam]

I would be very concerned if a bike shop ordered me a bike based solely on me standing over the bike for a few minutes. While standover is one measurement there are so many more that help select which bike frame would suit you best. More important than standover is "reach" in other words whether or not you can reach the handlebars, shifters and brakes comfortably. If the shop is not willing to do a full "fitting" before you order and purchase a bike I would try another shop or at least insist they do a fitting. A 47 inch frame is very small. In addition, how do you know you are suited with a women's specific frame? Not all women (myself included) benefit from a WSD frame. Anyway a bike purchase should never be a rushed decision. If the shop won't do a proper fitting find someone that will and make sure you get the right size bike.

[CycleChic06]

I agree bcipam, I don't think it's fair to compare people based on height and frame size since it's less height related, more based on your leg length and your torso length. There are people with short legs and long torso and long legs and short torsos...they could all be 5'4, but would fit totally differently on bikes.

The salesperson at my LBS spent a LOT of time with me fitting me properly on different bikes and in the end its what feels most comfortable when you're on the bike. The salesperson told me I had the longest femurs he'd ever seen on a woman...something someone also told me in the 7th grade and hadn't heard since then...I'm still wondering if it's a compliment.