Frame Size Question

[CorsairMac]

It's ok Geyser - doubt his expertise. Someone who "looks at you", has you sit on a bike for a brief period of time and then tells you the frame size you need, is just guessing. Any good LBS will give you a bike fit and they should do it without charging you if you're having it done in order to buy a bike. Especially a higher end bike. I would either find another bike shop or find someone else at that LBS that inspires more confidence in you.

After all, you won't ride a bike that doesn't fit AND....it's YOUR money!



PS: there's a thread under open titled "getting to know you". Gives you a chance to learn more about us and tell us more about you!! and welcome to the board!

[MM_QFC!]

hey Geyser - have to say that I unequivocally and very emphatically agree full-on (is that definite enough?!) with CorsairMac and all others who recommend a professional bike fit. Can't emphasize enough how important it is to have that process not be avoided, shortened or not done properly and, from your account of the guy at the bike shop, you definitely did NOT experience any part of a proper bike fitting experience! If you buy a bike that doesn't fit you, yes then there are some ways that you can tinker with it to improve it, but why not start out with a better frame fit, so that you're comfortable on your bike from the start? That way, you'll continue to ride and enjoy it, to boot - all good goals, eh?
You're totally right to doubt that salesperson, as I don't read any expertise in what you told us about his "customer service" to you - although I would hardly call it service at all...keep asking questions, keep learning about what works best for YOU and keep insisting on getting better served by so-called cycling professionals, as the ones who truly have expertise wouldn't make that kind of a recommendation to you after only eye-balling you on/near a bike for a few minutes; that's just bogus, IMHO!
Tailwinds!
Mary

[melissam]

Geyser,

Great advice here! I'll also throw in my two cents.

I'm a little over 5' 1" and I ride a 47cm Trek WSD frame. When I was buying it, they measured me and said I could go with the next size up, but that the top tube would be a little long for me.

Since you're 5' 5" and have normal proportions, would it be possible to try the next size up in WSD (51) and a men's 50cm before making your decision and having the shop order it? Also, could they measure you and see what the Fit Kit recommendations are based on your measurements?

Good luck, and enjoy shopping!!

-- Melissa

[stella]

geyser, You've got great instincts to doubt that advice! Go to a shop that will spend time with you and get a bike fit! Many shops may charge for it, but will deduct the cost of the bike fit from the bike you purchase from them.

the most important part of bike fit on a road bike IS NOT the standover height, but the top tube length on a bike. Every bike has a different top tube length. this determines reach and ability to control the bike. Each bicycle manufacturer is meant to have a different range of stem lengths for optimal riding. (For ex: colnago: longer stems: from 100-120 is best to handle the bike; I ride a 49 colnago, top tube length of 51 and the stem is a 110. My upper body is longer than my legs, thus--a WSD bike does not fit me well).

also, WSD usually means (as far as frame only) that the top tube is more compact than a "standard" bike.

This is probably more info than you need, but I Hope it helps!!!

re: LONG FEMURS: I was told by my old boss (a former racer) that longer femurs make for better climbers. (the type that less likely need to get out of the saddle).

Keep us posted!

[CycleChic06]

re: LONG FEMURS: I was told by my old boss (a former racer) that longer femurs make for better climbers. (the type that less likely need to get out of the saddle).

Keep us posted!

Thanks, Stella, I appreciate your insight into those comments. Now I know to thank someone next time they tell me that! Now if I can just live up to this good climber thing...

[Dianyla]

It all depends on your personal geometry and that of the bike. I'm 5'3.5" with a 30" inseam and I ride a 53cm Orbea and it is perfect for me.

[Geyser]

Geyser,

Great advice here! I'll also throw in my two cents.

I'm a little over 5' 1" and I ride a 47cm Trek WSD frame. When I was buying it, they measured me and said I could go with the next size up, but that the top tube would be a little long for me.

Since you're 5' 5" and have normal proportions, would it be possible to try the next size up in WSD (51) and a men's 50cm before making your decision and having the shop order it? Also, could they measure you and see what the Fit Kit recommendations are based on your measurements?

Good luck, and enjoy shopping!!

-- Melissa

Melissa, I'll test out the next size up and also a men's version tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.

[Geyser]

Thanks Barb, Shimpie, ridebikeme, fishdr, brok, bcipam, CycleChic06, Triskeliongirl, caligurl, rivergrl, GLC1968, CorsairMac, MM_QFC!, Dianyla, JoyfulGirl, Melissa, and Stella. I'll go back to the shop tomorrow and ask (someone else) for a proper fitting. Fortunately, I live in a bicycle friendly town and can venture over to about 4 or 5 more shops, if I need more or better assistance. Cheers and thanks again! ;-)

[melissam]

Geyser,

So, how did it go? Did you get to go to any of the shops and try out the bikes? Did you find your dream bike?

Enquiring minds want to know!

-- Melissa