Average sized rider can't find the right fit

[WindingRoad]

I don't find that shops are all 'that' willing to accommodate women. I have to really push to get things the way I want them and usually they act like I'm rude but I don't care when I'm spending that much money. Unfortunately there aren't that many options so like Oak said prolly not as much competition here so they get away with more crap like that.

[tulip]

I suggest you try out the men's (non-WSD) bike in a couple of sizes. If the overall bike feels good, but the levers or bars seem too big, the bike shop should work with you to change them out. At least try the non-WSD bikes before making a decision.

[MartianDestiny]

I am long-waisted, with a long torso and average legs. I have tried twice to get on a men's bike and twice was re-directed to the WSD. It is the reach that feels too short or too long. The bars feel very close with the 51. They're better with the 54 but I worry about my neck, which is my problem spot.

If you have a long torso and average legs a WSD bike was not made for you. You can probably make one fit (especially if they came in a 52 or 53), but there is no reason you shouldn't be also riding "men's" bikes (especially since, at least in Specialized the corresponding men's line fills that needed 52 gap).

If the shop is refusing to let you test ride "men's" frames they don't truly understand fitting. I'd run for the hills. In fact *I* would never set foot back in the store actually.

Stand your ground. Insist on being able to test ride the "men's" 52. Or walk away and find another store with another brand whose sizing fits you better (either in "men's" or "WSD").

THIS is why I hate these terms!!! Screws people out of bikes that would fit better, especially if the shop is less than stellar.


Side note: Small stem length/angle changes and bar swaps can make a large difference in the feel of the bike. A GOOD bike shop will swap stems around for you during test rides especially if something is feeling just a hair long or short to you.

Sounds like you really might be in between sizes in the WSD specialized stuff, however.

[VeloVT]

My problem is that my local shops don't have a lot on the floor. No 51 Roubaix to try. I have traveled around some, but I have troubled a lot of salespeople along the way in my search for a WSD bike. "Not her again!"

I'm not sure if I'm reading the tone right here -- but you shouldn't feel guilty about insisting on finding a bike that fits. You aren't "troubling" them -- they are there to help you, and you will be helping to keep them in business in return. When my boyfriend bought a bike a few years ago we must have tested a dozen bikes (between two shops), making many repeat visits over maybe two months. I've been quicker to decide in most cases, but with my commuting bike I probably tested 6-8 between the two shops. It's part of the business, I think.

I wonder, have you had a bike that fits in the past? Is part of the problem that you're not exactly sure what you should be feeling?