Frame Size Question

[JoyfulGirl]

I didn't get a bike fit.
I've spent weeks adjusting this
lowering that
raising this
oh dear it's a bit hard to reach the brakes
my knee's a bit achey
raise this
adjust that bit
throw in a bit of "BUT THE SEAT'S TOO HIGH! It's SCARY! leave it where I put it!" from me...
I'm a bit thick skulled so I'll just chalk it up as a learning experience. There's also been no really serious issues with discomfort so far <other than my poor sit bones> But it's not one I'd suggest to someone I liked. Just thought I'd chime in with the voice of <in>experience.

[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]

Hmmm, I'm 5 feet (no inches) tall and I ride a Trek 2000 size 47. We're all built differently, but there is a 5 inch difference between us! Unless you have very short legs and a long torso (which is what I have) I'd say this bike a bit small for you.

What's your inseam? The Trek website says the standover height for this bike is 28 inches. Is your inseam close to this number? If your inseam is greater, then try the next size up.

Yes, my inseam is around 28, but it looks like I'll definitely take everyone's advice here (btw, thanks!) and actually get properly measured for the bike.

[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