Need help with bike size

[Jordyne]

Hey All,

I'm looking to buy a new bike and I'm getting tossed around from shop to shop on sizing. The problem is that I can't afford to buy new, so I feel bad using a shop to find my size, and then going to craigslist. Nonetheless, that's kinda my only option.

So- I'm 5'5'' maybe 5'6''. I tried using a fit calculator from competitive cyclist, but the results were totally different from a LBS that measure me. The shop said my upper body is totally equal to my lower body! With less than half an inch difference. Does that mean a mens bike might fit me better? I know mens are for shorter legs, but if I'm equal, then what?

Here are the bikes I like: Specialized ruby or dolce (51cm or 54cm??), Cannondale synapse (again not sure 51cm?) or a felt zw6 (small or medium)

When I measured my inseam, I got 31''. It seems like I keep falling between sizes, and the one shop puts me on a 51, the next a 54, and the next a 49! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Jordyne]

Hey Muirenn,

Thanks! I really can't afford to do a proper fit, or I totally would! Here are the measurements I took and the calculations from competitive cyclist. They probably aren't perfect, but hopefully close.

Measurements
-------------------------------------------
Inseam: 31
Trunk: 23.75
Forearm: 12.5
Arm: 23.5
Thigh: 21.75
Lower Leg: 20
Sternal Notch: 54
Total Body Height: 66


The Competitive Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 51.0 - 51.5
Seat tube range c-t: 52.6 - 53.1
Top tube length: 51.7 - 52.1
Stem Length: 10.2 - 10.8
BB-Saddle Position: 70.6 - 72.6
Saddle-Handlebar: 48.6 - 49.2
Saddle Setback: 3.1 - 3.5

The Eddy Fit (cm)
-------------------------------------------
Seat tube range c-c: 52.2 - 52.7
Seat tube range c-t: 53.8 - 54.3
Top tube length: 51.7 - 52.1
Stem Length: 9.1 - 9.7
BB-Saddle Position: 69.8 - 71.8
Saddle-Handlebar: 49.4 - 50.0
Saddle Setback: 4.3 - 4.7

[Seajay]

. The problem is that I can't afford to buy new, so I feel bad using a shop to find my size, and then going to craigslist. Nonetheless, that's kinda my only option.

No Option? You may think you can justify it but it doesn't make it right. I'll say it...That is a crap thing to do to a business.

If I did that to your parent's small business you would likely have some choice words for me.

[Jordyne]

Hey Muirenn - Thanks so much for your help! I actually prefer the mens colors/design, but I guess I didn't even think a mens bike was an option until recently. Seems silly but I kinda just went with it. I originally measured my inseam with a book, but I just did it the way you said and actually got 31''. Hah. My femur is about 1.5'' longer than my lower leg.

And yes- that organization is great. I actually volunteer with them! They really specialize in getting people their first commuting bikes though. I currently ride a Giant OCR1, but it's a tad to small with a TT of about 50cm.

[Jordyne]

Seajay- Please hear me when I say that I support LBS's intensely. I probably buy something from them once every two weeks, and participate in weekly groups rides with them. I also volunteer in the community through bicycle advocacy and I partner with different shops. I have all of my work done locally as well.
However, as an in-debt student, buying new is not option. And you're talking to the person who grew up with two parents that still own their own small business, and I work for a 501c3. I feel bad for not buying new, but it's simply not an option at this point in my life. So, I buy all my small gear and maintenance from them, and help through advocating alongside them in the community.

[indysteel]

I could be wrong and Seajay can correct me if I am, but my guess is that she's taking issue with your use of local shops to help you with sizing when you have no intention of buying a bike from them. Buying used is fine, but then don't use local shops to help you figure out what size used bike to get. At least that's my interpretation of her post.

[goldfinch]

It is only right to have the bike shop work so hard on your fit if you are upfront about the fact you are not going to be buying from them. In that case, I would offer to pay for the fitting help.

Feeling bad doesn't make up for using the bike shop without paying for the service. Rationalization about your other support only counts if they say it counts. You need to be upfront with them.

[Owlie]

If I go into a shop to look or pick brains, I am very upfront in saying that I'm a student in no position to buy, but could I test out a few bikes? Then I'll buy something, generally. Tubes or nutrition or a pair of gloves...something so they get at least some money for their time. I do have an idea of what I want/need in a bike (unless it's a mountain bike; then I'm useless) and what fits me, so the amount of work that the shop has to put in is somewhat less than if I were walking in with no idea what size bike I needed. If that were the case, I'd offer to pay at least something for their time.

Most bike shop employees understand that it's a major purchase, and at least you'll be able to get a cursory sizing, and an opinion on unisex vs WSD if the shop employee is paying attention, maybe ride a few bikes and start getting an idea of what you like and don't like.