Bike sizing question

sandig

Hi everyone

I think I am done testing bikes. Whew, I did not realize how much work it is to find the right fit. Anyway, most bike shops (Trek, Specialized and Giant) put me in a size 50 bike. (None had any WSD bikes to try so that is mens size) The bike that is the most comfortable for me was a size 44 Bianchi Eros Donna. I don't understand bike sizing very well as I am a beginner when it comes to road bikes. Am I nuts to think this size 44 bike is comfortable? I tried the size 49 in the same model (Eros Donna) and I felt very stretched out in it. I felt stretched out in the size 50s even though the LBSs did a lot of body measurements and said that was the right size.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sandi

cmeb

I just bought a trek pilot 5.0 size 50 frame, when I sat on it in the store, I felt stretched out, but on the first ride, I felt cramped up on it, and ended up moving the seat back, and dropping the handlebars a little. I think once you're on the road, and have made some minor adjustments, you'll feel more comfortable.

eric_the_red

The only advice I have is make sure you take the bike out for a good test before buying, at least an hour, or even 2. Try it uphill, downhill, etc. If the shop won't let you do that take your money elsewhere.

kaian

The size of the bike is determined by measuring the seat tube - this is important for standover and will effect how "tall" the bike is. The more important measurement is the top tube in my opinion because this will tell you whether or not you will be too stretched out on the bike. The size of the bike also depends on how you are built. If you have long legs and a short torso, you might need a "taller" bike that has a shorter top tube. I guess many of the WSD are made with women who have a short reach, but longer legs, whereas I guess men have a tendency to have shorter legs and a longer torso or reach.

I would definitely suggest test riding bikes, but also getting properly fit. Do any of the bike shops in your area do bike fit? Use the fit kit? I am on my 3rd bike in 2 years. The first bike I got ended up being too big, the second bike was too small. Both of those bikes were not fit to me properly. Basically the LBS staff just looked at me and assumed those bikes would work. The bike I just got 2 weeks ago (Trek 1500 WSD 47cm) feels perfect and was fit to me.

This time around I got measured and learned that even though I am a very small person (5 feet tall), I have a long torso and a long reach for my height, so I needed a bigger bike to put me a little more upright and stretched out. On my old bike (the one that was too small), I was 10cm backwards from where I needed to be!!!! So...getting properly fit is very important. I test rode a 44cm Bianchi a month ago and I felt a bit stretched out on it, so if it's any consolation, it felt a little bigger than the 47cm bike I have now. All bike companies size their bikes different, so...get measured and get fit!

On the other hand, it can take a long time to get used to the road position. If the bike shop measured you and insists that a certain size will work, they (hopefully) know what they are talking about. Riding more upright can feel comfortable at first, but over time, you might have back, shoulder and neck problems. So...make sure you give yourself a lot of time to get used to the position. You want to give yourself at least 4-6 months (in my opinion).

Hope that helps! Good luck!

__________________
"Hellllooooooo nurse!!!!!"

2005 Kona Cinder Cone
2005 Trek 1500

elgato601

Hi short women--

I am 5'1", and shrinking I suppose... I am fairly certain that I want a Specialized Dolce model to take the place of my Specialized Expedition (comfort bike). I ride 12 miles/each day and ~30 on weekends.

I've looked at a 44cm Dolce - $800 with Sora shifters, but I have plenty of standover room. Today I saw Dolce's on sale - $499 for Dolce and $789 for Multisport, but they are 48 cm. I have little clearance in standover position, but I am fitted well to the riding position.

Your collective wisdom, please!

sandig

Hi

The Specialized bikes seem to be a good deal lately. I got my Dolce Vita Multisport for $799 (down from $1100).

My bike is a 51 " and I am 5'4. Has the store fit fthe bike for you before your test rides? I have found that every brand has a different way of measuring. I fit in a 44" Bianchi but a 51" Specialized...I was measured to a 50" in a Trek. The right bike/fit really "feels right" I tested about 9 bikes before I found "the one" that just felt like a part of me.

Good luck
Sandi

elgato601

Thanks, Sandi.

I've had similar responses to lots of bikes--the listed measurements mean little. My question is really should I worry about "stand over height?"

The riding position of the 44cm and 48cm Dolce is the same - the difference is in how much clearance I have standing over the bar. Should I worry about that?
I've never had a bar - always road "girl's bikes." Not sure about this bar thing...

Enjoy your Dolce Vita Multisport - seems like a great bike! Did you keep the aerobars installed?

sandig

I believe you should have an inch of clearance over the bar. That seems to be standard from the different bikes I tried. I am pretty new so I am sure someone else is more knowledgeable on this. You may want to post a new topic so that people see your question.

I did leave the aero bars on, however, I still have not tried them. Right now I am focusing on riding and gear technique and then jumping off into my run (transition). I hope to grow into the aero bars as I become more comfortable and skilled.

Good luck...
Sandi