Originally Posted by
TypedBiacuit
.....
I have patience, so if the Miyata goes, I can wait. In the mean time, I however, might drop into a local bike shop and sit on a few different size frames to see which fits the best.
At 5'7" I agree with the others that the 25" framed Miyata will be too large for you, so no real loss there - though it is a nice bike.
Most local bike shops are the worst possible place to learn about the sizing of C&V bikes with horizontal top tubes: Unless your LBS is C&V friendly (most stores today aren't) they will try to sell you on a modern "compact frame", which assumes one size fits all (small!).
- If you are familiar with riding your friend's bike and deem it to be "only a little too large" - then scope out a few slightly smaller road bikes on Craigslist for size. - Even if you don't buy any of them, you will get a better idea of what you can ride most comfortably.