I am 4'2" and own a bike that is a bit too large for me. The problem is I keep hitting my balls on the bar when stopping since my feet can barely touch the ground. The bike was a gift to me and there is no way I can afford a smaller bike. I am unemployed at the moment.

What cups do you recommend for cycling? I need something that won't chafe and is very strong.

C cups as long as the straps are snug.

You should always ride a cycle that is correct for your size, or you are playing with danger. As for wearing a protective cup, that is probally not your answer, but if you insist they all basically work the same way, just buy one that is comfortable.

C cups as long as the straps are snug.

I actually would prefer something like this style.

http://nhl.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p1464720reg.jpg

http://www.dixie.com/images/prod-cup-floralPak.gif

Wouldn't wearing a cup while riding be uncomfortable?
I couldn't hardly stand wearing a cup in team sports. This sounds painful.
It seems that trying to solve this problem with a cup will cause more issues.

i absolutely hated wearing a cup during my catcher days in baseball and i can't imagine wearing one would be the least bit comfortable while riding. i'd probaly end up wearing platform shoes as a solutiong.

I ride a bike with a top tube that is 1.5" higher than my inseam. The bike otherwise fits perfectly.

I've never hurt myself using it in thousands of miles of suburban commuting with very frequent stops.

It sounds like the issue is not the height of the top tube, but instead how to stop. Don't stay on the seat. Instead lift youself up as you tip the bike sideways and place one foot on ground. You can then have one foot on the ground and the tilted frame between your legs.
Al

I am 4'2" and own a bike that is a bit too large for me. The problem is I keep hitting my balls on the bar when stopping since my feet can barely touch the ground. The bike was a gift to me and there is no way I can afford a smaller bike. I am unemployed at the moment.

What cups do you recommend for cycling? I need something that won't chafe and is very strong.
Get a women's frame and forget the problem.
Full Size Examples from my family fleet:
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3447/calvinbike7df.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=calvinbike7df.jpg)

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6789/zeroseven24id.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zeroseven24id.jpg)

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2120/herculesnancybike0qn.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=herculesnancybike0qn.jpg)

A smaller bike is the best answer. You'd be surprised at how cheap they can be found at garage sales, Craigslist or Goodwill. A Girls or Mixte frame might help too.

For a cup, go to any sports store and look in the little league section.

I think you should try Al's (noisebeam) suggestion for stopping.

Another idea would be swinging one leg over the tube as you are slowing down, then stepping off in a walking stride just before the bike stops. This takes some practice, but it is easier than it sounds. A lot of bike riders could show you how to do it if you ask.

When the time comes to buy a new bike, you might want to consider a junior size. The major companies make smaller replicas of their mountain bikes and road bikes that are marketed for teens and older children. These are usually quite a bit less expensive than the full sized bikes, but look just like them with many of the same features.

Wouldn't just some standard padded cycling shorts or underwear work for you? Nashbar has some padded underwear for $15.00.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=137&subcategory=1218&brand=&sku=5720&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

cost of cup = cost of garage sale bike in your size

pain of cup chaffing legs and crotch = priceless

Pad the tube.

Smaller wheels would lower the top tube.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=1123

Look at the few models of padded underwear they sell. Can be worn under anything.

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/150/10_5475WHT.jpg

I bet you could "mount" a computer, a headlight and a GPS/HRM on one of these!

http://www.rhymer.net/New%20Folder/gourd1.jpg

Form AND Function!

I am 4'2" and own a bike that is a bit too large for me. The problem is I keep hitting my balls on the bar when stopping since my feet can barely touch the ground. The bike was a gift to me and there is no way I can afford a smaller bike. I am unemployed at the moment.

What cups do you recommend for cycling? I need something that won't chafe and is very strong.

Sitting in the saddle of my road bike I can barely stretch my toe out far enough to touch the ground, so I've learned to tilt the frame to one side as I stop. Not that hard to do, and a lot cheaper and more comfortable than a cup or anything else under my cycling shorts. I think I would feel the same pain you're feeling if I kept the frame upright and slid forward off the saddle too quickly when I stopped.

I rather doubt that the frame is too big, I've ridden up to 140 miles at a time on this bike and other bikes that fit the same way, and never felt any pain or discomfort, other than fatigue.

I bet you could "mount" a computer, a headlight and a GPS/HRM on one of these!

http://www.rhymer.net/New%20Folder/gourd1.jpg

Form AND Function!

Is that a carrot?

You should always ride a cycle that is correct for your size, or you are playing with danger.
+1

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but if you can't control your bicycle when you are stopping, you are a danger to yourself and the pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists around you.

Even if you wear a cup to protect your balls, you'll still be slamming the underside of your penis into the top bar. That will lead to erection problems, plus inflammation, etc.

I'm assuming you're a kid @ 4' 2"? I suggest you very politely return your gift to the person who bought it to saying it is dangerous if you ride it and ask for the cash value instead. Bike manufacturers also make kid's bikes (not just BMX styles). You could get one of those until you grow into an adult bike.

Good luck!

Post the bike for trade.

You should be able to work something out.

Wait a minute - I see this guy's signature as "banned." Are we feeding a troll?

Pad the tube.
Or just cut it off even? (The castration option should be immediately dismissed.)

Wait a minute - I see this guy's signature as "banned." Are we feeding a troll?
Well I gues the bigger trolls are around 4'2".

Is that a carrot?

Maybe he's just happy to see you..............