Recreational & Family - Womens hybrid sizing advice (Specialized Vita Sport)

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vysethetwisted
05-05-09, 06:19 PM
Hello all,

I'm new to the forum, so I'll start with a question. Thanks in advance fo any advice. Not sure this is the best forum section to post in, but anyway ...

I am trying to order a bike for my mum on the Cycle2Work scheme. She has narrowed it down to the Specialized Vita Sport (http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=40904&eid=215)We have to order it through Halfords Special Order team. However there is not a Specialized dealer nearby to try the bike beforehand. She is 5'4" with and inseam of 29.5". Which size would you recommend. I suggested the small. We have been to Halfords to try out other bikes, although I couldn't find anything in their range that matches the geometry.

She appears to be borderline between small and medium. So based on thee measurements, what would you recommend. I think sizing down is definetly the way to go.

Sml - Seat Tube = 395mm (15.6"); Top Tube = 515mm (20.3"); Stand-Over = 731mm (28.8")
Med - Seat Tube = 440mm (17.3"); Top Tube = 535mm (21.1"); Stand-Over = 766mm (30.2")

I presume that if it does not fit it can be returned, and not signed for in store.

Jerry in So IL
05-05-09, 06:39 PM
I would go small according to the specs. But take that with a grain of whatever because different model's sizes may differ. A test ride is the best way to go.

So, is there anything in the stores that she likes?

Jerry

PS That's a great Mother's Day present!
Tom Bombadil
05-05-09, 06:52 PM
Is that 29.5" inseam a pants inseam or a "cycling" inseam?

My pants inseam is 28.5" and I fit 52cm Specialized road bikes.

But what may be even more important is the length of her arms and fitting them to the correct top tube. Some women have short arms and Women Specific Designs take this into account. Has she test ridden any bikes to determine what top tube length best fits her?

In general it is a bit easier to make a smaller frame fit than a larger frame. You can put on a longer stem to compensate for a too short top tube.

I agree that it appears she is a tweener on these sizes.

Stacy
05-10-09, 08:31 PM
I'm 5' 3" with a 30 inch inseam and ride a Small Specialized Sirrus (http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2004&spid=21252) which is essentially the non-WSD verson of that bike. It's a 51 cm frame and I probably could've gone with a medium too, but this one felt quite comfortable and I got a good price on it.