Hybrid Bicycles - What size bike is right for me?

I've always loved riding bikes but now i want to do it more religiously. I've been riding my old mountain bike from when i was younger and i think it's time i got a new one. I am only 5'2" and i don't really know where to start. I'm very much so interested in this Schwinn Women's Merge Hybrid but am worried that it might be too big for me.

http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Womens-Merge-Bicycle-Lavender/dp/B004TJDBTA/ref=sr_1_69?s=bikes-scooters&ie=UTF8&qid=1325811184&sr=1-69

Got a Dick's Sporting Goods near you? I checked the Schwinn site and that's like one of three (and the only one I recognized) places to try it before you buy it. And looking over the specs on the site (http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/merge#/specs), I didn't see sizing info. So that means it's OSFM, but typically smaller stature riders run on 26" or smaller wheels and not 700c. In other words, go with your gut feeling on this.

My wife is about the same size as you and she has never been comfortable on a bike with greater than 26" wheels. Although the schwinn you are looking at is for a more upright position and you can easily adjust your seat post height, I still think the 700mm wheels may lift the seated position a little too high for you.

My wife's two bikes both 26"...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20My%20Bikes/The%20Others/The%20Cons%20Selection/2324July07bike001.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f266/orbeamitis2/Vigore/DSC_0011.jpg

what about this one? Would i get the 15 or 17?

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10847840&ab=TopNav_Outdoors_BikesSkates_HybridBikes&cp=4413993.4418012#showReviews

Going by your style choices, I would recommend something like this...

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.w/9056/48954/

Or this http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/boulder.w/9061/48966/

Note both have 26" wheels not 700 as do your own two choices.

Here's the geo info from the Diamondback site for that Vital 3: http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/womens/vital-3-12/. Take some simple measurements of your body and pick accordingly. Since stand over height is a wash between them, the biggest figures to look at are the "top tube length" and the "seat tube length".

i like the sedowa w =] how do you determine what size frame you need?

i like the sedowa w =] how do you determine what size frame you need?Since Giant sells through their dealer network (LBS), then just find the nearest shop that sells Giant and they should be able to help you determine that- unlike buying online, where you'd have to guess by yourself.

thank you so much for your help guys!

Since Giant sells through their dealer network (LBS), then just find the nearest shop that sells Giant and they should be able to help you determine that- unlike buying online, where you'd have to guess by yourself.

Totally agree, as at least the shop will be able to make the adjustments accordingly for your arm reach etc. and give you a few options like previous year stock which may be cheaper or another colour option.

First off, welcome amberr! To answer your question, a small(15.5" frame) would fit you just right. A 17.5" will be too big and even if you adjust the seat post, the bike will feel really big to you. WHat ever you choose, have fun with it and ride it like you were a kid! Your body and health will thank you!

First, don't get hung up looking at "girls" bikes only! They have some small hybrids that
may be just what you are looking for. There is a young lady here that is 5' and rides a
full size mens Obrea, It is a custom frame but a full 700 size bike.

Check out this Raleigh Detour.

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/hybrid/detour-4-5-12/

It comes in a 15' frame.

The Schwinns for the most part are department store bikes and
over priced at that.

Down the road, the Raleigh, Trek, or what ever will have value, the
Schwinn will have yard sale value only! And girls bikes are harder
to sell and have less value than a regular bike.

Good luck and safe ridding.