backonbike

I have been shopping around for a "comfort" bike. I've been to 2 different shops where I've been told I should buy a "med" in the Giant Via 2 I looked at because I'm 5'6" (they only had a Med left in stock) and in another store I've been told I should buy a "small" because I'm 5'6" (they didn't have either size for me to try). Confused, I went to a 3rd shop today where the guy told me I could be either, based on the bike. I tried a Giant Via 2 in med and was not feeling too comfortable with the handle bars (I used to ride a MTB many years back so the comfort bike is new to me). A Norco Rideau caught my eye (ok, I'm admit, it was the colour I liked) and the guy told me they only had it left in "large" so I didn't want to bother trying it. He told me to try it anyway so I did and was surprised he actually had to slightly raise the seat for me. It felt really comfortable but I questioned the size and he said it was a fine fit because I have longer legs. I rode around outside a few times, trying both, and I really liked the feel of the Norco so I bought it but now, reading up on sizes, I am wondering if it's really too big but am confused on how to know for sure. My inseam is 31 inches if that helps (inseam for riding, not for pant size- so from crotch to floor when I'm standing against the wall with feet slightly apart). Could the large size really fit me even though I'm only 5'6"?

jyl

The meaning of S M and L may vary across brands and models. It also seems that the first two shops wanted you to fit whatever they had in stock.

For a "comfort" bike with a "sloping" top tube, I would start with standover. When standing with both feet on the ground and the bike between your legs, you'd want at least 3" clearance between the top tube and your crotch. If it is a ladies or step-through type frame then obviously it will pass this test.

Then adjust the seat to proper leg extension. When seated, if your heels are on the pedals, you should just barely be able to pedal without rocking your hips (stretching to reach the pedals) or your heels coming off the pedals (this is with your leg dead straight at the farthest point). It is easiest to do this by pedaling backwards while sitting on the bike, if you're in the store. Then, with your feet correctly on the pedals (ball of feet on pedal) your leg will be extended "enough".

The seatpost should not be extended past the minimum insertion line. Nor should it be inserted all the way down so that almost no seatpost is visible. Either case suggests the frame is too small/large for you.

The next part is tricky because with a comfort bike, it is not too clear how much room you want between saddle and handlebar. Many people buy these bikes to ride slowly and casually, and want to be very upright, not caring about aero drag or the best position for pedaling muscles. They are happy with very little saddle-to-bar distance.

So I'd just say at this point go for a ride and see if you feel cramped on the bike, and if your torso is tilted forward as much or as little as you wish. Can you make tight turns without getting interference between feet and wheel or knees and handlebar? Can you stand up and pedal (imagine riding up a steep hill) without feeling like the handlebar is too close to your lap? Try leaning forward and crouching really low over the bars (imagine riding into a strong wind), can you do that comfortably or is the handlebar so high and so far back that all you can do is a mild bow?

If you are sitting quite upright (torso pretty vertical), be aware that is the least efficient position and pretty much limits you to slowly pottering around. That may be all you want to do. I would at least want the top of the head tube to be no higher than your saddle, so that in future you may be able to change stem and bar to get a less upright position.

If the bike meets the above tests, then I'd say its size is okay for a comfort bike, regardless of whether it is labeled S or L.

chaadster

If you like riding it, what's the issue? If you're just getting worked up by the comments of a bunch of know-it-all, self-proclaimed experts (like me ) on the forum who are talking about different types of bikes and mostly male riders, the I think you need to not be concerning yourself with that; all that nonsense is just not relevant.

However, if there are other things that are bothering you about the bike and how it feels, you should enumerate those and get some feedback. If not, just enjoy the bike!

fietsbob

Were the OP in the showroom floor trying on bikes , in person I could see and talk to them .

Some things computer do , [ like replace jobs, (its Labor day)] others are better done in person.

10 Wheels

"It felt really comfortable"


Enjoy many miles on it.

LexKing

It sounds like you got the right bike, as leg length is very important in the fit process. Enjoy your new bike!

zonatandem

You like it, it feels OK so now ride it!

sreten

Hi,

Bike sizing is more rigourous the more extreme the riding position you adopt.

Its possible on your bike the position is a little more aggressive than intended
but for a basically non-aggressive position that actually may be better for some.

Don't overthink it. Care more if you do loads of miles, and adjust to suit.

rgds, sreten.

backonbike

I think I read too much about people not fitting bikes properly and so got concerned that I bought a "L" bike while only being 5'6". I went for a 4 hour ride today to break it in and I have to say I LOVED it! Screw the charts that show size vs. height, it has to feel comfortable and this one feels great so I'm happy.

oldbobcat

For a 5'6" woman looking at a comfort bike I'd say medium (17" or so) without giving it much thought. Comfort bikes are so short anyway, though, that most riders can get size up without feeling stretched out, as long as they can straddle the thing.