It's because that's what BikesDirect does: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...zing.html#road

Also, when I'm in Performance Bike, I hear the sales associates doing the exact same thing. They get the customer to stand over a bike and based on how much or how little space there is between the top tube and their crotch, they choose a bike for them.

Does anyone have the time and or the links to guide new riders on fitting? Maybe this will be a sticky or in the "Start Here" thread to which we can direct new riders instead of having the discussion every other week.