Originally Posted by
Wanderer
Keep in mind, that reach on the Ariel is slightly shorter than the Crosstrail in the "same" size. Looking at specs they appear equal, but with the added angle of the women's frame, effective top tube is slightly shorter. That, and many women have longish bodies, compared to their size. Stand over is also decreased due to the same angle of the top tube....
Occasionally, women's frames are different than men's.
The Specialized website has the Ariel top tube length listed as "Top Tube Length, Horizontal". This is the same as "Effective top tube" and is independent of top tube angle. On this particular bike, the Horizontal top tube is over 24", the stand-over height is about 33.5" and the seat tube is over 21.5".
Maybe the bike fits lopek77's wife but I stand by my original statement that this bike seems way too big for some one who is 5'6" tall.