Hello All,

Looking for some insight to fitting. I am new to road cycling (coming off a hybrid) and went to my LBS for some product knowledge and fit guidance. I am 5'4" even with a 29.5 inseam. I stepped over and onto a Specialized Dolce 51cm frame and felt good; then tried the 54cm frame. Felt bigger, but still manageable. The shop employee then took me to the trainer with the 54 for a full fit and when he was measuring, said that I definitely couldn't / shouldn't go any smaller than the 54. I said okay, so that's what I ordered.

I came home and did some extensive research on fit, WSD bikes and Specialized, and everything (and I mean everything) I found on forums and specs, show that a 54 is too big for me and I should be on a 51cm at least, some think even smaller. I understand it's about proportions, etc. but I am just really second guessing the 54cm measurement for me. I did a bike frame size calculator with all of my proportions and it recommended the 51; even Speciaized's website puts me squarely within its recommendation for a 51 frame.

I know the best recommendation for fitting is to go to your LBS but what they measured me for contradicts with everything I am reading online, overwhelmingly. All of the women in the discussions that are riding a 54 are between 5'6" - 5'9", and the women 5'4" and under are riding anything from 48-51 frames.

I am new to road bikes and couldn't tell you what felt better, honestly, so I am nervous that I am getting this wrong and should in fact be going with the 51. LBS said I can definitely change the order but they are still really confident that I need a 54 and nothing less. And they are not just trying to move inventory because I'm placing an order either way.

I would greatly appreciate any advice and/opinions. Thank you!!