I know there are a lot of threads about sizing, but I haven't been able to find an answer to my current situation. I'm trying to decide between a 52 and 54cm Windsor Clockwork. My question is about the stand-over height. The Windsor website has a nifty matrix to help one choose a size. https://www.windsorbicycles.com/sizing.htm

For my measurements: 5'7" w/ 30 inch leg (measured via inseam), the chart suggests a 54 or 56. But, the standover height listed on bikesdirect for a 54 is 30.8 inches. So my question is: should your leg length be greater than the stand-over height in order to have a good fit? I just don't understand how someone with a 30 inch inseam can comfortably straddle a 54cm bike if the stand-over is 30.8 inches.

Thanks.

emu

Are you talking inseam (as in pants)? If so, that is very different from standover height. An easy way to measure yourself for standover is to get a hard back book (not too thick), stand with your back against a wall, hold the book between your legs and squarely against the wall, slide it up till it doesn't slide up any further and measure from the top of the book to the floor. Do this without shoes on. I'd look for a frame with a standover height at least an inch shorter than your measurement.

One final thought. If you don't have a pretty good idea of what frame size you need from past experience and have to rely on charts, buying a mail-order bike you aren't able to ride first may not be the best idea.

Try this:

https://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_...g_a_frame_size