What size frame would fit a 5'4" person?

Fitzie, that is a tough one because it depends on the length of the torso, the leg lenght, etc. Although at 5'3" I ride a 49cm road bike--but I may be a 48cm in a road bike made by another manufactuer because the length of the top tube is different depending on the builder. Each bicycle manufacturer uses different frame geomentry. The best bet is to check out a few different lbs in your area, get properly fitted and test ride.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. I saw an ad for a used Specialized Hardrock w/frame size 19.5 inches. I'm 99% sure they're using the measurement of the top tube as the frame size. I note that you use "cm" as measurements. Do you know the formula for converting inches to cms? Thanks again for your help.

I don't know the conversion. With mountain bikes, the frame is measured from the bottom bracket to the top tube. My mountain bike is a 16.5 inch frame, I ride a Kona.

Maybe the specialize web site can help you re: the sizing. If you have a friend that rides, bring them with you when you check out the bike. My gut says that 19.5 may be a little big--but without seeing you on the bike, I can't be sure.

Thanks for the sound advice; hope your weekend is great.

sure! you enjoy the weekend as well

What size shoe would fit a 5'4" person? Picking a bicycle frame is at least that difficult to guess. Body porportions vary and bicycle measurements vary.

Some bikes are measured in inches, some in centimeters, some as small, medium and large. There are different styles of bikes which would require different sizes for the same rider. Finally, even once you get past all of the above, the bicycle manufacturers don't all measure things in exactly the same way.

If I were buying shoes, I'd want to try them on. The same is true with bikes.

The hardrock (like all MTBs and many road bikes) has a top tube which slopes back down, called a "compact" style.
This is designed to permit more clearance to your crotch, so you are supposed to ride with more seatpost extension than a conventional style road bike (with a horizontal top tube).

Even the slope of the top tube varies. Kona are known for having an extreme slope and are ridden with a lot of seatpost extension and a smaller "size" than other brands; its just their style.

You cannot compare the same size bike in compact style and trad style. If you need a 19" trad frame the you need perhaps a 16" compact frame.

The 19.5" hardrock is going to be too big for you. You need about 4" of space when you straddle a compact style MTB. The exact size you need is dependant on length as well as height so we can't guess.