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Talldog

In my opinion, the most critical dimension to consider when sizing a bike is the effective top tube length. This dimension will decidedly have a greater impact on riding comfort than any other dimension. However, it is virtually impossible to recommend the proper size over the internet based solely on your height. There are more critical personal dimensions such as inseam length, torso length, arm reach, etc. that have to be taken into account. A Google search will reveal many excellent articles on properly sizing a bike. Some are dated and only address standover height, but others are excellent. While SO height is important it is only one of the criteria to consider. If I remember correctly, NORCO has a professional software sizing program online that evaluates all of one's critical dimensions right down to the millimetre and then recommends a size based on those dimensions. But nothing beats an extended ride to determine if the bike will be comfortable over the long haul.

I can't belive an LBS would not bend over backwards to help you, especially at this time of the year when sales must be slow.

xoxoxoxoLive

19" is getting up there, can you stand over the top tube ? If so, I would go for the 19", but I like the feel of
a larger bike, but then there is always handle bar reach, which can be corrected with a new stem. I'm 6' with
shoes on, and can ride a 19", but always feels a little small, even adjusted correctly. I like a 20", but since it
only comes in 17 19 21... I would probably choose the 21" for me, without riding one, nice bike though..
Just throwing arond some ideals for you...Maybe somebody with one, can be of more help. Richard

WorkingMike

Agreed. According the the Trek sizing chart I should be on a 20" frame, but the 22.5" was much more comfortable for me. My local Specialized dealer has a neat little system that does basic measurements (inseam, shoudler, etc.), so perhaps you can find something similar.

I found that test riding lots and LOTS of bikes really helped me narrow down what I wanted. After the 10th ride or so I was really able to narrow down my search and find what was "my bike". It also helped me narrow down with whom I wanted to do business. I found some shops to be dismissive or in one case downright arrogant. Establishing a relationship with an LBS seems, in my opinion, to be of equal importance as finding the bike you want. A good bike shop should be more than happy to take the time to fit you properly.

1nterceptor

We're the same height and I ride a 20 inch/ 50 cm roadbike.
The 19" will probably work for you. If you're straddling the
bike and pull it up till the frame touches your crotch, is there
a few inches between the wheels and the floor? If there is
then the 19 is ok.

Talldog

That is no way to properly size a bike. And road bikes are most commonly sized according to top tube length, ie, 52cm, 54cm, etc. Hybrids rarely use this same system so the comparison is useless. What does height have to do with it, other than inferring a vague generalization and/or assumption ?

1nterceptor

did you read past the 1st sentence?

"The 19" will probably work for you. If you're straddling the
bike and pull it up till the frame touches your crotch, is there
a few inches between the wheels and the floor? If there is
then the 19 is ok."

Talldog

Yes I did. That is why I suggested it is no way to properly fit a bike. Standover clearance only ensures you won't "scrunch" your crotch when straddling the bike. Proper fit goes way beyond that.