Crotch Clearence???
 

I am trying to fit a bike for my girlfriend and we have some questions on height/size range for her. I have found a bike but there is about three in clearence from TT to her crotch. Is this too much room?? She is 5'6" and has a 30.5" inseam. I was thinking a 48 to 50cm sz frame, any thoughts??? Thanks

three what? inches, centimeters, milimeters?

not a big believer in crotch height as a way to fit. use it to start, then see what the TT length is like with her.

Sorry, thats three inches clearence. I am buying the bike from the Bay, and the seller has posted little info on it. What are recommendations on fit.

48 centimeters sounds too small to me. Have you tried the online cycling fit programs - like at competitivecyclist.com?

Odds are 48 is too small, 50cm maybe too small also. My wife is 5'7" and rides a 54cm frame. Of course this all individual. I wouldn't worry about crotch clearance as long as she can comfortably stand over the bike. On a compact geometry frame, there may be quite a lot of crotch clearance. The important factors are going to be 1) can you get the proper leg extension with a reasonably sized seat post? 2) can you get the right distance from the seat to the handlebars with a reasonably sized stem, 3) can you get the height of the handlebars in relation to the height of the seat where it needs to be.

I'd agree with playing around with one of the online fit calculaters. That should at least get you into the ballpark.

Yes sounds too small. Three inches is too much SOH (stand over height) in my opinion. I have heard you want about one inch SOH. There are so many other variables other than SOH that must be considered as well. Hope you find a fit.

My wife is 5'5 and rides a 52. Standover height will vary, especially between traditional and standard geometry bikes. You do need some clearance, but it's not the way to fit the bike. Go with one of the methods mentioned above.

yep.... sounds too small... i'm 5'3" and ride a 48....

i agree... standover isn't the important measurement... top tube length is way more important! make sure the reach isn't too far (or too short) (and leg extension, etc)

Thank you everyone!!! I will definetly do the online fit calculator as a guide. The comparisons between riders heights and frame size really helped!!!!!:)