bikerunswim

Hello all, I'm just getting cycling, and am about to buy a used road bike on craigslist. I'm just under 5'7", and was wondering if a 48cm bike would be too small.

According to the measurements I've found online, 52cm is the optimum size for me, but how much difference would a 48cm bike be?

Thanks.

celerystalksme

people with same heights have different inseams and torso length and arm length etc...so it's hard to say for sure. you should get fitted at a reputable local bike shop. if i had to guess? i'd say 52cm had a decent chance at being a correct fit for you...but that's totally a guess...

dtrain

48cm is pretty darn small.

dcvelo

There are a lot of variables...individual measurements (you need to account for more than height) and manufacturers methods of sizing their bikes (they don't all measure them the same way).

That said, I'd be cautious. My wife's 5'4" and is comfortable on a 50 cm frame....48 cm sounds like a bit of a stretch for someone 5'7".

celerystalksme

women are leggier though. i'm 5'5" male and can ride 49cm-50cm on most brands...i have a friend, she's a 5'1" female and rides 49cm.

it's pretty individual. i still say the OP has to go to a fitter...there's just no telling...and he needs to get fitted for more than just the inseam clearance. and you're right...different brands measure things differently...

rollin

I'm 5'8" I ride a 54cm Trek
My wife is 5'0" she rides a 48cm Lemond


Top tube is the important measure, what brand are you looking at?

MrCrassic 

You should take a look at the bike before you buy, since a 48cm frame sounds smallish relative to your height.

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sjumper

Some frames have sloping top tubes and a 48cm frame with sloping top tube might actually be very big. To be sure it fits, you should try and get the geometry of the frame.

dingodog

I'm barely over 5'7" and I ride a 52cm. You **might** be able to get away with the 48, but the only way to tell is to ride it. The fit of a bike depends on much more than that one measurement. 52 is already on the small side and I couldn't go any smaller without it being really uncomfortable.

ManBearPig

too small.

oilman_15106

Not necessarly too small. I am the same size as you and own bikes with 49, 50, 51, and 54 cm frames and Small in compact geometry. All fit. It totally depends on the geometry of the frame.

Asking what size frame to buy here without some more info is like asking if you can do open heart surgery on yourself with directions provided by BF members.

bikerunswim

Thanks guys, I'm going to go to a bike store today to get "fitted".

EffSizzle

I'm 5'10 and I ride a 54cm Cannondale CAAD8...very comfortably I might add!

My guess is that a 48 would be too small for you.

mista_chewey

im 5'7 with a 30in inseam and i ride a 52 madone so i'd say unless you got really short legs you'll need a 50 or 52 also

Pamestique 

There is no fast and true way to say if the bike will fit. It appears to be way too small. A 48 is usually ridden by short women (and men). You need to be fitted to that bike or any other you want to purchase. Just because a Cannondale fits you at 53 doesn't mean a Trek will. Also the most important measurement is actually the top tube. If you can't comfortable reach the shifters/brakes or are all hunched up what's the point of having proper standover? Personally I ride a Lemond Zurich 51 cm which seemed right when I purchased it but could have done with a 53. I'm 5'8".

If nothing else go find the same bike and ride it to see if it fits. Don't rush out to buy something becuase it sounds lijke a good deal. Many bikes are currently for sale beause they were "good deals".