Question for short riders (5'0 and below)
 

How many of you ride 49 cm frames? I know it's recommended that I should stick to 43-46cm, but with my budget right now, I have access to a 49cm Motobecane that I really like. I've been riding a 49cm which isn't so bad, but I've never had the chance to ride anything smaller so I don't have anything to compare to comfort wise.

Comments/suggestions? :)

If it feels right for you and you've been riding 49 for a while, I'd say stick with it... On the other hand, there's no harm in going to a LBS and asking to test ride a 47 or whatever. My buddy swore that he was a 50 till he rode a 47... :P

You are the same height as my gf, who has a 27" inseam. The problem for her is that, like many women, she has relatively long legs but short torso and arms. So seat height is not a problem, but top tube length is and she needs a very short stem. I'm 5'-3" with a 28" inseam, and ride a 49 cm frame which is just about right for me. So you can make do with a 49cm if you use a super short stem, but would probably be better off if you could get the smaller frame, which will have a shorter top tube.

Do you plan on riding with drops, or something like a flat bar/bullhorns?

you won't really know if the 49cm motobocane is right for you unless you ride it.

a bike with 26", 650c or 20" wheels are more likely to fit smaller riders better.

Probably flat bar because my arms aren't super long.

If I could have my way I'd get the IRO Mark V HD, but alas I'm not made of money and need a bike to get by. :(

A 49? I'm 5'9 and ride a 50cm.

Granted, it's slightly small, I still feel comfortable on it. Fitment calculators peg me for a 49cm; I always thought that sounded ridiculous, but after logging hundreds of miles on a 52 and a 54, I had an epiphany that the 50 suited me best.

49~53cm with 700c wheels (they're all the same size, don't let the number fool you) is suitable for someone around 5'6~5'8.

My guess is that if standover is acceptable, you may be ok with a short stem and flat bar. Chances are you'll be in a slightly stretched out aero position if your arms are really short.

Doesn't anyone know where I can find a track/singlespeed/coaster brake wheelset for this frame!?

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I'm thinking I'm just going to stick to a 43cm frame. The Windsor has a 28cm standover height, which should work out perfectly for me. From what I've been told at my LBS, the smaller the better.

Well, I think the optimal frame size depends a lot on the geometry of the given frame. I am 5'8"ish, and I felt great with frame sizes of 49, 50 and 52 cm - because they had/have different geometries. But if you're 5' or shorter, I think a 49 cm frame is probably not the optimal size for you. But, you should really try it, to be sure.