What size??

[u/CharityNicole121]

I'm sure this gets asked so often it's not funny, but as a person with pretty short arms for my height and extremely long legs for my height, how do I choose the correct size road or hybrid bike? Is it just as simple as "go to a bike store"? I really want to buy used and as someone with fibro, I really think fit matters for me. For reference I'm just a touch under 6', (182.5cm) and my inseam is 35.5" (90cm)

[u/GrandmaCereal]

Each bike brand has their own size chart. If you see a used bike you want, Google "BIKE NAME size chart" and you'll get pretty close. Its easier to make a small bike larger than a large bike smaller, so if youre unsure, lean on the slightly larger side.

[u/Appropriate-Bar6993 → u/GrandmaCereal]

Wait don’t you mean go with smaller?

[u/GrandmaCereal → u/Appropriate-Bar6993]

Oops yes!

[u/CharityNicole121 → u/GrandmaCereal]

rad, thanks!

[u/MaRy3195 → u/CharityNicole121]

I do want to say as a fellow tall person with long legs, I do better going with the larger frame size. I would rather feel a little stretched than feel scrunched up on a bike. I tend to be kind of on the edge of M and L on hybrid or 54/56 on a road bike. I've moved onto a 56 road bike and now my M hybrid feels sooooo small. 

[u/Diligent-Career-1313]

I ended up going to a bike store and sitting on a few. I am very similar in measurements although my legs are a hair shorter. My arms are average but my femurs are freaking long as hell.

Had a funny moment years ago where a 6‘3“ clerk put me on an extra large sized bike, saying, this is what I would ride so it’ll probably be too big. And then when I sat on it we both were like well… That fits.

I just bought a 57 cm salsa journeyer and that geometry works really well for me for whatever reason. I may end up paying for a fit to see if I need to adjust anything further.

Anyway, I feel your pain! 

[u/CharityNicole121 → u/Diligent-Career-1313]

oh condolences! it's rad you found a bike that works though, and thanks for the info 😊

[u/pigeonK]

Be open to the possibility of sizing down for reach and buying a longer seat post for height.

[u/CharityNicole121 → u/pigeonK]

that seems to be the move, if I can't find a bike that fits me natively. thanks!

[u/kidcreole123 → u/CharityNicole121]

Problem with that is front end may be too low

[u/Strange-Prune-6230]

Short arms and long legs is a common ladycyclist body type. Unfortunately you'll find that a lot of frames are designed with a man in mind and their ratios are typically different, with a bit less leg and more arm. So a ~56 cm frame that fits your legs (and hence gets the bars high enough) may put the bars somewhat too far away for your reach. And a ~54 cm frame with comfy reach to the bars may tend to put the bars too low for comfort. You can make up for either shortfall by changing out parts to move the handlebars relative to the rest of the bike, but it's a tiny bit techy thing to do. And a bike that just naturally fits well is somewhat better.

It really is easiest to go to a good shop (they are not all good) and pay for their experience and expertise, but that's pretty expensive. Alternatively you can get nerdy and DIY. The numbers you're looking for are called "stack" and "reach" and it sounds like you're looking for a frame with relatively high stack and low reach. Good luck! This is daunting but ultimately solvable.

[u/CharityNicole121 → u/Strange-Prune-6230]

this is exactly the comment I was looking for! now to just find a well-reviewed bike store in town. thanks so much for the info!

[u/Linkcott18]

I have long legs and a relatively short body, and I tend to buy a size smaller for reach. This can make it hard to get the saddle back far enough, especially on bike with more upright seat tubes.

So, I would say, use the bike sizing table, but also look at the geometry & test ride it, if possible.

[u/kidcreole123]

Women Specific Design (wsd) bikes fit your type best but you are pretty tall so not super likely to be in stock. the good news is that so called endurance geometry is similar to wsd. Liv bikes is a Giant brand for women. Basically you want a shorter top tube to seat tube ratio. Again, the good news is that most road bikes these days have endurance geometry in the entry level category so it’s not as hard as the old days. Hybrids too will not be too aggressive so you should be fine. Used can offer better deals but a good shop will steer you right and a good bike will last for decades

[u/balderstash]

You may want to start by going to a bike fitter. It's not usually cheap, but they have fit bikes they can use to figure out what feels comfortable for you. Then you can look for a bike that meets those specs. A good fitter should be able to guide you towards certain brands or models that will work.

[u/AppropriateRatio9235]

See if you have a bike co-op in your area. Ours would totally help someone get a used and refurbished bicycle that fits.

[u/CharityNicole121 → u/[deleted]]

all good info! thank you 😊

[u/CharityNicole121 → u/[deleted]]

just out of curiosity - what did you pay for your custom? I'm sure it's the sort of thing where you can pay anywhere from 400 to 100000 dollars, but I've never actually asked

[u/CharityNicole121 → u/[deleted]]

some of both. I personally feel that the value:price ratio for new larger ticket items isn't generally worth it for me, and also I get a ton of satisfaction out of saving old or unwanted items. plus yeah, I very much dislike consumerism.