Finding the right size bike

[Zippy]

Hi - I know a lot has to do with the geometry of each individual bike, but I have to move quickly on this one as there is a chance for me to have a 2010 Kona Jake the Snake ordered by my LBS, but it needs to be the right size.

I am 5'3" and inside leg 29". The frame available is a 47cm - is this going to be too short in reach? Do I really need a 49cm?

 

[PpPete]

No way of knowing for sure, you may be OK as it is, or with a longer stem, or not at all.
Get on it and see how it feels is the only answer.

 

[HLaB]

Hi - I know a lot has to do with the geometry of each individual bike, but I have to move quickly on this one as there is a chance for me to have a 2010 Kona Jake the Snake ordered by my LBS, but it needs to be the right size.

I am 5'3" and inside leg 29". The frame available is a 47cm - is this going to be too short in reach? Do I really need a 49cm?

When I bought my Bianchi the LBS didn't have that in stock but they sized me up on similar frames before ordering the exact model and they were spot on, perhaps your lbs could do that.

 

[Zippy]

When I bought my Bianchi the LBS didn't have that in stock but they sized me up on similar frames before ordering the exact model and they were spot on, perhaps your lbs could do that.

Good point thank you, I'll try them out with that one.

 

[Chris S]

I am 5'3" and inside leg 29". The frame available is a 47cm - is this going to be too short in reach? Do I really need a 49cm?

I used this table when I bought my bike but I can't remember where it came from:

16in frame for 24-31in inside leg
18in frame for 27-33in inside leg
20in frame for 29-35in inside leg
22in frame for 31-37in inside leg

47cm works out at 18.5 inches which is about right.

 

[Banjo]

Not sure if cyclocross bikes are sized the same as roadbikes but if they are then this sizing guide from Tredz puts you on a 50cm.
My link

 

[Vidor06]

Bike sizing is such an inaccurate science its almost ridiculous. I went into a well reputed lbs in Belfast looking to buy a Spesh Secteur as I quite fancied the more relaxed geometry, I am 6'3 and have an inside leg of 32. The guy in the shop was recommending me a 61 frame, but as they didnt have one in stock they would have needed to order one in for me. I had sat on a 58 and it felt about right to me. So I decided to shop around and went to another lbs who specialise in TREK and Merida and had a ride on a size 55 Merida Cyclocross 3 which it turned out fitted perfectly and I ordered one there and then. Have had it a couple of months now and love it.

Having a bad lower back I think the Spesh would have had me too flat out and would have destroyed me.

 

[pepecat]

I'm 5'6" (ish) and have a 50cm frame on a trek 1.2 wsd. Suits me fine, though I'm still twiddling with seat height.....
Sounds like 47cm might be a wee bit big, but can you try it and see how it suits you?