Which frame size?

[Fuzzball]

I have decided to buy a new bike and have my eye on the Moda Stretto 2011, good reviews and British company so extra bonus points, that and i think it looks gorgeous. I've seen their titanium models in the flesh but no Stretto to try for size.

I am wondering what frame size to buy, I am 5 ft 6 inches/168 cms tall with an inside leg length of 30.5 inches.

I'm leaning towards 50cm but hoped maybe other people would have experience of women sizing for mens bikes, any tips?

 

[PpPete]

Typically women have shorter backs & longer legs than equivalent sized men, so want a shorter top tube, which sometimes means going for a smaller size, and more seat post showing to get the height right.

However 30.5" inside leg sounds short to me for 5'6".... so you may not be typically proportioned.

But, if you are getting a bike at this price level, then you really really do need to ride one before you buy. If the shop can't organise that, or at the very least a ride on another model in the same manufacturer's range - which has identical geometry - but maybe different equipemt spec..... then I strongly recommend you look elsewhere.

 

[totallyfixed]

Hope this is helpful to you, my better half is your height and her road bike is 51cm c to c [top tube] which is the most important measurement so I would think that 50cm will be fine. Do try it out though even if just on a turbo trainer in the shop because then you can ask for a different stem length and / or handlebar height adjusted plus make sure you get a female saddle. Happy to help if you have any further questions as I have sized up several bikes for ladies in my last two clubs plus friends.