Hybrid size

[JiggaG]

Hi all,

I'm planning on buying a women's hybrid bike, I tried a 17 inch frame and 19 inch frame and they both felt comfortable. I asked the shop assistant to suggest which size she thought and she just said it was up to me and they both fitted me fine. Is there anything I should be considering?

As a newbie any advice would be great!

Thanks

 

[vickster]

If between sizes, go smaller. Change the stem if needed. There's nothing worse than a too big bike (as my left elbow made it known before it needed surgery, being overstretched game me chronic tennis elbow)

Did you ride the bikes outside, you can't really tell just by sitting on them. How tall are you? What bike is it?

 

[JiggaG]

Thanks for your reply. I didn't ride the bikes. The bike I like below comes in both sizes but they only had the 17inch in the shop and when I tried a 19inch it was a different bike which didn't help! I'm 5ft 5

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...lassic-bikes/raleigh-edale-womens-hybrid-bike

 

[MichaelW2]

A size guide.
17" is a bit on the large size for most 5'5" riders, but do-able. 19" is too big.

You size a modern bike according to the length from saddle to bars (reach), rather than standover height.
Desired reach is determined by the length of your torso and arms, and also by your riding style.
You need to set the correct saddle height (knee locked out, heel on pedal), so when you ride with the pad of your foot on pedal, your knee is always flexed.
The bar height can be set to personal choice. I would start level with saddle, or a few inches higher. You can go lower for sportier riding.
With your elbows flexed and shoulders relaxed, your back angle can be 45 degrees, to upright. Lower back angles are more aerodynamic and sportier.

 

[vickster]

+1 and Raleigh's guide says a 17" so I'd go with that. I'm 5'10 and would probably ride a 19" frame