I want to get a road bike. What size frame should I buy?

Question

I'm 5'3"

anything else I should know?

Answer 1

More than likely you'll need something in 45cm-47cm, but frame sizing is different between manufacturers.   The length of the top tube is the most important thing, but it works in conjunction with the standover height (the sizing they're sold by).   Visit a few bike shops and try out several brands in different sizes....and don't let anyone sell you the "wrong" sized frame where they try to "perfect" your fitting with stem length.  That's part of bike fitting, but people often use it as a solution to the problem of choosing the wrong frame to begin with.  

Hope this helps some....good luck with the new bike!   :o)

Answer 2

This is easy.  Go to the bike shop and buy the one that fits the best.

There are guys taller than me that ride smaller bikes than me, and smaller guys that ride bigger bikes.  The best we could do with your size is suggest a "range" of bikes.  A test ride and fitting beats in internet suggestion 7 days a week and twice on Sunday.

Answer 3

I'am 5'4" ,and  i ride 54 cm. perhaps your size is 52 or less

Answer 4

A few calculators:

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY...

http://www.zinncycles.com/fitsystems/def...

http://www.ebikewarehouse.com/Tiemeyer%2...

Any reputable bike shop will fit you.  If the person helping you seems disinterested or gives you the feeling you're wasting his time, walk away an get help from someone else or go to a different store.  And any shop that won't let you test ride the bike isn't worth the time either.

Make sure they set it up with a proper seat height.  With your foot on a pedal in the down position, your knee should be slightly bent.

In my experience, if you feel like your shoulders are being pushed back, you're too close to the handle bars.  That leads to a lot of back and neck pain if you're not careful.

Make sure the shop has a decent return policy.  These problems show up on the 20+ mile rides not on the 2 mile spin around the neighborhood.  You can also rent bikes for extended test rides before buying depending on the shop.

Good luck on your new bike.