What frame size should i buy for a road bike?

Question

I am about 5"3

Answer 1

50 cm , if you go with giant just get a women specific bike or size Small

bikingthings

Answer 2

Agree to go to your local bike shop, take your time.Personally  as a women  I find reach also important I need extra small on my Giant.

Answer 3

Approximately 49cm (or XS to Small) but I agree that a bike shop is the way to go.  Not only can they fit you as to the frame, but they may be willing to do no charge swap outs on the stem (angle, length) or low cost changes to the bars (width, drop) that could make a HUGE difference in comfort.  Cranks should likely be 170mm.  Happy trails.

Answer 4

It really doesn't just depend on your height, The length of your legs, torso and arms need to be considered. A bad position can be VERY uncomfortable.

Go to your LBS so they can properly fit you.

Answer 5

You should go to a big shop - sit on some bikes - get some advice from the salespeople - and get fitted on a bike.  The inches measurement given for bike sizes varies from bike to bike, manufacturer to manufacturer.  And, the geometry on different bikes and bike styles varies and fit differently from other styles with the same size in inches.

You really should get fitted.

Answer 6

Baconator is right.

People are built very differently, and you're doing yourself a huge disservice if you aren't measured and sized properly.

A good shop will do this first and foremost, and won't try to put you in any bike that's close.

The last link has some information on sizing for women.

Answer 7

They are right about shopping around! Make sure that at least one is a tri specific shop. Get someone who has done tri's to talk bikes. I'm a FIST FITTER and have found a lot of people place on bikes that are to small or big. A lot of them from a tri shop. You have to remember that sale people are just that, they want to sell you a bike. I would recommend getting fitted after wards by a tri specific fitter. So if you are on the wrong bike you can return it. Also bike have very different geometry. Please fill free to ask about different bikes, I'm very "anal" about getting the right bike.