What size bike should I get?

Question

I'm 5'5 and want to get a giant bike, i went into a bike shop yesterday and the man said i would need a small (17 inch frame)

can you help me???

Answer 1

yeah the best way to find out what size is best for you is standing over the bike yourself.  A pro bike shop employee should be able to guide you, making sure you get the proper leg extension when you pedal(not too cramped not too overextended) and they'll set you up perfectly.  By Giant bike you mean the brand right??  Not like a giant bike you can't use lol.  Why Giant?  There are other brands of equal or superior quality?  Just curious why it has to be giant :)  Enjoy whatever bike you get!  Welcome to the bike club

Answer 2

no don't get a 17 inch if your 5.5

trust me you need a 20 your probably gonna' grow and a 20 would fit you fine you could reach the pedals easily a 17 will be cramped

Answer 3

Some guy says get a 20" and your going to grow???

1st - we don't know if she's 12 or 70 years old - so how would you know she will grow?

2nd - we have know idea what type of bike she's even talking about. I assume MTB.

While I'm not there in person like the shop dude... I'll add my 2 cents:

If it's a MTB I'd go a little smaller it you will be really trail riding. A bigger MTB frame like the 17" is fine if you're basically doing general street riding. If you talking about a hybrid or or other type bike it sounds a little small. You be the judge though. Talk to the guy again and ask WHY he says 17" is your size. Try a few different sizes and see what you think.

Like Ben's daughter, I'm a little taller at 5-8 and ride a 16.5 Giant ATX HT. I used it for racing and it is the perfect size for me.

Answer 4

go with what the man said

Answer 5

17" sounds about right, but if you're still not sure, try a couple different bike shops and see what they say and then take the bike for a test ride.  A proper fit on the right bike will make a big difference in your riding comfort.

Answer 6

you have been told 17 is the one for you,,,,,,,you dont like that,what realy do you want us to say

Answer 7

I assume because the size is expressed in inches rather than centimeters that you are buying a mountain bike or a hybrid/comfort bike.  My youngest daughter is a couple of inches taller than you and her mountain bike is 16.5", but people's body proportions vary.  It sounds like you are in the right ballpark with a small, and there is no reason to suspect that the bike shop is steering you wrong.  Most people who work at shops, even if they are new and not terribly well informed (which is common), are well intentioned and want to help.

Ignore the answerer who suggested 20".  That is an outrageously large size for someone of your height.  I suggest that you read Sheldon Brown's excellent article on frame sizing, which I've linked in the source box below.

Good luck, and happy riding.

Ben