What size road bike should I get?

Question

I'm 5'1" and looking for a roadbike, but I'm not sure how to measure the size on my like how tall my stand over height should be, any help would be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

Measure your inseam and go from there.

Answer 2

It really depends on your body proportions.  If you are short legged and long in the torso, you need to get a smaller frame and then have the stem changed to put the handlebars in the right place. If you are built the other way around, you get a bigger frame, and maybe a shorter stem (if needed).  If you  are right in the middle, you might get lucky and not need to change anything.  At 5'6", my inseam is only 29.5", meaning I need a bike around a size 50 or I won't be able to straddle the cross bar and have the necessary inch or two of space between the bar and my nether regions.  Being on the short side, you really need to get properly fitted or the bike might not be the right proportions for your body.  

By your user name, I assume you are a girl (forgive me if I"m wrong) so with your petite size, a women's specific design is probably going to be your best bet.  The cranks are shorter, the handlebars narrower, and the brakes are set-up for smaller hands.  

Like I said before, size really depends on the way you are built, not just your height.  Getting fitted at a bike shop does not obligate you to buy a bike from them, so start there and good luck!

Answer 3

You're probably looking for a road bike frame size of 50cm or so.  

http://www.ehow.com/how_14104_determine-...

Answer 4

Go here and take the measurements it asks for and input them into the calculator

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

Answer 5

go to your LBS and get properly fitted. it's not just standover,  you will find some frames have you stretched out more than you like, due to a longer toptube. some will crunch you more than you like, due to shorter toptube..