Bike frame size for someone that's 5'5.5?

proper kids bike seat height image

mogwai

I found a really great used bike I want to buy, but I'm iffy on the frame size. I'm 5'5 and a half and when I measure my leg length it comes to about 29-30 inches. The bike I'm interested in is 54 cm, is that too big? I'd only be riding it to and from work (less than half an hour a day). It's a cruiser bike if that makes any difference on the sizing.

I used a site's calculator and it recommends trying 52 cm size, is 2 cm a big deal?

I'm going to see it on monday-I've read when you ride the bike your leg should still be slightly bent with the pedal in the 6 o'clock position, can I base my decision on size with that?

Any other tips in regards to buying a used bike would be appreciated-I haven't owned a bike since I was a kid so I'm a bit cluless overall.

Thanks.

Answer
It will probably be too big. Frame sizes vary so charts are not very accurate. Two things to look for.
1. Stand over height, you want 1-2 inches of clearance between you and the top bar. You can go as much as three. 2. With the saddle adjusted to the proper height and your hands on the hoods the front axle should line up with the handlebars. If it is a little off you can replace the stem if you need to.

The fit on a road bike should feel like the perfect position of your car seat. You try to drive someones car that is taller or shorter then you it wont fell comfortable. It's no different on a bike.

Okay people!!!! Be my Suze Orman! I am 19, fabulous, broke, in college and want a $700-$800 road bike?

?

Save me the embarrassment/time of appearing on the Suzy show to ask this question. I am at a university, very prestigious university in my US state and I am looking to buy a decent road bike in the $700-$800 USD range. I am 19 years old and am a junior in college. I currently have $4200 in savings and $8000 remaining in tuition to pay up until June of 2011, when I graduate with a bachelors of biochemistry. Hard times/classes ahead of me and the money counts! HOWEVER, I LIVE AT HOME! Mommy will always help. lol just kidding. I don't plan on it though, and hold myself responsible as an adult and pay things myself first. I have won $6500+ in scholarships so far, and worked down my account from $8000 last fall to what it is now on tuition. I have a past of riding in organized road bike rides/love the Tour de France and am a biking fanatic! My mom understands this, and she wants me to buy a bike, saying I deserve it. An aluminum works for me.
My birthday arrives at 20 in 46 days (b-day money perhaps). My neighbor has a Cannondale R600 aluminum that I might be able to haggle on for a price.

I know this is stupid, but I never buy anything for myself. Spring is around the corner, and I want to show the campus folks who a real rider is. My old pediatrician wants to ride the mountains again this coming summer like last.

Help this 19 year guy who is young, fabulous and nearly broke (THAT's ME HAHA!). I tend to think that we face desires in life and money on hand - we have to keep focusing on what's most important with our money. I cannot tell you how many times I have wanted things and been patient with my tuition. I hardly partly/am a good kid.
I completely agree. I was just testing the waters...maybe. I understand what you mean by "financially stable"

Answer
If you are looking for a road bike the Trek Road 1 series bikes run from $659 to $1099 The 1.1 spec's are below and it runs $659 http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/#1_series for the price I don't think you'll find anything better. you can look through the bikes at the link or site above.

Frameset
Sizes 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm
Frame Alpha White Aluminum
Fork Aluminum
Wheels
Wheels Alloy hubs; Bontrager Approved alloy rims
Tires Bontrager Sport, 700x23c
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano 2300 STI, 8 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano 2300
Rear Derailleur Shimano 2300
Crank FSA Tempo 50/34
Cassette Sun Race CSR86 12-25, 8 speed
Pedals Nylon body w/alloy cage
Components
Saddle Bontrager R1
Seat Post Bontrager SSR
Handlebars Bontrager Sport, 26.0mm
Stem Bontrager Approved, 15 degree, 26.0mm
Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Alloy dual pivot w/Shimano 2300 STI levers

As far as sizing you need to remember that every bike sold is different according to models and manufacturers and no two are the same along with every person being different that is why being fitted is important.
You can use the chart below to get an Idea of the recommended frame size for someone your height and inseam measurement should ride. If you follow the link below there is a Related article: Adjusting Your Bike For Proper Fit there and it will explain all the things you need to take into consideration.
http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/bike_sizing.htm


Determining Your Road Bike Frame Size
Height........ Inseam Length...Bike Frame Size
4'10" - 5'1"...25.5â - 27â........46 - 48 cm
5'0" - 5'3".... 26.5" - 28"....... 48 - 50 cm
5'2" - 5'5".... 27.5" - 29" .......50 - 52 cm
5'4" - 5'7".....28.5" - 30"........52 - 54 cm
5'6" - 5'9".....29.5" - 31"........54 - 56 cm
5'8" - 5'11"...30.5" - 32".......56 - 58 cm
5'10" - 6'1"...31.5" - 33".......58 - 60 cm
6'0" - 6'3".....32.5" - 34"........60 - 62 cm
6'2" - 6'5".... 34.5" - 36"....... 62 - 64 cm

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Title Post: Bike frame size for someone that's 5'5.5?
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