Hi, I'm a guy and 5' 5" and I really haven't been on a bike recently although I used to go out alot on BMXs as a kid. I'm looking to get a new one (road bike most probably, if that helps) but my concern is whether my height will be a factor. I'm not really looking to get serious, just any old bike to get the job done (ride around campus vicinity - maybe 10 - 20 mins a day). I've put in my measurements into the Fit Calculator on competitivecyclist.com but the figures don't mean anything practical to me as I'll probably be getting one off eBay or my local classifieds. This is what I got:
So yeah, the figures are quite alien to me. Practically all the adverts seem to work on the basis of wheel size so that would be a nice guide. Do you reckon I'll be able to manage pretty much any bike? I don't mind stretching a little. Yes I've tried searching the forums. Any advice/feedback much appreciated. 🙂
I'd say try going to your local bike shop and try out a few. You need to find a bike that is the right size. the wrong size could give you knee or hip problems. You say only 10-20 minutes a day, but you'll find it very addicting. You'll soon be doing longer rides. (I started doing 5 mile rides last year, thought I'd work up to 10 mile rides and leave it at that just for the exercise. I did a 47 mile ride today....same ride I did two days ago.)
So a good fit will become very important. Where you buy is up to you, but be sure it is a good fit. Try out several brands of bikes. I'm sure you'll find one in your size.
