Whats the rule for bike height?

There are a lot of variables. I am male, 5'7", but my legs are short so the right size for me may not be the same for you. All bikes are different. The best thing is to have a local bike shop fit you to a bike. A good shop can do a bike fit, taking measurements, and size it properly.

Good luck.

If you are looking to get a road or Tri bike, you really need to go to a shop and have a fit done!!!

If you are talking about a MTB or hybrid then it's not as crucial but it would be nice for you to be able to stand over the top-tube and check clearance.Even though you don't have the same "issues" as a guy with the top-tube, you want to be sure the frame/bike's geometry fits your body without having to make drastic changes (stem, saddle position, ...).

As Ropkins said, all bikes are different so one company’s 15" bike will be different than another. In fact, even within the same company, bikes will differ between models.

So, I would highly recommend waiting until you can visit the LBS!

Cheers,
Rob

BTW:
When measuring for fit, you go by inseam, not body height.

Edited by MountainBreeze 2005-05-18 12:15 PM

A common formula for determining bike size is: inseam (in cm) * 0.67 = frame size in cm

This will get you in the ball park, but the more important measurement is the top tube length of the bike. Your fit to the top tube is going to have a much bigger impact on comfort and peformance then the seat tube length (the length that determines frame size).

Also, not all bike companies measure their bikes in the same method. Some measure the actual seat tube length, some from the BB to the point where the top tube connects to the seat tube, and others use a "virtual" dimension (this is what mfrs. of compact frames use since top tube slopes down to the seat tube meaning the seat tube will be shorter).

You can modify the overall reach by changing stem length and in the case of a tri set up the aero bars.

Having written all that, one formula I've seen for determining total "reach" (top tube length + stem length) for a road bike is: ((torso length + arm length)/2)+4 = top tube + stem length

Aren't you glad you asked? ;-)

Of course another option if you can't get to a bike shop is to e-mail or call a prospective on-line dealer and see if they offer any assistance in bike fitting. Most of the larger on-line retailers offer a fit service where you provide measurements and they make reccomendations.

scott

This user's post has been ignored.

(psst I thought the guys from Dave's Cycles were GREAT at the Danskin, helpful, fun, respectful, hardworking... fwiw...)