[em73]

I've also got a looong torso compared to my legs. I am 5'8", so I'm solidly in the land of the regular pant, but the one thing I'm concerned about is bike fit (once I actually go buy a bike) - did you need to adjust your bike fit to compensate for your non-standard proportions?<br><br>
we'll go to a good LBS and get professionally fit when we buy bikes, but I want to know what to look out for.

 

[Tithers]

I got my bike fit "professionally" I was fitted wrong the first time and LUCKILY the bike shop knew they were in the wrong and x-changed my bike no questions after a month or 2.<br><br>
Women specific has a shorter reach, so you'll want a "man's" bike.

 

[em73]

cool, thanks, that makes sense.

 

[LookiLoo]

I have the same problem, and for whatever reason, LBS fitted me with a women's specific bike when I purchased mine so I was always slightly 'scrunched'. When I went to the local tri shop to get fitted for aerobars last month, I had another fitting by a guy who was FIST certified. While he did say he would never have sold someone my size (also 5'8" with long torso) a wsd bike, it worked out really well when he put the aerobars on. No need to move anything foward b/c I was already long enough to be right on top of the bars! Just had to move the seat up.<br><br>
Enjoy the bike shopping, make sure you ride as many as you can!

 

[Stitcher]

Ok....<br><br>
So, how do you know where to start looking size-wise when you're shopping for your bike?<br><br>
I'm 5' 7".....long inseam, but not overly long.....maybe normal torso...hell, I don't know.<br><br>
But, how do you know where to START?<br>
I know what size pants I wear, that's what I pick up first when shopping. Then, go up or down depending on mood or accuracy of selection.<br>
In bikes?<br>
nope, no clue.

 

[em73]

hmm, I don't know that I want aerobars (they scare me, plus it is REALLY hilly around me), but I will mention that to the bike guys when I am looking at bikes.<br><br>
this is why I keep telling my husband we cannot buy bikes online.

 

[LookiLoo]

If you're going to shop for a road bike, hopefully you'll find a good enough LBS that fits you well for your bike, so you won't have to think so much about it so don't even worry about the areobars. That was just a 'fortunate coincidence' on my part.<br><br>
I think my situation was just a fluke, but also a reminder that when you're out there, try to get as many opinions as possible. I went to a few local shops, but only was seriously fitted at one. I love this bike shop otherwise, I think the guy that fit me must have been hungover or something when he fit me <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[jroden]

you can do some of the research yourself and look at the geometry charts for bikes that are your size (i dunno, 54 or somesuch) and compare the horizontal top tube length, assuming you have a long torso, you'd want one where the top tube length is somewhat longer than other brands. It's hardr to compare with the compact frames, but I guess you would be a good candidate for a compact type geometry, as you might want the top tube to be close to or even exceed the seat tube.<br><br>
There's no "adjustment" beyond putting a new stem on the bike, but you only have about 20mm to play with before you get into freakish sten length territory, you want about a 120 on a properly fit bike.<br><br>
You need someone to set you on a bike, it doesn't need to be a fancy production by a "fit professional" but it needs to be done by a non-nitwit.