What's the correct bicycle size for me?

[bicentennial_baby]

I want a hybrid, and I can't make heads or tails of how bike sizing works. I'm 5'2".

Thanks! :hi:

[KitchenWitch]

1. What is your inseam?

[taterguy]

2. Ask someone at a friendly local bike shop

That's what they're paid for

[ET Awful]

4. Bingo. . . your height is only part of the equation.

Inseam, torso length, arm reach, etc. all play into properly sizing and setting up a bicycle.

[DS1]

3. Yes, go to the bike store

But I'd guess a 48

[MonkeyFunk]

5. the tires

should just barely reach the ground.

[Shine]

6. Get thee to a bike shop to be properly fitted.

that's my professional two cents' worth of advice. :hi:

[Breeze54]

7. I ride a 26" wheel diameter bike

and I'm 5' 4" ... But like the others said.

Better to go see at the bike shop. :hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

8. At 5'2", you need an 18 guage radial, and a 20 guage crossbar, plus or minus,

depending on how long your legs are versus the average 5'2" woman. Might need a 17 or 19 gauge radial depending. And you'll be looking for probably a 7.5-8.0" interstitial in the crimping supports.

I'd also, given that you are a bit shorter and probably have somewhat smaller hands than average, ask them to lengthen the brake cleaver.

Assuming you're getting something like a racing bike (generic ten-speed style), and not one of those old-style one-gear 1950s sort of bicycles.

And they'll bitch and complain about it, but tell them that you want the links in the chain shortened - they'll say that it can't be done, but they're just being lazy because they generally hate taking the time to do it, but you probably want them all reduced about 10% in length, otherwise it's gonna interfere with your pedaling.

[flvegan]

9. 3" in the front, 1.5-2" in the back

That's shock travel size. Of course you'll need a proper mountain bike for that.

No, seriously, another vote for a visit to the bike shop. One that sells Gary Fisher.