Is my bike too small??

[guitarsark]

I'm 5'6 with 32" inseam riding a small fisher sugar 2. Not womens specific. The LBS said the bike is the right size but I've got the seatpost maxed out and a longer stem on it. Just wondering peoples opinions.
karen

[MMcG]

I've tested a Sugar and a Medium frame fit me well and I have a 30" inseam (I'm 5'10 and my torso is slightly longer than my lower body). I would think having the seatpost maxed out in that manner would cause more fatigue on the seat-tube.

I would try to go back to the LBS and test a Medium to see if it feels and fits better and see if they'll do a swap. Hopefully you dealt with a LBS where the customer always comes first.

Let us know what you decide to do.

[AA]

Karen,

I think your bike is too small. Fitting women on bikes can be a challenge, especially a Sugar. They are using what they called "Genesis" geometry, basically the design is a longer top tube with the use of a shorter stem to get the rider centered over the bike for more control. This design is not the greatest for women. as you know women have longer legs and shorter torso's than men so to get you to fit on the Sugar they put you on a small.

Generally 5'6" is in that grey area between small and medium and the determining factor is the brand of bike. Go to the Mfg web sites and compare the top tube lengths and stand over heights of the Sugar and other comprable bikes.

Good luck

AA

[rathrbfast]

Just to put your mind slightly at ease, I've been running with my seatpost pretty much maxed out for about 6 years now on the same frame with no failures, either of the post or of the seat tube. Of course, it has a 31.6mm post, so I assume it would be stronger than, say, a 27.2mm.

[guitarsark]

Thanks for all the replies...Im tested out a medium sugar and the general consensus at the LBS is that i should go with a medium for XC only and small for more technical. I guess size isnt as big an issue as i thought, it's much easier to make a smaller bike bigger than a bigger bike smaller. I would probably be too stretched out on a medium. It's just that I have long legs for someone who's 5'6. It seems that rider size really varies and a lot of it is personal preference. Thanks again.
karen