sizing problems for a short woman

Toblerone1

I'm a beginner and I've been trying some bikes, i tried a women's specific and it didn't feel very comfortable, tried a man's one and it was much better, but the same frame size? that's my first surprise, second surprise was, although it was comfortable, i couldn't touch the floor except on the very edge of tiptoes from sitting (consequently i crashed into a wall and shredded my arm because i wasn't expecting this when i tried to stop, lol) i was told it was a 16 inch frame and the man in the shop said 'we don't stock anything smaller in the mens bike' - which has the best specification for my price range, and that '16 inches was ideal for my heigh' i am 5'3 - i measured my inside leg and it is 70cm/28 inches.
Should i look elsewhere or is there anything i can do?

nonnac85

I ended up with a blokes bike - i found it fitted me better than a WSD. Go with what is comfortable.
Although it doesnt really matter the colour is better - im not into pink / purple / pastel colours!

What type of riding are you looking at doing and whats your budget?

Also this ia a silly question but did the guy in the shop adjust the height of the seat for you?

Larok

Specialised small frame size for women is a very small frame, might be right for you. My wife is 5'4 and a half and the WSD medium by specialised fits like a glove. The spesh range isn't all OTT on girly colours either.

Good range too, from this

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 155c002909

to this

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 155c002909

As for 16" being the right frame for your height, on the face of it dosn't seem right. I'm 5'10 and a 17" is my usual.

supersonic

Have a read of this:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12566711

Only way really is to try them out - there is no ideal size.

grantway

Its not un-common to find women buying a mans frame
Its all down to geometry and the womens poisture.

Some frame makers make a 14 inch frame

Does not seem your bike store was of any help
and best try another shop and point out the problems you
had with the other bike you tried and go from there.