Bob Freitas said:
>My daughter has expressed some interest in something CLASSIC
>LIGHTWEIGHT ,,how do you size a bike for someone who is long of leg and
>arm but short in body.Looks to me like she could straddle a 53/52 but a
>53CM top tube would be a stretch.
> Hints and tips appreciated,I am thinking a 51CM with more
>post showing and a longer stem or a 53 or so with shorter
>
Bob - how old is your daughter? She sounds pretty much like every teenage girl who comes in to the store with Mom and Dad looking for a bike. Most of them end up on very small size MTBs with longer posts - anything else is too long in the top tube for real comfort, and in some cases, safety. A bike that is too long can be hard to control, especially when one has not a lot of upper body strength.
Still, many women remain proportionally longer in the leg and arm than in the torso, making fit a challenge as they grow up. (me me!)
If she has to have a vintage bike, your instincts are correct to fit her by top tube and use a taller stem and long post. If you want to do a fit kit long distance, I'll be happy to help, email me off list.
Ann Phillips, Decatur GA