Bike Frame sizing

[wannabesub3]

Can somebody please help me, I have been looking at a Raleigh RC6000 woman specific carbon bike for the wife, but have noticed that on a small the top tube length is 55cm yet they say the size is a 48cm bike, she road a Scott size small 49cm, with a top tube length of 51,5cm, a 80mm stem and she was fine, will it make a difference on the Raleigh, or should I be looking at the XS Bike which is a 44cm with a top tube length of 53cm, the sizing on these bikes is really a bit strange, any advice welcome

[gummibear]

The 51 on a Raleigh is the seat tube length.

I had a RC6000 small and top tube was 53.5cm

Measure it in a straight line from centre head set to center seat post..

[wannabesub3]

Windblown did you have a carbon bike, cause my daughters bike the alu-frame and it seems to be ok? My main concern is that the top tube is going to be to long and she will be riding in a stretched out position.

[gummibear]

Alu and carbon.New Raleigh size is also different to 2 years back.

[wannabesub3]

What would you suggest then the small or xsmall?

[Thomo]

The 49cm Scott is an XS.

I don't know how the Raleigh geometry compares, but I think it would be best to get something with a similar top tube length.

To go from 51.5cm to 55cm may be too drastic.

I can't think that a small Raleigh would have a 55cm top tube though ... that sounds more like a medium.