How do you figure
out your bike size?
Bike sizing can be a bit of a pain sometimes because there isn’t always one universal system of measurement that’s the same for all types of bikes and all riders.
Depending on whether you’re looking for an adult bike, a kid’s bike, a road bike, or a mountain bike, you’ll need to find out what your frame size or wheel size is.
We always recommend heading into your local bike shop to get the best possible fit, but you can also you the size charts and information in this guide to find the size that’s best for you.
Depending on whether you’re looking for an adult bike, a kid’s bike, a road bike, or a mountain bike, you’ll need to find out what your frame size or wheel size is.
We always recommend heading into your local bike shop to get the best possible fit, but you can also you the size charts and information in this guide to find the size that’s best for you.
Measure inseam length
How do I calculate the frame size for my bike?
To calculate the right frame size, you need to determine your inseam length. The term “stand over height” is often used.
- Take off your shoes and stand with your back against a wall.
- Clamp a book between your legs so that it touches your crotch.
- Measure the distance from the floor to the top edge of the book.
Why is the right frame size important?
The correct frame size affects your posture and power transfer to the bike. A frame that is too small often leads to a hunched seating position, while a frame that is too large stretches you out and impairs your control. The right frame size, on the other hand, ensures:
Comfort:
A suitable frame ensures a comfortable riding posture and reduces stress on your joints. While the distance between the saddle and handlebars is important, the saddle itself is also crucial for a healthy and comfortable riding experience.
Efficiency:
The right frame size and optimal saddle height allow you to efficiently transfer power to the pedals. If you primarily use clipless pedals, it enables precise and convenient cleat adjustment.
Safety:
A well-fitting bike allows you better control and handling. This also includes a properly adjusted cockpit.
Other factors to determine the correct frame size
In addition to inseam length, other factors also play a role in choosing the right frame size:
Height:
Your overall height can also be an indicator of the right frame size.
Upper body and arm length:
These measurements affect the reach to the handlebars.
Bike type:
Depending on the bike type (city bike, mountain bike, road bike, gravel bike), different frame sizes may be optimal.
Reach and stack:
Reach is the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the center of the head tube. It affects how stretched or upright the rider sits. Stack is the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top edge of the head tube. It determines the height of the handlebars in relation to the bottom bracket and affects riding comfort and posture. If you take reach and stack measurements from one of your favorite bikes, you can use this data to narrow down the frame sizes when buying a new bike.
You can now use the determined inseam length to calculate the appropriate frame height for different bike types.
Frame calculation for different bike types:
01 City bike:
Inseam length x 0.66 = frame height in centimeters
02 Trekking bike:
Inseam length x 0.66 = frame height in centimeters
03 Mountain bike:
Inseam length x 0.226 = frame height in inches*
04 Road bike:
Inseam length x 0.665 = frame height in centimeters *Please note: for mountain bikes, the frame size is mainly given in inches, hence the different calculation compared to other bike types.
Overall, these are just guidelines that can vary depending on the construction of the bike frame and the type of bike.
Conclusion
Choosing the right frame size is crucial for riding comfort, efficiency, and safety. With proper measurement and adjustments, you can enjoy the best riding experience.
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