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Choosing the right bike size can be a daunting task. There are a number of factors to consider, and it is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the information out there. Luckily, this article breaks down the basics to help you make an informed decision on your next purchase!
We will provide tips for picking the right bike size and teach you how to choose the ideal frame based on your height. We will also shed light on sizing charts and what they mean to help you answer the question, “What size bike do I need?”
How to Pick the Right Bike Size in 4 Steps
Step 1: Choose Your Ideal Bike Type
Knowing the ideal bicycle type will help you determine what bicycle size to choose. For example, if you are looking for a kind that you can use for mountain biking or off-road trails and adventures, we recommend opting for mountain bikes with smaller or medium frames.
Road bikes are ideal if you need something for speed and long distances. These bikes suit those who are looking to navigate smooth roads and flat surfaces.
Hybrid bikes, sometimes referred to as urban bicycles or city bikes, combine the best of both worlds from road and mountain bike types. These have bike frames that suit those who want an easy ride with a comfortable upright seated position.
Step 2: Know Your Bike Size Measurements
It’s crucial to know how to measure for a bike correctly, and being at ease matters to both professional and casual cyclists.
You must know your height, leg inseam, and the frame size of your bike. Knowing these three will help you pick the option that is a good fit.
Your height
To measure your height, simply stand against a wall with the back of your head touching it. Place a book on top of your head and mark where the edge meets the wall. Measure from the floor to this mark in inches or centimeters for accurate results. You can also have someone measure you if needed!
Your Inseam
To measure your inseam length for getting your ideal bike size, stand with your feet around shoulder-width apart and bend one leg so that it is resting on a chair seat. Measure from the floor to the top of your bent knee in inches or centimeters for accuracy.
The Frame Size of Your Bike
To measure the frame size of your bike, measure from one side of the top tube (the bar that connects directly to your seat) down along the downtube and back up again in a straight line. You will get two measurements: A-C and B-D. The smaller of these two numbers is the frame size.
Step 3: Know How Bikes Are Measured
Getting the bike measurements are typically performed with precision in order to choose the right city bike, road bike, or mountain bike for your preferences and riding style.
Measuring the Seat Tube Length
The seat tube, which is measured from where it joins with the bottom bracket to its upper end at the center of the bike’s top-tube (where you can place your water bottle or bag), determines how much standover height your frame has (the distance required for adequate clearance between you and the bike).
This length is generally proportional to a bike’s wheelbase. It affects how high your seat sits, too. This means that bikes with longer, slacker geometry will have more standover clearance than ones with shorter reach measurements.
Measuring the Top Tube Length
Another vital thing to consider is the length of the top tube. The top tube length is the length of a line between the top tube and headtube.
Measuring the top tube is important because you don’t want to cause upper body and lower back tension by leaning over too far. The general rule of thumb is to have your upper body slightly bent when your arms are extended in front of you while riding on flat terrain with one gear higher than the lowest gear.
To determine the top tube length, you have to add the lengths of your arms and torso. Divide the sum by two and then subtract six to determine the length of the top tube.
Step 4: Use an Appropriate Bike Size Guide
Using a bike size chart helps you answer the question, “What size bike do I need?” A bike size chart will help determine what frame size will fit your body measurements. Use the information provided to help guide you in determining which frame is right for you.
Bike sizing charts are available online, but it can be difficult to measure your body parts without a measuring tape or ruler nearby. If you have one at home, take some time to get familiar with the bike sizing chart of your chosen model. They will come in handy when you are out bike shopping and need to know if a bike frame is a right size for your body type or not.
Road Bike Size Chart
Road bikes are measured from the center of the crank to the top of the seat tube. A good road bike size guide will provide a height range for each frame size and common measurements to get an accurate result.
Road bikes are built with slacker geometry, which means they have a longer wheelbase than other types of bikes. This is important to keep in mind when you are picking the right road bike size.
Mountain Bike Size Chart
Mountain bikes are measured just like road bikes are. A good mountain bike size chart will help you pick the best frame size for your height.
Mountain bikes are built with more upright geometry, which means they have a shorter wheelbase than road or hybrid bikes. This is important to keep in mind when you are picking out your frame size for this style of bike.
Hybrid Bike Size Chart
Just like when you’re shopping for a mountain bike, purchasing a hybrid bike can be challenging. Hybrids come in different styles depending on the brand that you choose. Thankfully, a hybrid bike size chart could provide you with a range of heights and common measurements that can assist if your frame is too long or too short.
Hybrids are suitable for most people with height ranges. A hybrid bike or city bike also offers handlebar adjustment to help you find your comfort zone when riding the bike. Make sure that you take measurements of yourself in order to get a better idea if the hybrid bike size will work out or not.
Hybrid bicycles are built using more than one frame style, but most are equipped with flat handlebars. These bars allow you to ride in an upright position instead of hunched over on a road bike or racing-style bicycle.
Women’s Bike Size Chart
When you are looking at a bike size chart for women, it is important to find out if the measurements provided for each frame size include drop handlebars or not. If they do not, then subtract two inches from your inseam measurement and add one inch to the height of the torso when determining which frame will fit best.
If the measurements provided for each frame size include drop handlebars, then you should not have to alter your inseam or torso measurements. They are standard across all women’s bike size charts provided by different brands.
Additionally, if you’re asking, “What size bike do I need for my height?” a bike size guide will help you determine your ideal bicycle size. For example, most charts will tell you that smaller frames will provide the best bike fit and a more comfortable ride when you’re in the market for the right bike size for a 5’3″ woman.
When considering a bike size by height, remember that you can’t rely on one bike size chart as it may vary by bike brand, bike store, or manufacturer.
Men’s Bike Frame Size Chart
Whether you’re looking to buy a city bike, a mountain bike, or one built for road biking – when using a bike frame size chart for men – keep in mind that different companies measure their bikes differently. They may use centimeters instead of inches when measuring certain bike parts. With this in mind, use your best judgment when determining mountain bike size is right for you.
Using the correct frame size ensures your comfort and safety when cycling, so take time to find a mountain bike size that fits you well. Remembering these tips will help you choose the right mountain bike size for your body type.
Bike Size Chart for Adults and Children
Bike sizing charts for adults are available for children and adults. These can be found on the most reputable bike websites or in a cycling magazine you subscribe to. However, it would be best if you found the specific size chart for the brand you’re looking to buy.
Picking the perfect size bike frames for adults and children more or less involves the same process. However, you should consider that a child’s bike is built smaller than an adult bike, so their measurements will be different from one another.
When determining the perfect size bike frame for a child, keep in mind that bike size charts for children are different from bike size charts for adults. A child’s bike size will have a minimum seat height, whereas you don’t have to take this into consideration when looking for bikes for adults. Adults can easily adjust a bike’s seat if they have short or very long legs.
The best way to choose which bicycle frames are right for children’s bikes is to measure them and compare the bike measurements to your child’s measurements. This will give you an accurate idea of which bike sizes are best for your child’s height and age range.
Choosing the Right Bike Size: FAQs
While bike size charts vary between brands, and when you’re looking for a new bike, looking at bike frame sizing charts may seem a little overwhelming. This section will help make the buying process a whole lot easier.
Do you like the manoeuvrability of a slightly larger bike?
If you like bike frames that are slightly bigger, then choose one with a shorter top tube.
For more maneuverability, bike sizing charts point to models which have an adjustable stem instead of handlebars. This will allow the bike to be adjusted depending on your height and preferred riding position.
How often will you be riding your bike?
If you are an avid bike rider, then carefully choose a bike that fits your build and height. Consult a bike height chart to determine your best options.
Pick one with adjustable handlebars if you ride once in a while or plan to use it for casual purposes. This will allow the bike to adjust depending on who is riding the bike next.
What kind of bike do I need for my commute?
If you bike to work or school on a daily basis, then it’s important that you choose the best size bike for commuting. Choose bike frames with the shortest top tube possible since this will make bike riding more manageable in crowded areas like city streets and subways.
Does a bike’s frame design impact overall riding comfort?
Absolutely! When bike frame design is taken into consideration, you have a better idea of your riding experience. For example, if the bike has a more upright positioning, it will be a little less comfortable when riding longer distances. On the other hand, bikes with sloping top tube frames provide more comfort for riders who bike longer distances.
If bike frame design is important to you, you can go for a bike with oversized tubing. This will give the bike’s appearance more character and style while also being lightweight to travel faster.
We suggest you take the bike for a spin around your neighborhood and see how the bike feels while riding.
Test different speeds on flat ground and uphill climbs or down steep hills (if possible). You may need to choose another size if the bike you’re testing does not feel comfortable.
Is reach important when deciding between bike sizes?
Reach is important when choosing the right size bike for you and your family. You would want to make sure that your arm length and match it with bike frame size so you can achieve the most comfortable riding position possible.
Reach will also affect bike control, making certain bike sizes more uncomfortable than others depending on how long or short they are for each person’s body type.
To determine if you have a long or short reach, you need to know your ape index. To obtain this, measure your arm span and compare it with your height. If the arm span is greater, you have a positive ape index, thus, have a longer reach.
I am new to biking. What size bike frame do I need?
If you are new to biking, it’s best to start out on a bike that is smaller than your frame size and then work up to larger bikes as needed. You can always trade-in or sell your current bike once you decide what bicycle type you would like to use regularly.
How do I choose the right bike length?
According to bike sizing charts, bike length is generally measured from the bike’s seat post down to where it meets the back wheel. This measurement can vary depending on the bike’s size and design.
Smaller bikes are usually best for short people, while taller riders may need a larger bike with an adjustable stem instead of handlebars.
Bike length is also important based on where you plan to ride your bike most often or how tall you are to achieve a more comfortable biking experience.
What are compact bicycle frames best for?
Compact bike frames are great for bike riders who want to add speed and performance to their bike while still being comfortable.
If you bike at a fast pace or on longer distances, this will give your arms more room when biking, so they don’t have to struggle against the handlebars in order to keep up with faster cyclists.
The compact frame design is also great for bike riders looking to bike faster and more comfortably. These designs feature sloping top tube frames, which provide a comfortable biking experience when traveling longer distances.
Compact bike sizing charts also suggest that this type of frame design is ideal for shorter people since it does not require as much reach between the seat post and back tire, making the bike length more adjustable.
What bike frame size do I choose if I’m in-between sizes?
If you are in-between sizes, you should always choose the smaller bike frame size. This allows for more adjustability and bike control, making the bike easier to handle.
If you choose a too-large bike for your frame size, it will be harder to reach the pedals when biking or traveling at faster speeds. This can also make cycling uphill much less comfortable than if you were using a smaller-sized bike. Hence, choose bike sizes that allow you to pedal smoothly.
Do I need to invest in professional bike fitting?
If you are still unsure about what bike size to get, you can provide a bike fit professional with your measurements, and they will be able to tell if you need the larger or smaller bike frame for optimum comfort.
It is worth investing in professional bike fitting. Professional bike fitters will ensure that your bike fits you perfectly and comfortably, providing hours of enjoyable riding. It can also be an expensive service, so get the best value for money by finding out if there is a local offer available before booking.
7 Things to Remember When Buying a Bike
1. Never buy a bike that is too big for you.
Don’t buy a bicycle that doesn’t fit your body! Buying a road bike or mountain bike that’s inappropriately sized could lead to serious injuries.
Buying one that is too big for you is a huge mistake. If it is not of the correct size, it will be extremely uncomfortable to ride. For example, if you plan to spend time road biking, ensure you’re picking the right road bike size. If not, you’ll have a hard time controlling it, and you may injure yourself while riding.
It’s very important that your new bicycle fits perfectly, so make sure you do some research on different bike sizes, types, and features before buying it! Make use of online sizing charts or ask someone knowledgeable at the store. Also, remember that bicycle manufacturers have different bike size charts.
2. Don’t buy a used bike unless you know its history.
Most riders will advise you against buying a used bicycle. Purchasing a used unit is always tricky, but buying one without knowing its history can be very dangerous. If you’re buying it off someone online or in an auction, then make sure the seller has written down any problems with the bicycle and fixed them before selling it to you.
When buying, try out all of your picks thoroughly by riding them around the block. This way, you can find which is best for your height, weight, and comfort level.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The seller should be able to provide you with all the information you need. The last thing you want to happen is buying a bicycle you don’t even like.
Don’t forget that the best way to personalize a bike’s comfort level is by having someone help you make adjustments to it! If your seat height, handlebars, and gears are not adjusted right, the bike’s fit won’t feel as comfortable as possible. Ask for assistance from an expert to make sure you get it right!
Remember, the buying experience is supposed to be fun, so don’t forget to enjoy the process. Deciding between two bike sizes should not feel like an impossible task because there are always things you can do that will help you find the perfect fit, like a bike size guide.
3. Consider how much time you will spend riding your bike.
Buying a bicycle is an important and expensive decision. If you’re buying it simply for leisure, then buying anything too fancy might not be necessary.
If you want to go on long rides or if your commute is longer than 30 minutes, then consider buying something more durable! It’s better to spend the extra money now rather than having to buy a bicycle in the near future.
Doing some research will definitely help! When buying a bicycle, you should always keep safety in mind, so make sure it has brakes and lights if needed. Also, ask yourself what kind of tires do I need? Will my commute be on smooth roads or rough terrain? These are all questions you should take into account before buying a bicycle.
Buying a bike is an exciting experience, but that excitement can quickly turn into frustration if the incorrect size or style is purchased. It’s important to know what kind of riding will be done on your new bicycle and what features are needed for it to work well.
4. Be sure to test ride at least two different bikes.
Some people like road bikes, while others prefer mountain bikes. It’s good to test ride different kinds of bicycles before making the decision on which one is best for you!
Test riding bikes is very important. Buying one without testing it could result in getting the wrong bike size which could be dangerous. It’s also difficult to find out how comfortable one feels on the bicycle without trying it.
Furthermore, don’t just try one bicycle. Try other bikes before buying! It will help you figure out which seat height and style, frame size, wheel size, and more are right for you. Make sure to take your time because it will be on your body all day!
Don’t forget to ask questions about sizing before buying a bicycle! It’s important to know if adjustments can be made.
If buying online, consider looking at sizing charts to know what measurements should be used to get the correct seat height or frame size.
Always make sure you’re buying the right size for maximum comfort because it will make or break the experience.
5. Buy the right bike accessories.
It’s important not to forget to buy cycling accessories, especially for commuting purposes. If your commute is on roads with a lot of traffic, you should definitely buy a helmet!
You will also need a small floor pump, spare tubes, and a repair kit are also necessary so you can fix any flat tires on the road. But for long commutes, you might get those nifty CO2 inflators and cartridges to get your tire back up and running in no time.
You will also need a bike lock for safety purposes and reflectors and lights to ensure you are safe when riding at night time. Flashing lights are also good to have so cars can see you while riding in very dark areas.
You might want some water bottles and maybe even holders for carrying snacks. There are so many different accessories to consider buying, depending on your style of biking!
It’s important not to forget to buy the right accessories because these will help you feel safe and secure while riding. Make sure bicyclist lights are correctly installed to be seen easily during dark hours or at night time. Also, make sure that any water bottles or snack holders are placed in a safe and secure location.
Also, the best way to ensure you have all of your needs met is by buying accessories that reflect what kind of riding it is going to be used for.
6. Never buy a wrong size bike just because it’s inexpensive.
Although buying the cheapest bicycle is tempting, settling for something that doesn’t fit could be detrimental to your riding experience.
You’ll likely end up buying another one in the near future if you don’t take enough time to find out what works best for you because it will lead to an uncomfortable and unpleasant riding experience. It’s not worth saving money on something that isn’t right for your body!
Don’t buy it if you don’t like its appearance, or if anything doesn’t quite feel right. It’s much better to spend the extra couple bucks buying something you will love than buying an uncomfortable bike that doesn’t fit.
7. Consider consulting a professional bike fitter.
If, at this point, you still can’t find a satisfactory answer to “What size bike do I need?” it is time to consult a professional fitter.
A certified fitter will help make sure your ride is perfect and balanced to ensure it suits your body style. A proper bike fit should be achieved as it can lead to serious injuries if not taken seriously.
Don’t take chances buying something without professional assistance. While using a bike size chart is helpful, basing your decision solely on what the manufacturer’s guide tells you could be detrimental in the long run! Hence, ask around for recommendations or find someone certified at your local bike shop.
Choosing the Correct Bike Size
Buying a bike is not an easy decision. Determining the right size for your body can be difficult, but buying one that doesn’t fit will lead to injury and discomfort while riding.
The best way to find what works for you is by test-riding different bikes before buying! It’s also important to remember that buying the most affordable one might not be worth it if there are many issues with how it feels while you’re taking it for a spin.
If you want help finding what type of bicycle suits you best, let us know in the comments!
