How to Choose a Frame Size
With such a wide variety of bike frame sizes available, choosing the right can seem daunting. There's nothing arbitrary about choosing the right size frame, however. Most bike shops offer precise fitting, and some of these methods can be replicated at home. A well-fitting frame is comfortable to ride and allows the cyclist to deliver optimal power to the drive train. Taking a moment to make a few careful measurements helps ensure a smart purchase and a satisfying ride.
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Instructions
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Put the shoes on your feet that you'll be wearing when riding your bike. This may be a simple pair of tennis shoes or even cycling-specific cleats.
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Place your back against a smooth wall. Place the spine of a narrow book against the fold of your crotch. While holding the book in place, step away from the wall.
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Use a pencil and mark on the wall where the tip of the book spine meets the wall. This is your inseam measurement.
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Locate the standover height for the bicycle of your interest. Bicycles sold online will typically list the dimensions of the frame, including standover height. Standover height is the distance from the ground to the top of the bicycle frame top tube.
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Choose a bicycle frame with an appropriate standover height. For mountain, urban/commuting or touring bikes, rei.com recommends choosing a frame with a standover height 2 to 4 inches less than your inseam measurement. For road bikes, the gap should be 1 to 2 inches. For comfort bikes, the distance will be be 2 to 3 inches.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bike ride in the park image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
