Having a clear understanding of the measurements and the size of a bike is an important and basic aspect that everyone shopping for a bike should consider. Nevertheless, not many people put this aspect into consideration and consequently, make the wrong choice of bike size. There are numerous implications that come with the use of the wrong size of a bike such as discomfort when riding, backaches, and wrist pain among others. Evidently, it is important to choose the right size of bike although it can be challenging to identify your appropriate size.
This article is a complete guide on how to choose the ideal bicycle size for you.
Know your measurements
The number one thing that you need to do is to establish your own measurements. This is attributed to the fact that the choice of your bike size should be determined by your measurements. You can figure your measurements in three different ways – your leg inseam, your torso length, and your arm length.
The leg inseam is the distance from your foot to the crotch, while the torso length is the distance from your sternum to your crotch. These measurements should align with the measurements of the bike that you buy. You do not want a case where you are straining to reach your bike’s pedals or handlebar.
Understand basic formulae
A variety of basic formulae can help you determine your ideal bike size.
- The first formula is to understand the relationship between your inseam and the size of your bike.
The most basic aspect that determines the ideal size of your bike is your inseam. The majority of bike size charts use the stand-over height. Often, this height is the length of your inseam plus about 2 inches. Such spacing is allowed for maintaining enough space for your comfort when riding the bike. Nevertheless, the amount of clearance between your inseam and the top tube of the bike depends on the type of bike. For a mountain bike, the ideal clearance size ought to be between 2 and 4 inches, while for road bikes, it should be between 1 and 2 inches.
- The top tube length matters
The length of the top tube should help you determine the distance between the handlebars and the saddle. It is considered to be the average of your arm length and that of your torso.
Use bike size charts
You can use various types of charts to determine your ideal size of bike. Such charts can be either simple or advanced and are suitable for giving an estimate of the bike size that aligns with your size and measurements. In spite of this, for the charts to be effective in giving you an appropriate estimate of bike size, you need to be aware of your measurements –your height and the inseam length are used in determining the bike frame size. For example, if your height and inseam length are 4’10” – 5’1” and 25.5” -27” respectively, your ideal bike frame size should range between 46 cm and 48 cm.
Evidently, the size of your bike is an important factor to consider when shopping for bikes. Take enough time to choose your appropriate bike size –the important thing is to understand your measurements.
