How to Find the Right Size Bike
There are various types of bikes, depending on their sizes and manufacturers. Choosing the right one for yourself or your loved ones is not a walk in the park. You need to understand various aspects before settling for the one you like.
A bike is a long-term asset, meaning its life can run for more than a decade. Since its consumption is unlimited over time, it is wise to make an informed decision before buying one.
In this article, we shall help you make the right choice when selecting a bike. It contains all the information necessary when shopping for one. The document is a product of a well-thought-out and researched subject matter.
Read through for more information.
How to pick the right size of bike
Measure the bike
You will need a tape measure for this purpose. For maximum comfort, take the measurements of the frame and the distance between the seat and the pedal.
The pedal should be at the bottom when it is in rotation. It helps to get accurate measurements.
Measure the inseam from the ground to your crouch
Stand with your feet flat on the ground, excluding the shoes.
Various measurements will determine the type of bike to buy. For example:
If it is between 68 to 76 cm or 29.9 inches, choose a bike with a frame size of 16 to 17 inches.
For men, if the inner leg measurement is between 76 to 84 cm, the frame size should be between 18 to 20 inches. Alternatively, for women, it should be between 16 to 17 inches.
If the inner leg measurement is longer, the options become more. You can go for a 20-inch + mountain bike or a 21-inch + for the men’s trail, town, or road bikes.
On the contrary, on women’s bikes, if the inner leg measurement is more than 84 cm or 33.1-inch go for a 16-inch + mountain bike. Alternatively, select an 18-inch + frame for trail, town, or road bikes.
Measure thea bike against yourself
The height of your bike should be ideal, depending on your length. Stand beside it on either side. If the seat is below the hipbone, it can be fit for you.
Now, stand with your feet over the bike while having your legs on either side. The seat should be touching your back. On a road bike, you should have at least a space of 1.5 to 2.0 inches between the top bar and your crouch.
However, it should be about 2.0 to 4.0 inches on a mountain bike.
Consult the online bicycle sizing chart
If you flip over the internet, you will find accurate and reliable bicycle sizing charts for all types of bikes. It provides multiple techniques for estimating the proper size of the frame.
Complement these recommendations with your personal preferences and experience.
Check the frame
Determine the size by measuring from the middle of the front sprocket to the upper side of the tube holding the seat.
Alternatively, you can measure from the top tube to the middle of the sprocket. These measurements are always contained on a label either at the top or bottom of the seat tube. They sometimes include a picture to demonstrate the dimensions.
The manufacturers may present these dimensions in many forms, and the common ones include inches and centimeters. These measurements can also be small, medium, and large.
The trick to getting quick and easy measurements of your bike is by measuring from your crouch to the floor. Multiply the outcome by 66!
Some bike frames do not have a straight tube. In this case, omit the above measurement and use the two discussed previously in this document.
Children’s bikes have different units of measurement. They are based on the child’s height and shown as the wheel size.
Always remember that the sizes of the bikes differ depending on the user. Men, women, and children’s models have different units of measurement that you must grasp before buying one.
Test the height by taking a ride
Taking the measurements using a tape measure alone and standing beside or above the bike is not enough. Take a ride to find the taste and the feeling of your bi. Try it over smooth and rough terrain.
While at it, vary the speed from slow to fast and vice versa. It helps you find the feeling and the taste from different perspectives.
Adjust the seat
Some models do not allow for the adjustment of the seat. However, others do. Check that you can adjust it to the appropriate height before buying one. It should be in a position it allows your leg to be straight or near when pedaling.
Your feet should touch the ground on either side while seated on the seat, and the bike is not in motion. At the same height, the knees should not touch either the front wheel or the handlebars.
Your back should be almost straight or perpendicular when riding. Avoid leaning heavily against the top tube or the handlebars when riding. If you bend too much on the bike, you may lose control leading to accidents and damage.
Ensure that the saddle is clear of the top tube
Road bikes and mountain bikes have different lengths of clarity. If you feel that it is too high or low, stand directly next to it and determine the level of adjustment.
On road bikes, the clarity should be one inch long. However, on a mountain bike, it should be three inches long.
The recommendation is that the saddle should reach your hip. That should be the right size for you or your loved one.
Do not purchase a bike until you are satisfied that it is the one you want.
Conclusion
Choosing a bike for yourself or someone else can be a daunting task. A lot of measurements are necessary to determine the suitable one to purchase. The unit of measurement includes both tape measure and practice using your body.
Bikes are some of the long-term properties that can last for up to a decade in our homes. Before spending a lot of cash on purchasing them, some research is ideal.
Most manufacturers provide a manual or guide about their products, and always available at shopping stores.
Finally, by going through this article, you get to understand how to find the right size bike.
