How to measure the size of a bicycle

if you’re thinking about buy or rent a bike It is essential that you know what size you need. You have to know the key frame measurements to make sure you’ll be comfortable, but not everyone knows how to measure the size of a bicycle.

Also, riding the right size bike isn’t just about comfortbut also of performance and of course from Health. If you ride a bike that is too big or too small, you can end up with spinal problems and back pain and even knee injuries as well.

How to measure the size of a bicycle

The most common mistake when trying to know bike size you should buy is to look only at the height. This is, without a doubt, a fundamental piece of information, but it is not enough to choose one bicycle or another.

To know precisely the size of bicycle that best suits your dimensions, you must know the height of your crotch. To do this, you must stand on your feet and barefoot, with your legs straight. Now measure the distance between the ground and the groin in centimeters.

1. To calculate the size for a mountain bike: multiply your inseam height by 0.21.

2. To calculate the size for a road bike: multiply your inseam height by 0.65.

Once this is done, you must check in a table What are those centimeters equivalent to in bicycle size?

Height Crotch Sizes in inches Size

148-158cm 70-74cm 13″-14″ XS

158-168cm 74-75cm 15″-16″ yes

168-178cm 75-81cm 17″-18″ M

178-185cm 81-86cm 19″-20″ L

185-193cm 86-90cm 21″-22″ XL

If your result is between two sizes, there are two criteria you can use to choose your ideal bike size.

Choose bike size if the value is between two measurements

1. Biomechanical criterion: It is based on measuring your wingspan: the length from the tip of one hand to the other with your arms extended crosswise. If the data is greater than your height, choose a larger size. If your wingspan is less than your height, choose the smaller bike size.

2. Type of use criteria: in this case, choose the smallest bicycle size in case you are going to make a more sporty and competitive use of the bicycle. On the other hand, opt for a larger size if you are going to use the bike for a route where you are looking for comfort and not so much speed.

However, do not forget that the result is indicative, since the relationship between the length of the legs and the torso can vary from one person to another, as well as the length of the forearms.

If you want to get a more specific adjustment you must perform a biomechanical study with experts, who can analyze each of the variables of the sizes of the bicycles.

Bike size key numbers:

– Top tube length

– Seat tube length

– Scope and stack – and why they are important numbers

– Distance between axis

– Length of pods

– Center forward

– Seat tube and head tube angle

– Bottom bracket drop

– Bottom bracket height