how to measure bike size

Multiply the leg inseam length (in centimetres) with a factor of 0.70. Say that the length of the seat tube is 22 inches long. In general, casual riders will want closer, higher handlebars while racers want a longer reach. Below 3'. The other methods include looking at the size . In this case, 82% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. If you look at a bike geometry table, it will usually include the real top-tube length. The stand-over height of a bike frame, or the distance from the center of the top tube to the ground, should be 2-5 inches less than your inseam, depending on the type of bike. The new way of choosing a bike size is based on a kid's bike inseam. Then, to double-check you have an accurate number, measure the other side of the bike and take the average of both numbers (if there is a difference). To choose the correct bike size quickly, reference the manufacturers geometry charts and pick the frame size corresponding to your height. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. For instance, if your inseam is 75 centimeters and you are measuring a road bike, the computation needs to be 75 x .70, which will be equal to 52.5. Take the measurements in both centimeter and inches. Now you can choose the right size from the available frame sizes. SSL. It is very rare that the last person who tested the bike needed the same seat height as you, so you must adjust this before knowing if the frame is the wrong size. The first number indicates the width in millimeters. If your bike is still a current model, its worth taking a copy of this because it will be more accurate than your measurements and likely a handy reference down the line. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective. Larger bikes can make you reach a bit too far, but you can often raise and lower the handlebars to a greater degree, allowing you better customization options if you decide you need a better fit further down the road. We provide valuable and informative articles to help guide you on your purchases by partnering with knowledgeable cyclists and reliable bike stores and brands that sell their products online. Sloping top tubes require an extra step involving a long bubble level or a bubble level phone application and a broom handle. On a road bike, which size wheel goes with which size frame? If you have trouble standing, reaching for the bars, or feel finger numbness, then your seat is too far back. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It depends on how many inches the tire is. This number has a minimal effect on handling but will tell you how much toe overlap the frame has. Tech-wise, hes covered everything from rim width to the latest cycling computers. Measure from the center of the crank bolt and up along the seat tube for sloping top tubes. So now youve got all the measurements you need to size up your frame. Additionally, a shorter chainstay can impact the stiffness of a frame, making the bike more responsive. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This helped find my correct size, and it matched exactly the old used bike I have and am ready to, "Simple instructions. This section will teach you how to determine size of bike frames. Some head tubes are tapered, so you must measure the angle in its center, as the external angles will vary. The HT length is the most straightforward measurement. 33 - 36 cm / 13" - 14". Then, subtract the bottom bracket height from this number. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. The chainstay length is the straight line distance between the centre of the bottom bracket axle and the centre of the rear dropout, so its fairly easy to measure with a ruler. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Seat tube angle has a less pronounced effect on handling than HT angle and doesnt vary as much. Thats the equivalent of the chainstay length but measured from the axle to the front dropout. In short, your frame size for the road bike will be 53 cm if your leg inseam is 76 cm. The average sit bone width for men is 60-160mm and 90-170mm for women. How to measure for a bike Properly measuring for a bike is incredibly important and being comfortably matters to both professional and casual cyclists alike. Trek, bike, and paddle with GearJunkie and USARA this season as we explore and compete in wilderness events around America. If you are alone, use a hardcover book to help measure. If youre using Blue Tack, make sure that the blob at the end of the string is fairly symmetric and your string hangs down straight otherwise your measure may be off. The old-school way of how to measure bike wheel size is to have the bike upright and grab a tape measure. Step 3: Measure the Internal Diameter of the Seat Post Clamp. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If you are unsure of your frame spacing or have an older bicycle, measure the hub width to ensure a proper fit. This is the number to look out for when wanting to change tires. Changing your child's bike's seat height allows him or her to grow without having to buy a new one. 5 Choices in Bike Helmet Features. 1. Multiply this by 2.54, which 55.88 cm. A performance-optimized road bicycle will have a steep head angle and high fork offset (less trail). Unlike bottom bracket drop, it will be affected (slightly) by your tyres too, so inflate them to your usual running pressure. Now, find out the height in centimeter. If not, then you need a bigger frame. The good news is that if you find a frame that fits, you can dial in the reach by making small adjustments to the saddle position (front to back) and/or stem length (where the handlebars clamp into place). Now you can make use of your calculator and calculate the right size according to the kind of bike you need, for example: For city bike, Frame size = Leg inseam (cm) * 0,685. Save 30% on the shop price + get a Race Face AEffect handlebar worth 41.95! And, you are there! Once, bikes all had horizontal top tubes. This step is important because the internal diameter of the seat post clamp size should correspond with the external diameter of the seat tube. A performance-optimized road bicycle will have a steep head angle and high fork offset (less trail). The calculation here will give you your bikes frame size. 2- When looking at your feet position, it depends on many aspects of the anatomy of the bike. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures. If it's a 24-inch fork, it will be a 24-inch wheel. Many people are hesitant to purchase a new bike online because they cant test it out in person. Again, if you can find out the reach and stack for a bike you like or that you had fitted in the past, you will be in a great position to start looking for a new one. Refer to a Bike Sizing Chart. Colnago, for example, records the horizontal distance from the head tube to a vertical projected up from the top of the seat tube, so it doesnt take account of the further backward projection of the seatpost and its numbers will come out smaller than other makers. This article has been viewed 381,480 times. Measure the BB height by running a vertical line from the center of the crank bolt to the floor, ensuring your bike is standing straight and the wheels are inflated equally. Sensible, efficient, well written article! You will usually be able to find a geometry chart for all sizes of a current frameset on a makers site. The bottom bracket drop is the difference between the height of the wheel axles and the centreline of the crank axle. Whether you are looking at a horizontal or sloping top tube, an integrated or standard seatpost, Daniel Lloyd takes you through how to measure each frame so that you can make an assessment about. Measure the length of the inseam (from the crotch to the ground). Measure from one point to the other with your measuring tape in millimeters. For example, if your bike tire has the code 32-622, that indicates the tire's width is 32mm, and the bike tire diameter is 622. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This number is your head tube length. Lets say that your preferred reach is 380mm and the stack is 580mm; you can cross-reference bikes in your price range to determine which ones are suitable. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If you purchase a used bike that doesnt happen to display its size, you can pull out your tape measure and measure the seat tube to find the size. For mountain bikes, you get some extra room by having at least 4-5 inches of clearance. He had a five-year stint at Cycling Weekly and has also written for titles including CyclingNews, Cyclist and BikePerfect, as well as being a regular contributor to BikeRadar. How to measure bike frame size? You can use the Clinometer application on your cell phone and line it up at the midline of your seat post and head post to measure these angles. Best road bike: find the right bike for your budget, Best mountain bike: everything you need to know, Reach and stack and why theyre important numbers, A clinometer to measure angles (there are free smartphone apps you can download), A long spirit level (or you can use the clinometer app and a straight piece of wood), A plumb line (or you can improvise with string and a couple of blobs of Blu Tack). This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Most. The stack is the vertical distance between the bottom bracket and the top of the head tube. For mountain bikes, take the same measurement and multiply 0.6, you will then need to change the centimeters into inches. Make sure your bike is vertical and standing on a horizontal surface for an accurate reading. Road, Gravel, and More. Once youve pinpointed the type of bike that fits your needs, then its time to focus on specific guidelines for the right fit, functionality, and comfort. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. when you subscribe today plus, save 30% off the shop price! "Thank you. 4 Type of Bike Helmet. Its another key measurement quoted by bike brands on their geo charts. Rounding up, youll have an answer of 46. For advice on how to choose the right size bike, check out the full article! Its best to use metric units for your measurements, as manufacturer geometry charts are typically in centimeters (cm) or millimeters (mm); one centimeter equals ten millimeters. Road bike size chart for men. Place a book in the middle of two legs and let the person stand at a wall. Required fields are marked *. If your bike shop measures by seat tube length, multiply your inseam by .185. References The center of the bottom bracket is the most crucial reference point for measuring bike geometry. 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