Finding the right bike is a challenge. First, you need to decide on the kind of bike that you want, such as whether it is a road bike or mountain bike, among others. You also have to consider the material, design, and overall construction. Another thing that you should not ignore, which will be our focus in the rest of this post, is choosing the right size.
If you are wondering about how to measure bike size, keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll be sharing. When you are done reading, it will be easier for you to find a bike that is suitable for your needs, guaranteeing the highest level of comfort and safety.
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How to Measure Bike Size
Measuring the size of the bike is pretty much an easy process. All that you have to do is to follow these steps.
Measure the Frame
Take out a measuring tape and measure the actual size of the bike. The frame is one of the most important parts of the bike, which is why it is important to make sure that it is the perfect fit for you. There are three different parts that you should measure.
Seat Tube
It is the bar that runs vertically from the bottom of the seat all the way to the pedals. To measure the seat tube, simply run a tape measure from the seat all the way to the circular part that connects the pedals.
Head Tube
This is the vertical tube that you can find in front of the bike. Start the measurement from the part that is connected to the front fork through the stem of the handlebar. This is an important measurement to make sure that the height of the handlebar is suitable for your height.
Top Tube
It is the bar that runs horizontally serving as the connection point between the handlebar and the seat. If it is too long, you will have an extended reach when you are seated and holding the handlebar. When it is too short, you will end up squeezing your body to fit in.
Measure Your Inseam
Now that you are done measuring the bike, the next thing that you have to measure is yourself, specifically, your inseam. Stand on an even floor. Your feet should be at least six inches apart. Run the measuring tape starting at your foot’s pubic bone. Run it all the way up until the point where your legs meet your hip or the crotch. For ease of computation, take note of the measurements in centimeters since this is a common unit used in bikes.
Compute
Now that you have the measurement of your inseam, multiply this to a specific number depending on the type of bike that you have initially measured. If it is a city bike, multiply the inseam by .685. Multiply by .66 for mountain bike and .70 for a road bike.
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. The latter is the average length of the seat tube that suits you.
For the head tube and top tube, you do not necessarily need to take the measurements. All that you need is to try the bike physically and see if you are comfortable. If you are not, this is a sign that you should look for another size.
Consult the Sizing Chart from the Manufacturer
Do not make things difficult for you. It will be easier if you just consult the sizing chart from the manufacturer, which is often available on their website. This makes it easier to determine which bike has the perfect fit for you.
In most cases, the manufacturer will list down the height of the rider and the leg inseam. Next to these measurements, there will also be a suggestion on the right bike frame size.
Conclusion
As it has been noted above, measuring the right bike size is quite a straightforward task. You can consult the sizing chart from the manufacturer to easily see which one is suitable for your needs. Pay attention to choosing the right size for a comfortable ride!