Each type of bicycle is built specifically for a particular use. The positions of the saddle, pedals and handlebars are very important so that the seat and position are as comfortable as possible. This article will explain how to understand which bike is right for you, whether you already have one or need to buy a new one. We will also explain how to make any changes to adapt it to your needs. Keep reading!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Knowing the Sizes
Step 1. Know what the guidelines are
Now that you know the lengths of the various parts of the frame, how do you know which size they correspond to? These vary slightly by manufacturer, but there are some reference values:
- XS: 13-14 inches (usually suitable for those who are between 150 and 155 cm tall).
- S: 14-16 inches (usually suitable for those who are between 155 and 162.5 cm tall).
- M: 16-18 inches (usually suitable for those who are between 162, 5 and 175 cm tall)
- L: 18-20 inches (usually suitable for those who are between 175 and 182.5 cm tall).
- XL: 20-22 inches (usually suitable for those over 182.5 cm in height).
Step 2. Know your ideal position
Sometimes the cold math isn't the most important thing. To tell the truth, it never is: the key thing is how you feel the bike. Here's what your body should look like in the saddle:
- Arms: Shoulders should be relaxed and elbows slightly bent.
- Saddle: with the heel resting on the lowest pedal, the leg must be straight. Make sure the crankset is at the end of its travel.
- Knees: When each pedal is at the lowest point of its rotation, the corresponding knee should only be slightly bent.
- Shift and brake levers: do not leave them in the stock position! Try moving them or tilting them a bit.
Step 3. Learn how to modify the bike
The size classification systems vary according to the manufacturer, but often also according to the type of bicycle. If you are doing some research online to find out about your new "toy" don't forget this detail. Here is some information:
- Road bikes, hybrids and cyclocross bikes are generally 3-4 inches larger, with the same height of the user, compared to the table shown above. If you want a medium of this type, keep it in mind.
- Mountain bikes with or without rear suspension respect the same table; the only difference is in the cost and in the type of terrain to which they adapt. Those fully cushioned absorb better the roughness of the track and adapt to a more aggressive driving style, those without rear suspension are more versatile and lighter.
Part 2 of 3: Measure Your Body and Bike
Step 1. Measure the height of the horse
To find out which bike size is right for you (the seat tube length that suits your physical characteristics), you need to measure the horse. Here's how to do it:
- Stand upright and lean against a wall, and hold a book between your legs as if it were the saddle of the bike.
- With a tape measure, check the distance between your groin and the floor.
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Convert the value to inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm), multiply it by 0.67 and subtract 4. This is the length of the seat tube that the bicycle frame must have.
If you have chosen a bike with a Center-Center (C-C) frame, you must multiply the horsepower value (always in inches) by 0.65
Step 2. Check the length of the seat tube if you can
If you already have a bike, you need to know if its size is right for you. Here's how to measure the frame:
- Find the upper end of the saddle tube (where there is the clamp that holds the saddle).
- Measure how far this point is from the center of the crankset, where the pedal arms are attached.
- This value is the length of the seat tube. Does it coincide with your ideal theoretical measure? Check out the basic frame sizing system if you are thinking of buying a new bike.
Step 3. Take a test
This is a rather crude empirical method, but it gives you a good idea of the bike's measurements. Do you remember the value you calculated starting from the size of your horse? This must be 2 inches (just over 5 cm) larger than the height of the bike barrel (the top tube that connects the saddle structure to that of the handlebar).
To perform this test, place one leg over the barrel and straddle it. If you are buying a mountain bike, there should be about 2 inches between your groin and the barrel. Try this while wearing the shoes you use for cycling
Step 4. Measure your “wingspan”
Now that you know how tall your bike needs to be, you also need to figure out how far the handlebars need to be from the seat based on your torso length. To know this, you need to measure the opening of your arms.
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With a tape measure, measure the distance between the fingertips of your right hand and the fingertips of your left hand while keeping your arms open and parallel to the ground. From this value, subtract your height. You have found your "monkey index": if this value is positive, ie the opening of the arms is greater than your height, then you must opt for a larger frame size than the theoretical one obtained from the horse size; if it is negative (your height is greater than the opening of your arms), then choose the smaller size.
- This is a great indicator, especially if your measurements are in between and you have to choose between two frame sizes. Height and horse should be the two main considerations, but the "monkey index" solves the question.
- If for some reason you still have doubts, choose the smaller size. It is better to manage a small bike than one that is too large.
Size a Mountain Bike Step 5 Step 5. To be specific, find the ideal barrel length (top tube)
It is obtained by measuring the length of your bust and arm. Here's how to proceed:
- Stand straight against the wall.
- Take the distance that separates the knuckles from the collarbone.
- Measure the length between your crotch and the base of your neck.
- Add the values together and divide the total by 2.
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Take this value and add 4. This is the ideal length of your bike's top tube (all in inches).
To be clear, if your arm is 24 inches long and your bust 26, then 24 + 26 = 50, 50: 2 = 25, 25 + 4 = 29. 29 inches is the length of the barrel
Part 3 of 3: Adjusting the Bike
Size a Mountain Bike Step 9 Step 1. Adjust the seat height
Now that you know your body measurements, adjust the seat accordingly. You will need a wrench and a tape measure. Here's how to proceed:
- Put the end of the tape measure in the center of the garnish.
- Stretch the tape measure until it reaches the size of your horse.
- With the wrench, loosen the nut securing the seat tube.
- Raise or lower the seat to the correct height.
- Close the nut with the wrench.
- The lower edge of the seat must be at the upper end of the tape measure.
Size a Mountain Bike Step 10 Step 2. Adjust the handlebar
Loosen the nut located at the base of the tube. You can use a regular wrench and turn it to the left. Here's how to do it:
- Lean forward and down to reach the handlebars so you feel comfortable. The best thing is to take the position that comes naturally to you.
- Raise or lower it until it is in the right position for you.
- Secure the handlebar. Use a wrench to tighten the bolt around the stem.
Size a Mountain Bike Step 11 Step 3. Adjust the inclination of the saddle
It must be perfectly level. Some (few) people prefer the seat to be reclined slightly up or down. Here's what you need to remember:
- Tilt the saddle up or down so that your pelvis is horizontal to the ground when you are sitting.
- Tilt the saddle so that it does not slide backwards or forwards when seated.
Size a Mountain Bike Step 12 Step 4. Verify the changes
You would never buy a car without first taking a test drive, right? You should never be forced to rotate your hips, stretch your arms, lean to one side, and you shouldn't feel uncomfortable either. Here's how to test your bike:
- Saddle up with your shoes on, your hips should be pointing well forward.
- Arrange the pedals so that one is in the lowest position of the rotation, it must be as close to the ground as possible.
- Put one foot on the lowest pedal. The knee should remain slightly bent as the heel rests on the pedal.
- Bend towards the handlebars and keep your elbows slightly bent.
- If something isn't 100% comfortable, make the necessary adjustments.
