General Cycling Discussion - Bike Fit, a tale of the tape?

Is there a way that you can fit yourself to a frame size by measuring inseam, torso, arm lenght, ect?
I have only been fitted for one bike. The owner had me stand flat footed, stradling the top post(?). He then showed me how to adjust the seat ect. I there a better way?

Try Rivendell they have a section on sizing http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/bikes_framesize.html

There are several different threads throughout this forum on this topic...but the short answer is this person is a doofus and did NOT fit you...

...when I bought my bike the LBS folks hooked it up to a trainer and measured my pedal stride to seat height, then my torso length to the handle bar, and asked me several questions about how it felt. I then did a few test laps, and they said they would make any adjustments I may need after riding it for a while, including changing parts to make it fit correctly...after 400+ miles I have not needed to make any changes...they did a great job on the fit...

...and it was not based strictly on stand over height...

I wouldnt call him a doufice. I don't believe there is a workable method. Maybe for road bikes where geometry is generally the same or very similar. But there is no way to measure a mountain bike. I ride a bike that is too 'small' for me. Meanwhile it is the most confortable bike I have ever ridden. Especially off of a 5 ft drop :)

I had a custom bicycle built for me this year. The only dimention we sized based on my inseam was the seat tube.

The rest was based on other physiological proportions (primarily torso and arm legths), riding style and handling preferences.

On my "stock" bikes I always had to experiement with stem and saddle postions to get the position I wanted. Sometimes that ment sliding the saddle all the way forward and or going with a very long stem. On my custom I set the saddle up midrail and used the stem length I specified and I was there.

Keep in mind all of the formulas are just starting points. Don't be afraid to try different positions. Mine even chances during the season. Early on I'm a little more upright than I am at the end of the season when my flexibility is better.

JustSayNo...that wouldn't work for someone built like me. My arms and legs are exceptionally long for a 6'5 body. If I got a proportional bike it would definately be funny and painful.

EVERY bike is different.Besides your measurements you have to take into consideration what kind of riding you will be doing and each manufacture makes and measures everything differently. Best to get fitted by a LBS.Other than buying a frame thats too big,most everything else can be fixed by stem length.Still until you know whats best for you,get help.

Originally posted by hillyman
...Other than buying a frame thats too big,most everything else can be fixed by stem length.

I currently own two 55cm C-T road frames frames, which fit me beautifully, plus my too-big 57cm Peugeot, which works OK for me with a short-reach handlebar stem.

Maelstrom,

I think you misread my post. The **ONLY** dimention the frame builder used my inseam for was to determine the seat tube length. Being shorter legged I needed stand over height. The top tube length he selected is proportionate to a bike 2+ sizes larger.

I'm sure in your case that wouldn't be a factor. That is why you and I are good canditates for custom frames rather than off the shelf bikes. I imagine you have some VERY long seat posts. For me it was very long stems.

The point I intended to make is that inseam is NOT the best method to determine bike size. It's a starting point but other factors are equally important. :beer:

The most complete quidelines for fitting a bike yourself (with help) is found here: http://www.wrenchscience.com/

Other than that, call around to see if any shops in your area offer a "Fit-Kit", it a specific method of measuring your body and inputting those measurements into a computer program to determine you "ideal" dimensions.

Most shops charge for a "fit-kit" since it involves so much time, but will usually offset the cost if you buy a bike!

L8R