Road Cycling - Proper size new bike

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View Full Version : Proper size new bike


shredvet
05-01-02, 05:44 PM
This probably has been asked every week but as a newby I haven't seen it. So sorry in advance.
What are the different criteria used to make certain that a bike is the proper size?


RoAdRaGeR
05-01-02, 06:36 PM
The first thing you should do is to measure your inseam length. Stand on a flat surface on your bare feet, with your feet about 1 foot apart. Take a tape measure and measure your inseam length. Make sure it's in cm. Take the length and times it by 0.65cm, and that will give you your inseam length. My inseam length was 51.35cm, so I rounded up to 52cm, and that's the size of my bike.

Another quick test you can do is to put your elbow up against the nose of the bike saddle and extend your arm towards the handlebar (headset). Your fingers should just reach the handlebar. Although this test is not completely accurate.

Most bike shops should have little neat devices to find the right criteria for a perfect bike fit anyways.