Bike Fit, a tale of the tape?
09-16-02, 11:02 AM
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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?
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?
09-16-02, 11:28 AM
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Try Rivendell they have a section on sizing https://www.rivendellbicycles.com/htm...framesize.html
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09-16-02, 11:33 AM
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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...
...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...
09-16-02, 03:01 PM
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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 
09-16-02, 04:23 PM
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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.
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.
09-16-02, 05:06 PM
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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.
09-16-02, 06:57 PM
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WALSTIB
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.
09-16-02, 07:08 PM
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Originally posted by hillyman
...Other than buying a frame thats too big,most everything else can be fixed by stem length.
...Other than buying a frame thats too big,most everything else can be fixed by stem length.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
09-17-02, 07:14 AM
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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.
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.
09-17-02, 12:24 PM
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The most complete quidelines for fitting a bike yourself (with help) is found here: https://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
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
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
