Height -> Size
 

Hey everyone,

I was just curious if anyone knows of a chart, or even just a rough idea of what size bike one should ride if they are x height; mainly just for curiousity's sake, but i'm sure it would be a good thing to have in the future as well. Anybody?

Shane

5-6 and 226 lbs. Size 42 waist, 30 inch inseam. My KHS mtb bike is a size 17, and it is extremely comfortable. I had a size 14 MTB, and I grew to loathe it due to it being too short from the seat to the handle bars. The seat would dig into my back while the stem would scrub my belly. Good fit was important to me in buying the new bike. I really don't know what size my Bianchi Campione is, but it fits just right. When I ride it, I don't get all I want of it, but I certainly get all that I can stand before I stop. I mean to measure it sometime and see what size it is. I just need to figure out how to take an accurate measurement. - Ted

I subscribe to peter white's methodology: http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

There are two many variables to base size off height alone.

Joe,
My LBS is right beside the Silver Comet Trail, the owner tells you to take it out as far as you need to go in order to see if you like it. With regards to height, I am very new, but I certainly agree with you. I was very concerned with not flying off the seat and over the handlebars every time I hit the brakes. My KHS is at least five inches longer from stem to seatpost than my GT was. It is much more comfortable. Maybe as time goes by I will learn more and become more particular about what I want out of a bike. - Ted

I would highly recommend getting fitted professionally for your bike. I drove 75 miles and paid $50 for a bike fit. My bike was purchased online, I knew the frame size and crank length was correct. I had to replace the bars (2cm to narrow) the stem (5cm to long, wrong angle for my type of riding), and adjust the seat and saddle position. The full bike fit took two hours, that included two test rides, and all the adjustments. Well worth the money! The difference in ride quality is amazing. With just a few minor changes, I was able to increase my avg speed, and daily mileage with less pain. Well worth the $120 I paid for the fit, and all change needed changes.

TT, Your LBS has a good policy, a few of my "local" bike shops only allow 15 minute rides. One expected me to buy the bike after riding around for 5 minutes in the parking lot! My PBS (preferred bike shop) is 18 miles away, but they let me take out bikes for hours at a time. You can bet i'll buy my next bike from them.

Bike "size" is so variable that its difficult to compare 2 bikes. They may differ in the bottom bracket height, and the point on the seat-tube where you measure. For any size bike, the top tube length may differ.
My LBS sized me by eye, ordered the frame, and let me play around with stems and bars for a few weeks before wrapping the bars. There was no systematic "fitting" process, but I ended up with a bike that fits.

You've got to sit on a bike to see if it fits.
You can get a pretty good idea what size you need at some of the popular bike sites. Try wrenchscience.com for their bike sizing system.
It's a good resource, although it actually recommended a size smaller than what I currently ride, which I feel quite comfortable on.

Not bad Iam...The bike they recommend is a little high and too long for a real freeride bike measurement but they sure take a lot into account. :) They recommend a full 2.5 inches longer in the cockpit which would be unacceptable as a freeride bike. But anyways cheers on the good link.

Oh and to answer the question. I don't use sizing charts. I fit the bike to me and my style of riding by going to the shops and trying bikes on. Most measurements are too road specific to qualify itself for me. :)