How to choose the right bike frame for the height and other parameters?

To choose the right bike frame, you need to try it on yourself in practice. The bike, like clothing, must ideally be adapted to the cyclist’s build to be comfortable and safe for him. Knowing how to choose the right size for your bike frame will help you enjoy a comfortable ride without pain in your knees and back.

Characteristics of the dimensions of bicycle frames

Almost all models of modern bicycle frames have their own size range:

Normal walking models can have two or three frame sizes;

Sports racing bikes with classic geometry frames can be over 10 sizes.

The overall size of the frame (height and length) describes a parameter called “size.” As the frame size is reduced or increased, the lengths of the lower, upper, and seat tubes of the bicycle change proportionally.

When solving the problem of how to choose the size of the bicycle frame according to the height, it is necessary to pay attention to the signs, which can be expressed:

Numerically (centimeters or inches);

Letters (M … XXL).

Usually, this or that bicycle model has an even or odd size range. Most often, the dimensions are indicated by the manufacturers on the frame itself, although they can be located in other places. If you have trouble choosing a bike frame based on height, you can contact a sales consultant for information. Check out the schwinn men’s mountain bike.

Decode the size of the bicycle frames

XS – The smallest;

S – Small;

M – Medium;

L – large;

XL – Very large;

XXL is the largest.

There are two frame sizes in each of these layers.

The most direct relationship between dimensions is post height, which is the distance from the top of the post to the carriage axis.

Different manufacturers define this height differently, so bicycles from different manufacturers with the same markings may actually be slightly different in size.

The dimensions of the bike are also influenced by the angle of inclination of the tubes and the different designs of the individual components of the frame. Also, frames from the same manufacturer can have completely different geometries, determined by the purpose of the bike.

It turns out that it is impossible to choose the size of a bicycle according to exact criteria. For example, visually significantly different bicycles might be suitable for a particular person. This should be borne in mind when deciding, for example, which frame to choose for a mountain bike. Thus, the tables show an approximate correspondence between the dimensions of the frames of well-known manufacturers and the height of a person.

For the choice of size, the most important parameter is the length of the cyclist’s legs because the proportions between length and height of the leg vary from person to person. You may also like to read How to Keep Way from Low Back Pain for Mountain Biker

Fit a bike for a cyclist

In order to choose the right bike size for yourself, it is important not only to look at the table but also to try the bike live:

You need to stand on top of a standing bike so that its frame is between your legs and the saddle touches your back.

The distance between the rider’s crotch and the top tube should be approximately the width of the palm. This distance can be shorter, for example, in small bicycles, where the top tube of the frame has a steep slope, or if the cyclist has rather short legs. When solving the problem of how to choose the right frame size for a mountain bike designed for extreme riding or simply for riding on rough terrain, the distance of the tube to the horse should be more than 10cm.

Then, with the help of the seller, the saddle height should be correct.

You have to jump on your heels: if this is not possible, the frame is too large and if it is not felt, the frame is too small.

To appreciate the convenience of landing, you need to sit on the seat and rotate the pedals, or it is better to drive a couple of laps near the store.

Knowing your height and choosing which one is best to buy a bicycle, the buyer can refer to the tables to select a suitable machine.

Choice of frames for mountain, city, and hybrid bike models

From the table below, you can find the right size for all major bicycle brands made for universal riding. It is these bicycles that are presented in greater numbers both in sports equipment stores and on the streets. The size shown can be compared with most manufacturer specific size tables.

This table can be used safely if you choose, for example, a hardtail, a mountain bike without a rear shock, with an aluminum frame. But if you have to decide how to choose a frame size for a Gary Fisher mountain bike, then you need a different table.

Since bicycles only have 2-3 frame sizes, the table below will work.

When choosing a hybrid or city bike, you need to check whether it has a shock absorber under the saddle, thanks to which the saddle, like any mountain bike, does not sink completely into the frame. So with a height of 165cm, a 16-inch frame will be more comfortable than an 18-inch frame, and if a height of 177cm, an 18-inch frame will be more comfortable than a 20-inch frame. Cruisers usually only have 1-2 bounties for the average figure:

For men under 170-190cm height;

For women under 155-180cm tall.

The nuances of choosing bicycle frames

Driving style expected. For extreme and active driving, it is better to prefer a smaller frame because more space above the frame gives more safety to the driver and the car will be more agile. If leisurely walks in the park and around the city are expected, then the end-to-end frame is also suitable (if you want to learn how to ride a bike, choose this one).

Body type. For people with a normal or thin physique, a larger size is more suitable, and for a full size, it is better to take a smaller size so that it is easier to sit and ride.

Those buyers who, in the absence of a suitable size, choose a smaller one are wrong. In this case, they will be forced to push the seat post out of the frame to the maximum, beyond the allowed limit. This is absolutely impossible to do, as you can not only break the frame itself but also suffer painful injuries if the pin is pulled out.

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