How to Choose the Right Size Road Bike

Executive summary abaut bike sizing by Winston Endall

how to choose the right size road bike. Choosing the right size road bike can be tricky as they don't all fit the same. Two companies models listed as the same size can have vastly different measurements. When a company lists the size of a road bike frame it is some variation of the length of the seat tube. That point can be the center of the top tube, top of the top tube, top of the seat tube or some virtual point that isn't even on the frame. Add in sloping top tubes and this can get really complicated.

To compare the size of frames you should look at the effective top tube length and headtube length. If choosing between two models that have a slight variation in top tube length you can compensate with a longer or shorter stem. When figuring out a frame size for a client I will take measurements of inseam length, torso length, arm length and shoulder width. You can also search for online size calculators that instruct you on how to take your measurements and calculate the correct size.

Get the Right Bike Size and Frame

Executive summary abaut bike sizing by Phill Charter

The Grand Bicycle Ride

The heavy frames came with laid back angles, and with long wheel bases. Even steel bicycle frames progressively got lighter by making the tubes thinner, and joining them without using lugs.

Bicycle frames revolutionized when alloy tubes came into the picture. Most people now go for alloy bicycle frames, often combining with carbon forks, carbon chain and seat stays in some cases.

Mix and Match - Bicycle Parts

We would basically buy the best bicycle frame that we can afford, add the right bicycle parts, and see that they fit well.

Getting the Right Bike Size

The most basic element of sizing a bike frame is commonly referred to as its height. A road bike frame's height is normally thought to be ideal if it is 67% of our inseam length. A mountain bike is however ridden on a much smaller frame.

Frame sizes are affected by the unique configurations of our body, and which can be accommodated by differences in frame geometry, top tube length, seat post height, and/or saddle angles, handlebar width, and slant, or even crank length.
check out my other guide on cycling short, Get a hitch bike rack and keep your bike safe