SIZING GUIDE
Getting the right bike size is critical to have a successful cycling experience . No matter how good is the bike, if its geometry does not fit your body, it won't be comfortable, you won't be fast, you won't enjoy it. On the other hand, on a bike that fits you nicely, you feel confident, comfortable, and that is reflected in a much better cycling experience: you will be faster, happier and will be able to ride for longer.
Getting the right size is as important as difficult to generalise. Two people with the same height will tipically differ in their arm-legs lenght and other body characteristics. Also there are personal preferences. Thus, a bicycle which is a perfect fit for one could be not that good for the other.
Anyway, there are basic rules to know the approximate bike size needed. The most common one relates rider overall height and seat tube frame size. The chart below shows this relation for classic framed bicycles (with top tube parallel to the floor).
Getting the right size is as important as difficult to generalise. Two people with the same height will tipically differ in their arm-legs lenght and other body characteristics. Also there are personal preferences. Thus, a bicycle which is a perfect fit for one could be not that good for the other.
Anyway, there are basic rules to know the approximate bike size needed. The most common one relates rider overall height and seat tube frame size. The chart below shows this relation for classic framed bicycles (with top tube parallel to the floor).
NOTES:
- This chart generally works fine, although it is approximate. People with larger or shorter than average legs may vary in one size bigger or smaller.
- Modern bikes with compact frame design (slooping top tube) need to be normally around 2 sizes smaller than the classic ones. That is, if your ideal classic size is 23", you will be good with a 21" modern compact one.
- Nor only legs! The lenght of the torso and arms needs to be taken into account too, particularly for bikes with drop handlebars. Fortunately there is some room of adjustement with stem length and height, so the same frame can accommodate a fair range of arm/torso lenghts.
- Generally bikes with flat or upright handlebars are much more forgiving with bike fitting, and can accomodate comfortably a wider range of heights.
- Folding and small wheeled bikes are normally unisize.
- Some brands make specific models for women, as they have normally a shorter torso and narrower shoulders than men. However that is a generalisation and women can fit perfectly in a mens bike. Also men can feel comfortable in a womens specific bikes too.
- This chart generally works fine, although it is approximate. People with larger or shorter than average legs may vary in one size bigger or smaller.
- Modern bikes with compact frame design (slooping top tube) need to be normally around 2 sizes smaller than the classic ones. That is, if your ideal classic size is 23", you will be good with a 21" modern compact one.
- Nor only legs! The lenght of the torso and arms needs to be taken into account too, particularly for bikes with drop handlebars. Fortunately there is some room of adjustement with stem length and height, so the same frame can accommodate a fair range of arm/torso lenghts.
- Generally bikes with flat or upright handlebars are much more forgiving with bike fitting, and can accomodate comfortably a wider range of heights.
- Folding and small wheeled bikes are normally unisize.
- Some brands make specific models for women, as they have normally a shorter torso and narrower shoulders than men. However that is a generalisation and women can fit perfectly in a mens bike. Also men can feel comfortable in a womens specific bikes too.