bikeNOW-Fitting

If you are a women you may like to read our CONSIDERATIONS FOR WOMEN

A. Inseam Measurement

We'll talk primarily about fitting a road bike, and make notes about fitting a mountain bike where appropriate.

The best frame size for a cyclist is as small vertically as possible, with enough length horizontally to allow a stretched out, relaxed upper body. This frame will be lighter and stiffer than a larger one, and will handle better and be more comfortable than a smaller one.
To determine your proper frame size, you’ll first need to get an accurate inseam measurement . Stand with your back against a wall, your bare feet (or light cycling socks, wearing cycling shorts or long tights) 50mm apart between the ankle bones (width of the measuring tape case) on a hard floor, looking straight ahead. Place a square or level between your legs with one edge against the wall, and pull it up firmly into your crotch, simulating the pressure of your saddle while riding. Have a helper measure from the top edge of the square to the floor, in millimetres. Repeat two or three times, for consistency, and average the results to get your inseam length.

B. Torso Length

Using the square and measuring tape from the inseam measurement, move the end of the measuring tape to about 2 cm from one end of the rod, and position the rod in the crotch so that it is horizontal with the measuring tape in front of you. Pull the tape vertically up the middle of the chest to the base of the sternal notch. This is the "V" shaped area just above the manubrium. The measurement should end at the base of this "V" shape area. This measurement can be also done sitting from the base of a flat chair to the sternal notch.
Be sure that your measurement is from the top of the square. Once again, I would like for you to take this measurement several times so that we get a most accurate measurement.

C. Arm Length

Using the measure tape, press the end under your armpit form against your ribcage to the web of your thumb.

D. Shoulder Width

This distance is measured across the back and is the distance between the Acromion processes. The metric measuring may be wrapped to follow the contour of the shoulders. Arrive at an average after taking several measurements.

Flexibility

For consideration to your end position, you may measure your flexibility to help determine your saddle to stem drop and overall reach.

In your socks or bare feet, stand with your feet 50mm apart and your knees locked. Bend over and see how far you can stretch based on the chart to the right.

AA