How to Buy the Right Bike

Choosing the right bike size is as important as considering its type. Just as you don’t want to ride a regular bicycle off-road, you also won’t like to pedal one with the wrong size. So, if you are concerned about your bike size, this guide will clear your confusion. Here, you will learn why selecting the right size is important and how to do it. We’ll also tell you recommended sizes of different types and vital factors to consider.

Since selecting a wrong-sized bike can strain your muscles and adversely affect the overall riding experience, you want to avoid it as much as possible. Hence, choosing the correct size becomes necessary to enjoy a healthy ride. So, let’s learn which bike size is suitable for you!

Why Choosing the Right Bike Size is Important?

It is vital to choose the right size to enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey. Riding a too-small or too-big bike will cause discomfort and sometimes instability. It locks you to an angle that can strain your muscles, resulting in injuries, body aches, knee or back pain, hip strains, and many other problems. Moreover, riding in an uncomfortable and absurd position increases the chances of an accident as you can’t control the bike effectively.

Select the Right Bike Size

Different sizes are recommended for different heights. It also depends on the type of bike you are purchasing. Usually, you calculate bicycle size with the frame size, inside leg, height, and other secondary factors. Below are bike size charts for different types that can help you to choose according to your preferences.

Mountain Bike

While selecting a mountain bike size, the primary factors you need to consider are effective top tube (ETT) and reach. ETT is the horizontal distance between the seat tube (regardless it is inclined or vertical) and the head tube. It decides how comfortable you feel grabbing the handlebar while seated.

Reach is the horizontal distance between the head tube and crankcase. It describes ease in reaching the handlebar in a non-seated position. This measurement is effective when idly standing or going uphill/downhill. Once you discover a comfortable length of the above two measurements, select your mountain bike’s frame size according to the table below:

Road Bike

Hybrid bikes are a fantastic choice if you want to enjoy fast cycling but also need to pedal off roads. Since these bicycles are a combination of mountain and road bikes, the size measurement metrics of both bicycles also apply to hybrids.

People, who like to ride fast, will go for a higher saddle position, whereas you can also go for a normal sitting position if you love your back. When you find a comfortable seat height, refer to the chart below for the right size choice:

Hybrid Bike

Hybrid bikes are a fantastic choice if you want to enjoy fast cycling but also need to pedal off roads. Since these bicycles are a combination of mountain and road bikes, the size measurement metrics of both bicycles also apply to hybrids.

Related Reading: What Should You Pay Attention To When Getting A New Macfox Ebike

You need to inspect whether the bike has a comfortable reach and ETT for stable off-roading while also considering its seat height to pedal faster. Although you can also adjust the seat height to a comfortable level, understanding the other two factors is vital. When satisfied with the above measurements, select your hybrid bike size according to the chart below:

How to Choose the Right Bike Size?

The simplest method is to look for the right size of your preferred bike type from the charts given above. But we will recommend following the steps below for more accurate results.

1. Take out your shoes and stand by a wall with your feet slightly apart.
2. Grab a book and place it right under your crotch, one side touching the wall.
3. Holding the book in position, get away from the wall and measure the distance of the book from the ground. That is your leg inseam
4. Multiply your leg inseam with the bike type to decide the correct frame:
   1. Mountain Bike - Inseam x 0.66 = Frame Size
   2. Road Bike - Inseam x 0.70 = Frame Size
   3. Hybrid Bike- Inseam x 0.685 = Frame Size

Factors to Consider While Selecting the Bike Size

Although we’ve given you the charts and methods to choose the correct bike size of your preferred type, you also need to consider a few factors for a comfortable ride. Below is a short list of the most important factors to help you enjoy the ride without discomfort.

1. Standover Height

You cannot just be glued to the seat while riding your bicycle. Sometimes stepping down from the seat to stand above the top tube is required, either during rests or in other situations like mounting and stopping at a signal. So to have these comfortable rests, the top tube should be at least one inch below your groins.

2. Leg Extension

The leg extension is the distance between the seat and the bottom bracket. So, measuring this distance is vital to experience an enjoyable ride without straining your legs. You can also achieve this by adjusting seat height. But remember, your knees should be slightly bent when the pedals reach their lowest positions.

3. Handlebar Reach

Many overlook handlebar reach, but it can greatly affect your back muscles. It is how low you have to bend down to grab the handles. An inappropriate reach can easily destroy your riding experience. So, remember to have a comfortable reach while purchasing a new bike.

Summing Up

Getting a new bike is an unmatchable joy, but if you select the wrong size, it will cost you strains and injuries. So, remember to calculate your required bike size according to its type and other essential factors (inseam, leg extension, and reach).

We’ve shared with you the size charts for proper guidance. So, understand a suitable size and choose the right bike for smooth, comfortable, and cozy rides.

Maybe it will be helpful for you:

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• 4 Things You Need to Know about All Terrain Electric Bikes
• 6 Things to Remember When Planning a Trip with an Electric Bike
• 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying an Electric Bike
• Tips for Riding an E-Bike in the City

FAQs

Why is selecting the right bike size important?

Selecting the right bike size is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride, as an ill-fitting bike can cause discomfort, muscle strain, and even accidents.

How can you choose the correct bike size?

To choose the correct bike size, you can refer to size charts provided for different types of bikes based on your height. Alternatively, you can measure your leg inseam and use a specific calculation to determine the appropriate frame size.

What factors should be considered when selecting a bike size?

When selecting a bike size, factors such as standover height (clearance between the top tube and your groin), leg extension (ensuring a slight bend in the knees when pedals are at the lowest position), and handlebar reach (comfortable distance between the handlebars and your body) should be taken into account.