We know that sometimes the design and model of a bike can make us feel love at first sight and we want to buy it as soon as possible, but before that, we must ask ourselves if is the correct one for us, for that, today we will talk of how to know your bike size.
If you didn’t hear about this before or want to know more, join us. Today’s road will be helpful to ride safer and more comfortable.
How to know the size of a bike and why is it important?
Before anything, if you’re looking for a bike for you or for someone else, there are many considerations you should take among the ones that include the correct size of it.
This is important to have a better bike control when pedaling, but also when stopping and staying on the bike, such as braking before a traffic light.
In this last case, you must be able of at least, maintain the tip of your feet in the floor without getting down of the bike when braking. In the same way, you must be able of put your elbows on your handlebar, if you can do this, congrats, you have the correct size!
Now, when moving, as we mentioned, it will allow you to have a better control and push to pedal, besides reducing the risk of hit your crotch with the proper bicycle frame in a sudden brake where you put down both feet.
This indicate that, effectively, you have the correct size, but we haven’t solved the real question: how to know the size of a bike? Let’s go…
The key is in the length of your legs
Ok, I already know the features to know my correct size, but how do I know which bike I need?, you might be asking to yourself…
This can be known with a little but effective formula that will tell you the best bike measure for you.
First, you must exclude your total height. Relaying in your height is the first and biggest mistake to choose the correct size. Why? Because what really matters is the size of your legs, not height; interesting, right?
That’s right, the real secret to know the size of a bike lies in the length of your legs.
Now, you must measure them. This can be achieved by standing up, attached to a wall or on any vertical surface that allow you to support your back, with your legs barely open, enough to put an object (book, ruler, marker) to mark in the wall the limit of your crotch.
Then, just measure the centimeters or inches of the limit of your crotch to floor. Done, you already know the size that we need.
The secret formula
Keep calm. The previous was just the first step. It will take a small step to know the correct measure of your bike. The following to consider is to know if you want a mountain or road bike.
If you are going to obtain a mountain bike, you will multiply the measure of your crotch in centimeters (cm) and multiply by 0.21. In case you want to know in inches (in); you require the measure in cm, then, you will have to multiply the measure of your crotch by 0.54.
If choosing a road bike to obtain your size in cm, you must multiply the measure of your crotch by 0.65.
The saddle is also important
The previous info was to know the correct size of the bike frame; however, the height of the saddle also influences at the moment of pedaling.
Having it in a correct height, along a correct bike size, will avoid to have back or knee discomforts when pedaling.
In order to know the distance to affix the saddle, you must multiply the measure of your crotch in cm by 0.885. The measure that gives you is the recommended one in cm, it doesn’t matter if you have a road or mountain bike.
With all this you can choose the perfect bike for you and have a safer driving. But, don’t forget other safety measures, as wearing safety helmet and circulate within bikeways when these exist in your path.
