If it is not possible to ask a sales assistant what frame size is right for you, for example, when buying in an online store, you can calculate the size yourself:
- measure the distance from the groin to the floor surface;
- if you plan to purchase a road bike, then multiply the resulting value by 0.66;
- to determine the size of a mountain bike, multiply by 0.57;
- got the value of the size in centimeters;
- if the sum is divided by 2.54, the result is in inches.
All models are produced by manufacturers in sizes. Take into account such a moment, the variety of frames and their geometry from different manufacturers often leads to the fact that the sizes may not match slightly, although the size is indicated correctly. For bicycles with classic frame geometry, there are standard tables that allow you to fit the frame according to the height of the cyclist.
Advice. There should be a gap of 10 cm between the frame and the crotch, so if you jump off the bike, you will save yourself from injury.
Weight matters too
If the weight of a cyclist exceeds 100 kg, then you need to think about purchasing a reliable “iron horse”. Low level bikes will fail very quickly. Absolutely everything breaks: rims and spokes bend, bearings, bushings fly, the saddle bends. A bike of the middle price segment can withstand up to 120 kg. These bikes are equipped with reliable parts to carry their owner without any problems: a reinforced frame, strong rims and a transmission.
Obese people should start riding with a city or mountain bike. They provide a more vertical fit. The muscles of the back will not overwork.
Some mistakenly believe that with a lot of weight, you should buy a bike with a large frame size. This is not true. The bike must be selected according to height. Otherwise, your ride will not be comfortable, and not safe, since it is difficult to control a large bike. You need to choose a model with a reinforced frame, designed for heavy weight.
Wheel size
Different types of bicycles are equipped with wheels of a certain size, it is worth noting that this indicator depends not only on the size of the rim, but also on the height of the tire itself. The diameter of road bikes is indicated in millimeters, the rest in inches.
As for the effect of wheel size on driving speed, experts do not have a single answer. Of course, by making a rotation with a large diameter wheel, you can overcome a greater mileage, while making no small effort to spin the wheel, because the torque is lost. The maximum speed will increase, but it will take time and physical effort to accelerate the bike.
To paraphrase, it is easier and faster to accelerate on a bike with a 20-inch wheel than with a 27-inch wheel, but it will be very difficult to maintain a consistently high speed.
- For city walks or cycling on an asphalted good road, when there is no need for frequent stops, and the speed of movement is quite uniform, the large size of the wheel is only a plus. Standard 28 dia.
- Cycling on mountainous terrain and dirt roads, where frequent stops and climbs at low speeds are required, a 26 diameter with a mountain bike tire is considered the best option.
If you made a mistake by one size, it's not so bad. You can raise the seat and move it back. Stem changes to shorter or, conversely, long. But if you decide to buy a "universal" bike for yourself and your wife, then this trick will not work. It will be impossible for a person with small stature to ride a big bike. And a high seatpost and handlebar are at risk of breaking.
To make pedaling comfortable, the saddle is set in such a way that when the pedal is in the lower position, the leg is almost straight. If that's not possible, or if you need to push the seatpost past the mark, then the bike isn't your size.
As for the angle of the saddle, everything is adjusted individually. In any case, while sitting on a bicycle, there should not be a feeling of stiffness or stretching.
The female frame is of two types. These bicycles have a short distance from the handlebar to the saddle, so it is convenient for people of small stature to ride them. In addition, the load on the cervical region and back is significantly reduced. Such a frame allows you to ride in a skirt, but in general, both men and women choose bicycles the same way - according to size.
Riding style and frame size
When choosing a size by size, consider the following recommendations:
- a larger frame should be chosen for high-speed driving;
- a smaller frame will suit both the elderly and those who are overweight, as well as if you prefer a leisurely ride in the park;
- for tricks and aggressive style of riding, they get a frame two sizes smaller, this reduces the likelihood of reaching it with the crotch when falling.
When choosing an iron horse, avoid too cheap bikes with bizarre configurations, usually fully equipped with the cheapest bike parts, they are heavy. Travel comfort is out of the question. They are collected to attract the attention of an inexperienced consumer.
Along with buying a bike, you should immediately purchase additional accessories: a pump, tools, a flask, a bike computer, a couple of spare cameras and a repair kit for them, fenders. For driving at night, you will definitely need a rear flashlight. Be sure to get a bike helmet. In the event of a critical situation, it will save you not only health, but also life.
