What kind of sport do you think is most beneficial for a person? The first place deservedly takes swimming. But if there is no sea or pool nearby, then in this case we recommend cycling, which is the second most useful and suitable for any age and gender. This sport develops breathing, trains joints and muscles of the legs. In addition, while riding a bicycle, immunity increases, excess weight is burned, and vision improves. However, all this is true only if the two-wheeled horse is chosen correctly. Many beginners often wonder: “How to choose the size of the frame of the bike? ". And they’re doing it right, because the comfort and benefits of skiing depend to a large extent on this.
What happens and what does the size of the bike frame mean?
Today it is not difficult to buy a favorite model of a two-wheeled horse. The most important thing is to choose the right size. Failure or neglect of this moment may result in discomfort when driving, problems with the back and knees. The size of the bicycle frame, according to a long-established tradition, is determined by the length that the seatpost has. Typically, the dimensions of hybrid, highway and city bikes are indicated in centimeters, and for mountain types, inches are used. There is an explanation for this. The fact is that the mountain bike was invented in the USA, and the popularity of the road bike began to gain momentum in Europe.
How to choose the optimal bike frame size
Basically, there are two ways. In the first case, for an approximate determination of the size, you can use the following correspondence table.
Table 1.1. Frame Size - Cyclist Height
Frame size | Height, cm | Designation |
inches | conventional units | centimeters |
13" | XS - Xsmall | 33.0 | from 130 to 145 | Minimum |
fourteen" | XS - Xsmall | 35.6 | from 135 to 155 | Minimum |
fifteen" | S - Small | 38.1 | from 145 to 160 | Small |
16" | S - Small | 40.6 | from 150 to 165 | Small |
17 " | M - Medium | 43.2 | from 156 to 170 | Middle |
18" | M - Medium | 45.7 | from 165 to 178 | Middle |
19" | L - Large | 48.3 | from 170 to 180 | Large |
20" | L - Large | 50.8 | from 178 to 185 | Large |
21 " | XL - Xlarge | 53.3 | from 180 to 190 | Very big |
22 " | XL - Xlarge | 55.9 | from 185 to 195 | Very big |
23 " | XXL - Xlarge | 58.4 | from 190 to 200 | Maximum |
24 " | XXL - Xlarge | 61.0 | from 195 to 210 | Maximum |
However, relying on a single table is not worth it. The fact is that different manufacturers can measure the frame in different ways, and therefore the same bike size may differ for them. It’s better to try it on before buying a bike. The essence of the second method is that a person must place a bicycle between his legs and stand with both feet on the ground.
If the distance from the upper tube to the crotch lies in the range of 5-10 cm, then this is your size.
We also recommend that you pay attention to the length of the frame, since the type of landing depends on this: the larger it is, the fit is sportier, and vice versa. This affects how the body load is distributed. In sports bikes designed for marathon distances, the frame is elongated and low, due to which the weight of the person falls mostly on the hands, and for city bikes the landing is almost vertical and the weight falls mainly on the spine. In the first case, you can gain good speed, but your hands will quickly get tired, and in the second case, discomfort will be clearly felt over long distances, since such a two-wheeled horse is good only for leisurely riding. Therefore, it is best to choose a bike with a medium-length frame, on which you can drive tens of kilometers without feeling very tired.