How To Fit Bike Frame

Getting the correct fit for a bike frame is among the most important tasks while purchasing a bicycle, so knowing how to fit a bike frame to your body should be among the first things you research before a purchase. It doesn't matter how much money you spend for your bike, if it isn't fitted right you will most likely suffer from pain or injuries from poor fitting and positioning. Fitting a bike frame, as opposed to fitting the bike as a whole, can seem very complicated. If this seems like too much for you, simply go to a professional bike dealer and have them fit your frame for you.

1. Measure your inseam. The first step to determining the correct frame size for you is to measure your insteam. Take a tape measure, preferably a fabric one, and measure from the top of your thigh down to the bottom of your ankle.
2. Math time! Now is where things get a little interesting. Take your inseam size and multiply it by .65. That number will give you a very good estimate as to what size you are looking for in a bike frame that is measured from center-center, if the bike you want to purchase is measured from center to top, multiply your inseam by .67 instead.
3. Considerations. You may also want to consider the top tube length of a bike. Generally, the top tube could be the same size for different sized bikes, in which case you would want to come down on the side of caution when you fit the bike frame and go with the larger size of the two. If you come down between 54 cm and 56 cm for example, but both bikes have the same top tube, you may be more comfortable with the larger bike. Also remember that women and men are built differently, and a woman's longer legs and higher inseam should be taken into consideration when fitting a frame.