{"id":2957,"date":"2022-06-26T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-26T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=2957"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:40:35","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:40:35","slug":"how-to-choose-fixie-bike-size","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/bikes-and-parts\/how-to-choose-fixie-bike-size\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Right Bike Size (2 Methods)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re considering buying a fixed-gear or single-speed bike online, you might be wondering how to determine your bike size. Fortunately, choosing the proper fixed-gear or single-speed bike is not as difficult as you might think. So let’s discuss how to choose the right size for your fixed gear bike<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To determine the ideal size of your bike, identify your height in inches or centimeters and reference the manufacturer’s sizing chart, typically found on their website. If they don’t have a size chart, look at our sizing chart on this page.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there’s a lot<\/em> more to it than that. So, in this article, you will learn why choosing the right size bike is so important, how a bike’s size is determined, and how you can choose the bike size that’s right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Editor’s note: This article was updated on <\/em>July 26, 2022<\/em><\/strong>, to include additional information about the sizes of fixed-gear bikes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before learning how to choose a bike, let’s first understand why choosing the right size is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it’s important to choose the right size bike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right size bike is essential for your safety and comfort. The wrong size can increase your risk of injury and make riding difficult and frustrating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will feel stretched out if you ride a bike that is too large for you. In the worst-case scenario, you may not even be able to touch the pedals when they are in their lowest position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you ride a bike that is too small for you, you will likely feel cramped and may be unable to raise the saddle high enough to pedal effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You get locked into position if you start riding with pedal straps, clips, or clip-in pedals<\/a>. Therefore, sizing becomes critical. When riding clipless, having the wrong bike size may cause discomfort or even long-term damage<\/strong> to your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Black look fixed gear bike. Source: unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How is a bike’s size determined?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Typically, when talking about bike sizes, we refer to the bike’s frame’s<\/a> dimensions (either the bike’s seat tube length or the top tube length<\/a>). This is why you often hear bike size and frame size used interchangeably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seat tube length is commonly used to determine its size. The seat tube length measurement is taken from the center of the bottom bracket (BB)<\/a> or the center of the bolt that connects the crank arms. However, this varies by brand; some measure to the top of the top tube where it joins the seat tube, while others measure to the center of the top tube. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mountain bikes are measured in inches or descriptive sizes (small, medium, etc.). Fixed gear, single-speed, and road bikes are measured in centimeters<\/strong> or descriptive measurements, although hybrid bikes may be any of the three. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to determine the right-sized bike for yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you’re purchasing a bike online and won’t be able to test ride it to get the ideal size, here are some pointers to help you find\u00a0the right size bike for you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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  1. \n

    Determine your height<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    It’s astonishing how many people are unaware of their height. Yet, knowing your actual height will allow you to make a more accurate bike size selection. Also, the rider’s height is a key factor for most bike makers when they think about how comfortable the bike is to ride.<\/p>\n

    Don’t have a way to measure? Here are a few measuring tapes you can use to help you determine your eight.<\/p>\n

    [azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B07PJ177WX,B01M20Y619,B07G9XBT66″]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Check the manufacturers’ sizing chart<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Once you’ve determined your height, find the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Their website should contain this information. That will give you a good indication of what size you need.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Ascertain your inseam<\/h3>\n

    If you have access to the bike’s specs, you might be able to determine the ideal height using your inseam measurements and the standover height measurements. This should be used with your height when determining your bike size.<\/p>\n

    The standover height is the distance between the ground and the top tube of the bike. Compare your in-seam (pant leg length) to this measurement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    The inner seam is measured from the crotch region where the saddle would be to the floor.\u00a0
    Multiply this measurement in centimeters by 0.67. For example, suppose your inner seam was 85cm long (85 x 0.67 = 56.95). Your optimal top tube length is 56.95cm. Therefore, you should seek a 57cm bike or a size close to that.<\/p>\n

    The standover height rule is a good way to figure out what size fixie bike you need without trying out your new one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    How to use a bike sizing chart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Once you’ve determined your height, find the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Their website should contain this information. That will give you a good indication of what size you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you cannot find a proper fixed gear bike sizing chart on the manufacturer’s website, check out our chart below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Height<\/strong><\/td>Inside Leg<\/strong><\/td>Frame Size<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    5’1″ – 5’3″<\/td>27″ – 29″<\/td>48cm<\/td><\/tr>
    5’3″ – 5’5″<\/td>28″ – 30″<\/td>50cm<\/td><\/tr>
    5’5″ – 5’7″<\/td>29″ – 31″<\/td>52cm<\/td><\/tr>
    5’7″ – 5’9″<\/td>30″ – 32″<\/td>54cm<\/td><\/tr>
    5’9″ – 5’11”<\/td>31″ – 33″<\/td>56cm<\/td><\/tr>
    5’11 – 6’2″<\/td>32″ – 34″<\/td>58cm<\/td><\/tr>
    6’1″ – 6’5″<\/td>33″ – 35″<\/td>60cm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
    Fixed gear and single speed bike size guide.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    These are estimates, but it works for most people. Keep in mind that not everyone’s size is the same<\/strong>. If you know you want your bike to be a little bigger, choose one size larger than the recommended size (the same goes if you know you want a smaller bike). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I’m 5’7, and my 52-inch frame size is perfect for me. So I know the size chart is accurate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to have a professional determine the right bike size for you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It’s also helpful to go to a bike shop<\/a> where they can measure each part of the bike with accurate tools. This will help you find the right frame and ensure that all parts of the bike are made with your riding needs in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are also Web, iOS, and Android apps<\/a> that make selecting the correct bike size much easier.<\/strong> These apps allow users to input their height and weight and other physical characteristics like arm length and leg width to find an appropriate bicycle fitment. Additionally, these apps have information about popular brands of bikes so that you can compare specifications side by side before making a purchase decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you know when you have purchased the wrong sized bike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Most of the time, people simply buy the bikes recommended by bike shop owners or experts. However, shop owners are sometimes only interested in selling the bikes they have in stock, regardless of whether they are the best ones for the buyers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are constantly bothered by back pain, your new bike may not be the best choice<\/strong>. Something may be wrong with its frame size, saddle<\/a>, or other components that do not correspond to your preferred bike. Additionally, if the saddle on your new bike is too high for riding (even in the lowest setting) or vice versa, you’ve probably purchased the wrong bike size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What if I got my bike size wrong?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you go the wrong size bike, ask your merchant if you can return your bike <\/strong>to get the correct one. If you do not wish to do so, you may do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Move your saddle to the front or rear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Choose a longer or shorter stem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Buy a longer seat post.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Give it time to get the feeling right.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      If you want even more tips, watch this video called Bike Sizing: Laying Down the Law on How to Properly Size Yourself up On a Fixed Gear Bike<\/em> from the Pure Cycles YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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