bike size

trucker39 said:

Hi all,

Stupid question, but i'd appreciate help! How do you know what size bike is perfect for your height!?

You don't. Height is only one consideration. Leg length, torso length, arm length and flexibility are more important that height. On top of that, frames have different geometries, so a 56cm bike "A" would not necessarily fit the same as a 56 cm bike "B". Unless you have enough experience about how different bikes fit you to look at the geometry measurements and tell, the only way to know which bike fits you is to try it.

RickF said:

You don't. Height is only one consideration. Leg length, torso length, arm length and flexibility are more important that height. On top of that, frames have different geometries, so a 56cm bike "A" would not necessarily fit the same as a 56 cm bike "B". Unless you have enough experience about how different bikes fit you to look at the geometry measurements and tell, the only way to know which bike fits you is to try it.

I see. Thanks for that. The reason i asked is besause i found a good value bike online, but was unsure of the correct size. I'm assuming this might not be the best way to purchase! I'll give the bike shops a go first, maybe get them to advise me in regards size.

thanks again Rick.

trucker39 said:

I see. Thanks for that. The reason i asked is besause i found a good value bike online, but was unsure of the correct size. I'm assuming this might not be the best way to purchase! I'll give the bike shops a go first, maybe get them to advise me in regards size.

thanks again Rick.

Yeah, buying bikes online definitely isn't the best way to go.

if you happen to live in the nyc area, there is a really good bicycle sbop that are absolute experts in fitting. It's in manhattan and they sell serottas, seven cycles, and guru bicycles. It's in West end ave 2nd floor......can't remember the exact address

Once you get a bike, you can fine tune it. Move the saddle forward, or back. Or, install a different seat post to move the saddle more. Install a different stem to move the bars forward, or back. Install different bars to move things around. You don't need to worry about all of this right away. Frankly, if you have to ask what fits, you probably would not know if it did, or not. The general guidelines, that you can find in a hundred different places, will get you close enough. Once you know what works for you, you will know what needs to be adjusted.