what size of bike do I need

When I first went to buy my bike, I was clear about the type of bike I was looking for. But the fact that I did not give a thought about was the size of the bike. And when I was there to get my bike I didn't know what size of bike do I need? Which was frustrating. But luckily the problem wasn't that big as the salesperson of that store helped me to find the right fit. But if you think that same might happen in your case, then you are living in a fool's paradise. So, prepare yourself and get to know the size of the bike as you can't take any chances.
Why the size of the bike is important

Bikes come in a diversity of sizes that suitable the heights and proportions of the different riders. That depends on the type of bike you are considering. The keynote is why you need to choose the right size bike. And the answer is simple, ignorance can cost you. If you don't buy the proper size bike to your stature, you either might not be able to control the ride. Or in the worst of scenario, you can even injure yourself by riding the wrong sized bicycle. And that should be enough to motivate you to get a bike that is perfect for your requirements.

How to choose a bike size

Before proceeding with the quest of finding the right bike size you need to choose the type of bike. Because you need to consider your measurements according to the ranges the bike offers.

Many people take the height of riders into account for finding the right size bikes. But that is the wrong way to do the work. To find out the correct size, it is necessary to measure the length of the legs. No need to consider the total height of the body.

To know your size in the most accurate way, it is necessary to do some measurements. And that you can do by taking the distance from the floor to your crotch area, as it gives the length of your legs. As mentioned earlier, the total height has nothing to do with finding the perfect frame size.

Once you have this measurement, you may compare that with the bike you are seeking. But while doing the measurements, don't confuse the meters and centimeters. That is because different bikes display their measurements using different systems. 

Sizes for different bikes:

Mountain bikes:

17.5- inch frame is the most common size that we find on a mountain bike. When we talk about the frame, it means the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the frame in where is the seat post. There are mountain bikes where you might not get a lot of frame size option as they use a universal size. But most well-established brands offer a variety of size ranges. Those start at 13 and goes up to 23 inches. So, how to choose a mountain bike size? The first step is to measure your height ( and by now you should know what I mean by that). Make sure, you got your size in inches as commonly mountain bikes use inch for their frames measurements. You can then compare that with the bikes frame size. You can make the decision by trying the bike yourself. Or you can also depend on the size chart of manufacturers as some brands provide that. For men, the usual option is the 17-18 inch frames. And for women, it tends to be a little smaller like the 15-inch frame.

Select a mountain bike with a standing height of 3 or 5 inches less than your crotch height.

Cruiser Bike:

Find a bike frame suitable for your height. A 15-inch frame is suitable for adults who are between 4 to 5 feet 4 inches. Frames in the range of 15 to 21 inches are suitable for adults between 5 and 6 feet. Adults over 6 feet may need an extended frame.

You always want to test the frame sizes by trying the seating arrangement of the bike. When you are on a bike, rotate the right pedal until it is in the lower position. At this point, your right leg should be almost straight, even with your knee slightly bent. If the leg is bending, raise the seat until the leg is in the correct position. If the leg is right, or if you only touch the pedal with your foot barely then lower the seat. That way you can find the bike frame which might work for you.

Road Bikes:

What size of bike do I need if I want to go for a racing bike? As we know the aerodynamics and designs of such bikes are nowhere close to a mountain bike or other bikes. So, the search for the perfect frame size is again a different process. The basics are the same, but you need to be careful about certain aspects.

And for women, everything is same, but there are minor details you have to be cautious about. Because road bikes for women are designed differently keeping their physical appearance in mind. 

Kids bikes:

The most important factor when choosing a bike is the size. As we know adults need to consider the frame size while picking the perfect bike to accommodate themselves. But for kids, that is not the case. As kids bikes are measured by wheel diameter and child height.

Kids between 2 and 4 years of age can ride a 12-inch bicycle only if he is about 14-17 inches. For kids aged 4 to 6 within a 16 to 20-inch parameter usually a 14-inch bike seems the right size. If your kid is in from 5-8 years old and has grown about 18 to 22 inches, then they need a 16-inch model. For 6 to 9 with a 20- to 24-inch height, they can easily ride an a18-inch bike. A 7-to-10-year-old with a 22 to 25-inch is ready to ride a 20-inch bike. Children ages 9 and older with a 24-to 28-inch need 24-inch bikes. But not all kids might have the same growth. So, consider the height important, the age should not be a determining factor while making the choice.

Things to remember while choosing the size:

Rookies make often this mistake as they think bike sizes are universal. So often they go to buy a type of bike while comparing the size of a different type. That is something you should be careful about.

Even the bike frames metrics are not universal. Every manufacturer has its own measurements. They vary from each other so, it can be confusing for consumers.

In the case of mountain bikes brands specify their sizes in inches. And there are the road bikes who specify using centimeters. Keep an open eye on the sizing metrics or you will be in a confused state.

Since there is no industry standard for bicycle sizes and sizes may vary slightly from one brand to another. The best way to tackle the problem is to try a bicycle before you buy it. Trial and error is the way to go.

Conclusion:

There is a good reason why anyone should look out for a perfect fit frame size for their bike. It is the most important thing that needs to be in consideration when buying a bike. Because with a bike of the appropriate size, you are more likely to enjoy a good ride. As it ensures easy handling, efficient gear transfer and therefore faster ride times.

But getting the right fit can be a challenge if you are clueless about the size. Take my example. When I asked the question what size of bike do I need, it seemed the salesman dropped out of the sky. They expect you to know about such things while you come to buy a bike. They might help you but for your own sake, you should know about it. Because at the end of the day you have to live with it.