Choosing the Right Bike
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF RIDING?
Bicycles are specially designed for specific terrains and riding conditions — from city streets to mountain trails — Where or How Do You See Yourself Riding? Mountain, Road, Paths /Commuting, Leisure, Gravel / Dirt Roads/ City Commutes?
Choosing the Right Bike Size
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SIZING IN STORE
If you have the bike in front of you, stand over the middle of the middle of the top tube. There should be some clearance between you and the bike - typically, 2-4" for mountain bikes and 1-2" for road bikes.
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Worried about the seat height sitting you properly? No need. Once you've found the right size bike from the step-over test, you can easily adjust it to fit.
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SIZING ONLINE
If you don't have the bike in front of you, the most important measurement to know is your inseam. The inseam is the length from your crotch down to your foot. Once you have that measured, use the chart below as a guide to select the best size of bike for you.
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If your measurements fall between two sizes on the chart above, there's no need to worry. Going for the larger size is recommended because you can then adjust the seat to find the perfect fit for you.
ROAD
MOUNTAIN
CITY / HYBRID
YOUTH
Find the Correct Saddle Height
The right saddle height plays a big role! Too low, you won't have enough power, too high and your ride is very uncomfortable.
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THE EASY METHOD
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The easiest way to find correct saddle height is to:
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Lean against a wall with your elbow sitting on the bike (or let someone help you as shown on the picture)
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Move your saddle up or down until you have nice bend behind your knee. It should be something around 30 but don't waste too much energy finding that exact angle. Go out and ride - does it feel good? If not, then adjust.
THE LeMOND METHOD
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This method involves using a flat object (such as a book, ruler, or level) and placing it between your legs while applying a litter pressure to the groin, in a similar fashion to a saddle.
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Make sure you have your shoes off and measure from the crotch to the floor, and this will give you your 'inseam' measurement. You may need someone to do this for you, or you can otherwise mark a wall with the height of the level or ruler and measure to the floor.
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The "LeMond Method" is one of the most popular 'magic bullet' formulas for setting your saddle height. Multiply that figure by 0.883 and that, according to the LeMond Method, will produce your saddle height (again, from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle).
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