The size of your bicycle can have a major impact on your riding experience. A bike that's correctly sized improves performance and allows you to ride more efficiently, while one that's too big or too small can slow you down. You'll enjoy cycling more if your bike fits your body, and you may even be more likely to stick with biking over time. To size a road bike, consider factors like frame dimensions, reach, seat height and handlebar size.
Step 1
Stand with your back facing a wall and your feet roughly 6 inches apart. Use a tape measure to measure your inseam, which includes the distance from the floor to your crotch.
Step 2
Multiply your inseam length in inches by 2.54 to translate this number to centimeters. Most bike sizing information is listed in centimeters, so this makes it easier to size your bike.
Step 3
Multiply your inseam length in centimeters by 0.67 to determine your approximate road bike frame height.
Step 4
Grasp a pencil or pen in your closed fist. Use your tape measure to find the length of your arms in inches from the edge of your collarbone to this pen or pencil.
Step 5
Find the height of your torso from your crotch to the base of your sternum (V-shaped area below your throat). This distance should also be measured in inches.
Step 6
Determine the correct length for your bike frame based on the measurements of your torso and arms. Sierra Trading Post recommends that bike length is equal to [(torso length + arm length)/2] + 4 inches. For example, a person with a 20 inch torso and 26 inch arms would require a bike frame that's 27 inches long. This length includes the distance from the seat support pole to the handlebars.
Step 7
Choose handlebars that are roughly the same width as your shoulders. Try the handlebars to ensure they are the right diameter for your hands, and that you can easily grip all brakes and gear controls.
Step 8
Test drive your bike before buying. While you can get fairly good sizing information using a measuring tape, there is no better method of determining whether a bike fits or not than taking it for a ride. Check that the bike feels comfortable and that you can maintain your natural riding posture. Have the bike shop adjust the bike as needed before committing to a purchase.
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