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Bike
Types
& Features
Equipment
Series Handouts:
[ Bike Fit Basics ] [ Bike Types & Features ] [ Cold & Wet Weather Gear ] [ How to Fix a Flat Tire ] [ How to Glue on a Tubular Tire ] [ Optimal Crankarm Length ] [ Pedals ] [ Riding Accessories ] [ Tools of the Trade ] [ Travel with Your Bike ]
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This
handout
is adapted from the book Bike Fit.
The book provides much more information.
Bike Fit Basics (Introduction)
The right size bicycle is important. It allows you to be comfortable, ride
safely, and work effectively. It makes you a better rider. If a bicycle is too
big or too small for you, you may lose control and fall.
When you stand over the bicycle, there should always be some clearance between
the top tube and your crotch. If your crotch touches the top tube, the bicycle
is certainly too big.
Frame Size Defined
Frames are sized based on the length of the seat tube. The size
of frame you need relates most closely with the length of your leg.
The precise way in which manufacturers size their frames, however, varies.
Traditionally frame size is the seat tube length from the center of the bottom
bracket to the center of the top tube. However some manufacturers extend the
length of the seat tube above the top tube, and size their bicycles accordingly.
For example, a 56-centimeter Trek bicycle is closer to a traditionally-measured
54-centrimeter bicycle.
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