Road Bike Frame Size Guide

By on March 11, 2008 in bikes

To avoid risk of (painful injury) there should be a gap of at least 2.5cm between the bike’s top tube and your crotch as you stand over the bike.

Finding the correct bike size for a road bike with 700cc tyres

First take an inside leg measurement. This is the distance from the floor to your crotch. Your leg should be straight and vertical.

As a rough guide,  you can take 9″ inches off your inside leg measurement. But, it is much better to use a guide of 67% of your inside leg measurement. For example, if your inside leg measurement is 36″(90 cm) you will be looking for a frame size of around 23.5″ or 58.5cm.

Examples of Frame Size

30″ inside leg =  19.5″

32 ” inside leg = 20.8″

34″ inside leg = 23″ frame

Notes on Choosing a Bike Frame

  • This formula of 0.67 times inside leg is not set in stone. The best formula may lie in between 65% and 69% of your inside length.
  • If a frame is slightly smaller than desire, you can compensate to some extent through a longer stem, longer seat post e.t.c. However, when choosing a bike, it is best to start off with best frame size rather than using accessories to make a good fit.
  • I have 4 60cm bike frames and one 58cm bike I rarely use. I do notice the difference.
  • For mountain bikes, touring bikes and commuting bikes, you want to use a different formula. Generally, you will end up with a smaller frame.

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