How to determine if mountain bike size is right for you

How to determine if mountain bike size is right for you

1. Choosing the right mountain bike size is the most important decision, we have to make before buying a mountain bike. Once you start with a mountain bike that suits you, your riding experience will be really great. Don’t want it.

XS: 13-14 inches (generally suitable for ladies and children with a height of 150cm-162cm)

S: 14-16 inches (usually used for riding with a height of 160cm-170cm)

M: 16-18 inches (usually used for riding with a height of 170cm-178cm)

L: 18-20 inches (usually used for riding with a height of 178cm-185cm)

XL: 20-22 inches (usually used for riding for people over 185cm in height)

2. Remember where you are on the mountain  bike. When you sit on the bike, your shoulders should be relaxed and your elbows should be slightly bent. When you
step down, make sure your knees are slightly bent.

If you feel uncomfortable riding, then consider changing to a different model.

Adjust your fingertips and brakes.

3. Understand the changes in bikes. Different companies have different sizing systems, but bicycles are also different. Here are some basic knowledge:

Road bikes, bicycle crossovers, and hybrid bikes usually run 3-4″ in size for the same rider height, as shown in the picture above. If you are looking at one of them, adjust as needed.

Hardtail bicycles and full suspension bicycles are the same size.

The main difference is the cost and what kind of road they can handle.

Full suspension bikes have better cushioning effect and can handle more exaggerated road conditions.

However, having said that, the control of the hard tail is definitely more flexible.

4. Measure your leg internal test.

Know what size bicycle is right for you (how long seat tube you need), so stand up straight with your back against the wall, with a book between your legs, just like a bike seat.

Use a tape measure to calculate the distance between the pubic bone and the floor.

5. Measure the seat tube of your bike, if applicable. If you already have a bike, you will want to know if its size is right for you. Here is how to measure your body:

Locate the top of the seat tube (the junction of the seat clamp and the column).

Measure from this point to the middle of the shaft holding the crank arm together.

This number is the length of your seat tube. Does it fit your ideal size? If you are considering buying, please check the basic size system below.

6. Do a trial ride test.

This is a very common test action, and it is also the final stage to see if your bike is right for you.

When you measure your pubic bone to the floor, you should adjust the seat height based on it, and it should be 2 inches higher than the height of your bike stem, that is, the seat is 3-5 cm higher than the stem.

When performing this test, place your legs on the cross beam of the bike and straddle it.

Lift the bike as much as possible and ask the assistant to measure the distance between the tire and the ground.

7. Find your ape index. Once you know how tall your bike should be, you need to know that the handlebars should fit your specific torso length. To determine whether your forearm is long or short, you need your “ape index”-arm span.

Measure your arm span (fingertip to fingertip) minus your height. A positive ape index (your arm span is greater than your height) means you should consider the next largest size; a negative ape index means you should choose two (your height is greater than your arm span) The smaller of the size

This is a good indicator, especially if you are between two sizes.

If for some reason you are not sure, then choose a model that is as small as possible. Riding a small bike is much easier to control than riding a big bike, which is especially suitable for mountain bikes.

8. Specifically, find your ideal upper tube length. This is done by measuring your torso length and arm length. Details are as follows:

Stand up with your back to the wall.

The distance from the knuckle to the collarbone.

Measure from your pubic bone (the same place as before) to the depression at the bottom of your neck.

Add the results and divide by 2.

Add 4 to that number. This is the ideal length of your jacking pipe.

To clarify, suppose your arm length is 24 and your torso length is 26. Equal to 50/2=25.29+4. 29 is the length of your jacking pipe.

9. Adjust the height of your bike seat. According to your measurements, adjust seat tube length. You need a tape measure and a wrench. Methods as below:

Place the end of the measuring tape where the pedal crank connects to the bike.

Stretch the tape measure to the seat height calculated using the inner seam.

Use a wrench to loosen the bolts that secure the seat post.

Rotate the seat post up and down to the correct position.

Tighten the bolts with a wrench.

Adjust the seat so that the widest part of the saddle is level with the upper end of the tape measure.

10. Adjust the handlebars. Loosen the bolts at the bottom of the drive handle. Using a standard wrench, turn it to the left. To adjust the handlebar:

Lean forward so that your upper back is at a 90-degree angle to your upper arms. Keep your forearms at a 45-degree angle to the handlebar.

Raise or lower the handlebar so that it is flush with the saddle.

Tighten the handle. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts around the handle bar.

11. Adjust the seat tilt. You want your saddle to be perfectly flush. A few people like to lean up or down, but most people are best to sit in a level seat. Two things to remember:

Tilt the saddle up or down to keep your pelvis level when you sit on the saddle.

Tilt the saddle so that it does not slide forward or backward when sitting on the saddle.

12. Test and adjust. You can’t buy a mountain bike without a test drive, right? You should not rotate your hips, stretch your arms, lean to the side, or make
yourself a little uncomfortable. Here is how to test your bike:

Put on your shoes and sit on the bike. Your hips should be facing forward.

Position the pedals so that one pedal is at the lowest point of its rotation. The pedals should be as close to the ground as possible.

Place one foot on the low pedal. Your knees should be slightly bent. Your heel should be on the pedal.

Leaning on the handlebars, elbows bend slightly.

If you do not feel 100% comfortable, please readjust as needed.

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