Bike Fit Links

Armed with the info from the websites below, one should be able to find a ballpark for bicycle sizing at the very least. One thing to remember is that unless you spend a lot of money on a custom frame and components, you are not going to have an absolutely perfect fitting bike off the showroom floor, especially at the lower price points.

The best thing to do is use the info from the websites to find a baseline for sizing, then go out and shop for a bike in your price range. Once you have found some interesting models from different shops, try them out for size and go with the one with the best combination of price, componentry, size and bike shop customer service.

A good bike shop should be able to swap stems for you to adjust your reach to the bars. Some shops will even swap stems within one month of purchasing a bike, in case the original is not quite the correct size.

If you have any questions, contact me here for more info.

Revisionist Theory of Frame Sizing

A good overall guide to bicycle sizing. Also includes some good links to other frame sizing articles.

Competition Bicycle Size/ Proportions Analysis

A very scientific approach to bicycle frame sizing using a "calculator" program.

Klein Direct Fit Philosophy

Klein Bicycle's guide to frame sizing.

Update - The link to Klein's webpage on their Direct Fit Philosophy is no longer active. Instead they offer the following:

Direct Fit (J)
The distance from the center of the bottom bracket spindle to the rider's hand position.

Direct Fit Angle (K)
The angle created by the "Direct Fit" line and the horizontal line of the ground.

Direct Fit was developed by Gary Klein who felt that having a rider stand over a top tube wasn’t a very scientific approach to fitting a person on a bike. As a result, Klein invented a system that many in the industry have embraced over time. Klein’s Direct Fit philosophy analyzes how your body interacts with a bicycle to optimize comfort and fit. Klein continues to pursue this as a universal measuring/fit approach to improve upon and possibly replace the industry’s norm.

Direct Fit measures the distance between one’s hand position on the handlebars to the center of the bottom bracket (see diagram). Once you have this measurement, record it. It will never change no matter what bike you are on; no matter what position you are in throughout the pedal stroke. This distance remains a constant, on or off the saddle.

The included angle created by the Direct Fit line and the horizontal line of the ground helps determine the rider’s desired posture depending on the intended use of the bike. If it’s an acute angle, your back is flatter and your goal is an aggressive road racing posture. As the angle opens, the rider’s posture becomes less aggressive and more relaxed.

Proper fit is essential to performance and endurance. Be sure to work with your local dealer when purchasing a Klein bicycle.

Visit your Klein dealer for more information about Klein’s Direct Fit.

How To Fit Your Custom Bicycle

The Colorado Cyclist's guide to bicycle frame sizing. Includes a printable worksheet.

What Size Bike?

Huffy Bike's more basic guide to frame sizing. Includes children's sizing tips, as well.

Bike Fit a la Wombat

WOMBAT's (Women's Mountain Bike & Tea Society) guide to bicycle fitting for women.

Choosing the Right Size Bicycle For Your Child

Dedicated to bicycle sizing for children.