Bicycles Stack Exchange
Bicycles Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [bike-fit]

How to get the right sized bicycle for you or adjust your bicycle to fit you better.

349 questions
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Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small bike?

I'm planning to buy a Scott Speedster S30 (This is my first road bike) and I'm looking at the size chart. I'm around 177 cm tall, and this fits exactly in between the M and L section. Just wondering, in general, is it better to choose the bigger or…
DarkLightA
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How to best determine if a bike will fit without riding it

I would like to get a Surly Cross-Check but the local bike shop doesn't stock them. They have suggested a 56cm, but I am concerned about the top tube length (I am more legs than torso). Are there proven ways to figure out whether a bike fits other…
jeffesp
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Does a bike fit "carry over" from one bike to another?

If I would pay for a professional bike fit right now for a road bike, and I get a new road bike after a while, can I somehow translate the fit from my current bike to the new one (either by myself, or at a mechanic)? Or would I need to pay for a…
Saaru Lindestøkke
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Bike Size to Human Size Conversion Chart

I am just shopping for used bikes right now online. I want to try and save myself a trip to visit the bikes by determining which bikes will fit me. Does anyone have an approximate height-bike size conversion chart or inseam-bike size conversion…
sixtyfootersdude
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Tradeoffs of larger/smaller bicycle sizes

Due to the supply chain issues of the past couple of years, it has become difficult to find the ideal bicycle locally. More and more people consider purchasing online, which means that they cannot try the bicycle before buying. For a person who is…
DailyRider
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Is Lemond's saddle height method outdated?

Do you think Lemond's saddle height measurement method (which is taking the 0.883 of inseam measurement socked feet and use that to set the distance between the BB center and the top of the saddle) is outdated considering the changes on pedals,…
Ender
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Why don't seat tube lengths on modern bikes match their assigned sizes?

I was under the impression that bikes were sized according to the seat tube length; thus, a 56 cm frame would have a 56 cm seat tube length. However, on some modern bike frames (see Specialized Tarmac SL6 frame sizing below), a size 56 frame has a…
DerekG
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Should I get a bike that's too small for me?

I'm considering buying the 2010 model of the Pinarello FP2. They're substantially cheaper than this years model (~£700). However, they only have the 55cm frames in stock. I'm 6ft tall, looking at this size chart it says the 55cm frame is suitable…
Greg B
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What is the recommended procedure for adjusting the fit of my bike?

I have a road bike which is a reasonable fit, what is the recommended procedure for adjusting the seat position and handlebar height to get the "perfect fit"? A complete answer should include what order to make adjustments; how to determine height…
Sam Meldrum
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Why such a dramatic drop in power when the handlebars are lower than the seat?

I have done long rides with the bar 10+ cm below the saddle without getting a sore back, or anything. Thing is, when I do, my average speed is 2 - 4 km/h SLOWER than when I have the bar higher up. I do know you lose power as you get lower. Weird…
Paul
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Struggling to get comfortable on bike

I have been fitted on different bikes many years ago and was never completely satisfied to the point that I am not moving around in the saddle. I have since gotten a different bike with slightly different geometry and think that has exacerbated my…
John Doe
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Should saddle height be changed in relation to different crank arm lengths?

I have two mountain bikes, one of them is 26" with a 170 mm crank arm length and the other one is 27.5" with 175 mm crank arm length. I've adjusted the saddle heights of the two bikes as same by measuring from BB axle to top of the saddle. Do you…
Ender
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Is the fit wrong on my road bike or is my body too stiff / inflexible?

I am very confused about how to get a correct fit on a road bike. I am female, 5'5", average weight and proportions, and have a 31" inseam. Recently, I decided to buy a Specialized Ruby after trying out my friend's bike and noticing how smoothly it…
MNRC
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Lower back pain cause?

How much of lower bike pain over longer rides due to bike fit or body positioning versus core strength? I have spent many years "fixing" my fit but have never had a professional fitting. I have also ebbed and flowed on my core strength over years…
user8962
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How to do a bike fit?

Here on bicycles SE I often read questions about right sizing of a bike, how you should sit on a bike, what to do when some part of your body hurts etc. I also came across the answer Go to a local bike shop and have a bike-fit quite often. I…
Uooo
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