Road & Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit

Understanding Bike Size (Frame Size)

Bike size refers to frame size or the general overall size of your bike. This is a big-picture delineation. Most bikes come in extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, which, simply enough, correspond to your human-being size. So if you’re 5’ tall, you’ll be and extra-small. If you’re 6’3, you’ll be and extra-large. Some companies designate their bike’s sizes by number, but the sizes will still correspond to extra-small through extra-large.  Notice there is no provision here for your gender, leg length, or any other detail. Your bike size is derived from your overall height, period. Here is a simple sizing breakdown:

If your height falls on the cusp between sizes, understand that that means you can ride both sizes, and you can exercise personal preference or your fitter's advice to choose. Generally speaking, the smaller size will allow for a more aggressive riding posture. The larger size will give a more relaxed fit. Never stray more than one size off of your recommended size. The bike simply won't handle well or be comfortable. Trust the recommendation of the manufacturer--No one knows more about their bikes than they do.

Bicycle fit

Bike fit refers to the way an appropriately-sized bike is adjusted for your body. This includes saddle shape and height, handlebar width, and stem length--details that  have everything to do with your specific anatomy.  They are also informed by  the way you hold your body--your flexibiity and posture preferences, your ankle positioning and pedaling style.  A professional bike fit is the best way to add up all the variables and get you comfortable on your bike, and we recommend it for all riders, regardless of  skill level or "seriousness" about the sport.  Comfort is comfort, and everyone should be comfortable on their bike! We do bike fitting here at our store, as do many physical therapists and trainers, and fit specialists. Here is a brief rundown of the type of fit that's right for you:

Sunnyside Bike Fit $75

Our fits emphasize comfort and efficiency and are recommended for riders of all experience-levels. In your one-hour appointment, we'll  adjust your fit using industry-standard guidelines. You'll be able to try different saddles and stems, discuss body positioning, suspension set-up, control-lever placement, and have any necessary modifications made.

Sunnyside Bike Fit

Physical Therapist Bike Fit

We recommend  that riders with specific injuries or anatomic issues see a physical therapist who specializes in bike fitting.  PT fits are more expensive, but can often be covered by insurance, and are very much worth the money for people with physical complications that affect their position on the bike. Local PT offices offering bike fits include Evens Physical Therapy, Ascend Physical Therapy,  Focus Physical Therapy, and  Rebound Physical Therapy. 

Coach/Trainer Bike Fit

If speed is your game, we recommend seeing a coach or trainer for your fit. These fitters are able to measure your pedaling efficiency, aerodynamics, and power output to maximize your competitive advantage on the bike. These fits aren't cheap, but neither are the entry fees you're paying, and they may just help  you get into the money! There are lots of great trainers and fitters around town. We have a soft spot for the folks at Linton-Horner Coaching.

And remember--Once is not enough. Our bodies change over time.  We recommend having your bike fit  checked periodically, or at least every 5 years. Injuries, fitness-level, weight loss or gain, and simple aging all change the way you sit on a bike. Make sure your bike evolves with you.