How to choose the size of your road bike?

After watching the exploits of your favorite cyclists on TV, you've decided to buy a road bike to get into cycling. After explaining how to choose your road bike, today we're giving you a little guide to help you choose your bike size.

Taking the right measurements

It's important to have a bike that fits because a bike that's too small or too big will quickly prove uncomfortable. So, to choose the right frame size, you need to start by taking the right measurements.

There are several ways to do this, but the most common method is to measure the height of your crotch (to do this, place a rigid object like a book, for example, against your perineum and measure the distance from the ground to the top of that object) and multiply it by 0.65 to get the ideal frame size.

This formula with crotch height is still indicative, however, because the ratio of crotch height to torso and forearm length can vary from person to person. It can therefore be weighted with the rider's overall height and forearm length.

The Postural Study

To get a more accurate measurement, it is then possible to perform a postural study in order to determine precisely, thanks to all the measurements obtained, which frame size will be best suited to your morphology.

In addition, the postural study will allow you to optimize the settings of your bike whether it be in terms of seat tube height, stem length, etc.

Choosing between two sizes

If, with the results you got from the previous calculation methods, you fall between two frame sizes, you will need to make a choice based on your road cycling practice:

• If you have a sporting road cycling practice or compete, choose the smaller size;

• If, on the other hand, you are rather looking for a more comfortable bike for long rides, choose the larger size.

In any case, do not hesitate to go to a cycle store and ask a salesperson for advice. And above all, there is nothing better than being able to try a bike before buying it because, from one brand of bike to another, the measurements of a frame may differ.