Mountain Bike Body Measure Research Paper

Getting your first bike can be intimidating. Whether you are looking at one in person, or online, knowing which size you'll need is very important. When I was a child, it was much easier. Children's bikes are sized by simply standing over them. But we adults have to be more discerning.

Your mountain bike frame size is determined by several body measurements. How well these body parts are matched to sections of your bike will effect nearly everything about your ride. How comfortable you are, how easily you can control the bike, even mounting and dismounting are effected by frame size.

The Basics of Frame Measurements

Now, what size mountain bike do I need? First, let's talk about frame sizes. Most mountain bike frames are sold as small,
I didn't know any riders. Nor do I have easy access to a box store with lots of bikes. So I couldn't try out bikes or get bike measurements! What I could do was measure myself.

Take Your Own Measurements

There are really only two body measurements we'll need. You need an accurate measurement of your height and your inseam. Keep in mind that women and men of the same height will have slightly different body measurements. Men often have longer legs while woman have longer torsos.

To get your height by yourself, you'll need a wall and some chalk. Remove your shoes, stand up straight and make a mark at the crown of your skull. The easiest way to get your inseam is to place one end of a tape measure flat on the floor and measure up your leg, at the place where it joins your body.

Men's frames are generally made with male proportions in mind. Think longer legs and a shorter torso. Women's frames are often made for those of us with shorter legs and a longer torso. In bike frame terms, the difference is generally noticed most in the effective top tube length.

How to Tell if You Have the Wrong Frame Size?

It isn't always obvious when the frame is the wrong size. But there are a few things that even a novice can