Finding the right men and women road bike sizing is essential, not only to get an excellent bike riding experience but also to prevent cyclists from getting severe injuries. While there is no standardized bike sizing, this article will help you to gain a general understanding of how women’s bike sizing works to make your bike shopping easier.
How are Road Bikes Sized?
When we talk about the size of a bike, it often refers to the size of the frame. However, bike manufacturers will come with various bike frame size charts that differ, which can confuse some buyers, especially beginners.
The road bike size chart usually comes with measurements in centimeters. Generally, the number shown in the table of the bike chart is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube.
However, in some rare cases, bike manufacturers will measure the bikes from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube, known as center-to-top measurement. Some others will measure the bike from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the top line, known as the center to the center measuring method.
After getting the measurement, the road bike size chart cm will sentence the bike differently in S, M, L, and XL size, like how you determine the size of apparel. Don’t miss out on this article for more information about how to find the best road bike size, especially for women. Hopefully, the information provided below is helpful enough for you.
Women’s Road Bike Sizing
Some manufacturers might design the female bike with a shorter reach, narrower shoulder, and smaller hands. However, riding a unisex bike should not be a problem for female riders. Usually, the measurement differences in women’s bike size charts and unisex bike size charts will only differ by a few centimeters. They won’t be a restriction for women to ride on.
But of course, test riding is needed before making a final decision to purchase. Some cyclists might also prefer to get a unisex framed bike but change the finishing kit—such as a bike saddle, for example, to be more women-specific.
What is The Right Bike Size for Me?
The most direct way to determine the proper bike sizing for a rider is by using the bike size calculator. You might also need to look at the bike size chart from the corresponding bike brands to get the bike that fits your measurement since different manufacturers might size their bikes differently.
There are only two things you need to do to find your proper bike fit, and the method is also pretty straightforward. Follow the instructions below:
Measure Your Height
First, you can match the bike size chart by height to get your ideal bike. For more accuracy, it would be best to take off your shoes before standing upright against the wall with your back and legs together.
Mark the wall above your head using a pencil or marker before you measure the length from the floor to your mark point in centimeters. When marking the wall, you must ensure your pencil is being held parallel to the floor.
Measure Your Inseam Length
Again, take off your shoes and stand upright with your back against the wall. Then place a book between your legs that is level with your crotch. Once done, you can measure the length from the floor to the top of the book.
If you are determining a road bike’s size, you can measure it in centimeters. If you measure for a mountain bike size, it will be best to do it in inches since women’s mountain bike chart usually uses inches instead of centimeters.
Measure Your Reach
In some cases, your height can happen to be in between to size of the bike. When this happens, the best way to get an ideal bike is by measuring the reach. The reach of a road bike is measured by the distance between the saddle and the handlebar.
Ideally, the reach measurement is determined by the length of the rider’s torso and arms. Here are tips for calculating your reach:
- Sit on top of your saddle as how you usually sit during bike riding;
- Place your hands on the top of the handlebars;
- Look down on the bars and see if the front axle is on sight or not.
If the front axle of your bike is hidden from sight in this position, you have already gotten an ideal reach, but if you can still see the front axle, that indicates that the reach might be too long, and you will need some adjustment on it.
When adjusting the handlebar reach, though, the rider should be extra careful. If the reach adjustment is too long, it will result in sluggish handling of the bike and make it feel slow, and if it is too slow, you will have an uncomfortable ride with twitchy steering.
Conclusion
When shopping for a bike, aside from matching it with your riding style and budget, you will also have to pay attention to the sizing. A proper bike size that fits its rider will improve the efficiency of power transfer and bike handling. Aside from that, an ideal bike size will also prevent you from getting severe injuries, especially in the back, neck, and knees.
Generally, the technique used to find an ideal road bike for women should not differ from the method we use to find a perfect bike sizing for any unisex bike. Some manufacturers might have separate bike charts for women’s bikes where the measurement tends to be a few inches smaller than the unisex type.
If you had difficulty measuring your ideal bike size, you could visit Rodalink at Jurong East and East Coast. Rodalink has a group of a professional and experienced team that will gladly assist you in finding the perfect bike that suits your riding style, budget, and size.
There is also a one-stop cycling shop at Rodalink where you can get the team to work on your bike adjustment shall the handlebar or saddle position of your purchased bike is still uncomfortable for a ride.
Rodalink also offers a wide range of bikes, accessories, spare parts, and apparel selections from renowned brands to help you get the wide gearing before starting your bike riding journey. The partnership between Rodalink and Shop Back enables a purchase with the pay later method at 0% of interest charges.
Get more comfortable and efficient riding by choosing the correct bike sizing. Start your inspiring journey today and entrust your cycling needs to Rodalink.
