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Samuel Mascarell & Alastair Hamilton
Road Bike Frames, Size, Symmetry And Frame Materials
The frame is the basis of both the strength and the beauty of the bicycle. Nothing besides its paint job is superficial, and when you’re buying a new bike, you want to pay particular attention to the frame.You will want to know enough about size, symmetry, and materials to get a frame that fits you and your riding style and purpose.
Question:
What should I know to make sure the frame of a new bicycle is right for me?
Thank you
Andrea
The design of the bicycle frame has not changed much over the years, but the materials have. The original “bike” way back in 1817, was a hobbyhorse you propelled with your feet on the ground and was made from wood.Obviously, bikes have improved!
Beginning in the mid-1800s and throughout the next century, bicycle frames were manufactured of steel. You can still find steel frame bikes around, but they are nothing in weight compared to earlier models!
The first frames were extremely heavy, with laid back angles and with a long wheel base, making for more comfortable riding on the rough roads of the time. These frames would go nowhere, and slowly, on today’s fast roads and race conditions. Even steel bicycle frames got progressively lighter over the decades by making the tubes thinner and joining them without using lugs.
The next revolution in the manufacture of bicycle frames came when alloy tubes could be joined to each other strongly and safely to make responsive and very light frames.
The tubes had to be bigger, but they could be made in aerodynamic shapes. Alloy bicycle frames are now most people’s choice, often combined with carbon forks and in some cases carbon chain and seat stays at the back.If you don’t want to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a bike, an alloy frame is a good option.
If you have the money, a titanium or carbon frame would probably be your choice today.Frames made of these materials are much more expensive but if well-made will last a lifetime.
Bikes made of titanium feel almost weightless but offer you a nice, tight ride.
Mixing titanium main tubes with carbon forks and back end gives the best combination for handling and for comfort. At the moment, an all-carbon frame seems to be what everyone wants, but few can afford.
All the main frame manufacturers make bikes of these different compositions, some with lugs (Colnago, Cervelo), some without (Scott, De Rosa, Battaglin), and even some of monocoque, or single mould, construction (Giant, Trek).
Basically, you will buy the best bicycle frame you can afford. With the right components added, even the most basic frame out there today, made by a reputable manufacturer, can serve you well and happily for many years, IF it fits you well.Fit is where any frame can be all wrong for the rider, or all right.
Below is a table giving you some of the elements of buying a bike frame that fits you.The most basic element of sizing a bike frame is commonly referred to as its height; what is usually meant by this measurement is the length of the frame from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube.
Professionals most often talk about measurements in centimeters because of the European history of the sport and also because of the precision it allows.For those of you who need to translate this into inches, a conversion table is also given below.
To use this chart, you will first need to get an accurate measurement of your inseam.The easiest way to get a good measurement is to hold a book between your thighs, with its spine snugly against your crotch in the same way a bike seat will be, then have a friend make a mark on a wall at the top of the (horizontally straight) spine.
Stepping away from the wall, measure the distance to the floor.This is your inseam length.A road bike frame’s “height” is generally thought to be ideal if it is 67 percent of your inseam length.A mountain bike is ridden on a much smaller frame: as a guideline, use your road bike size and subtract 10-12 cm.
Exact size of a mountain bike is most affected by the amount of downhill riding you do.All frame sizes are affected by the unique configuration of your body, which can be accommodated by differences in frame geometry, top tube length, seat post height and/or saddle angle, handlebar width and slant, and even crank length.
The following chart is just enough to get you going.Once you have the right basic size, the best thing you can do is to test ride different bike frames to see what feels best.
SIZE GUIDELINES FOR ROAD BIKE FRAMES
 Bicycle Frames Table |
conversion:
1 inch = 2,54 cm
1 centimeter = .394 inch
Remember to apply these measurements with some leeway to take into account the factors cited above and your unique body form.If you are shorter or taller than the heights in this chart, you will have special considerations of frame size, so talk to a specialist.
Finally, check out the beauty of the frame.The paint job is perhaps the last thing you should take into consideration, but definitely the first thing you, and everyone else, is going to notice.Enjoy!!
Keep reading about Bike Frame Sizes, Geometry, Angles and All That!
34 Responses to “Road Bike Frames, Size, Symmetry And Frame Materials”
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im 6′3 and im looking from a rigth road bike frame for me.. im from cagayan de oro, philippines and i cnt find any bikeshop here that sells 59cm and above road bike frames.
though phrasing things harshly, yeah dudes, read the chart. That will give a starting point and then from there you need to go down to a bike shop and try things out–everyone’s legs are different lengths (even if you’re the same height as someone else) so there are no hardfast rules. bikes can also be adjusted seat/handlebar level, so just try stuff out and see what can work.
@ 5′8″ with 32″ inseam, table says 22″/55cm frame is right.So, if only 20″ or 23″ available, better to go bigger or smaller?A 23″ frame + 9″ for crank/to-ground means seat will have to be at very bottom, and when stopping, crotch w
Hello, I am looking for a frame that is closest to 51.5 cm with a 54.7 cm top tube? Can you recommend any off the peck makes that are close to these dimensions please? Thanks
im a little confuse im 5.9 and i saw a nice bike on craig list it doesn’t say the measurements. i emailed the guy he didn’t answer yet however the frame size saying it is small you think . i can buyi it or no it is too small for my size . what they mean by small what measurement is small anyway thank u
im planning to buy my bfirst road bike and i want to know what size bike i need to buy im 5′4″
anyone got the same problem i am looking for a new frame but i am finding that all the frames out there have too long top tubes an example is i currently ride a size 56 madone but feel that the 56 top tube is too long and the frame is on the limit of being too small ie if i went to a 58 i would not need to stack the stem up but the top tube would be miles to long, just go to my images on google and view riders pictures of 5k cervelos and look how many of them have there seats rammed forward in a testing position looks terrible i even know guys that have had to use straight stlye mountain bike seat pins with no lay back on there treks anyone got an idea of a good bike with a 55 ctoc top tube
Some bikes are described as standover height. When you stand with the bike frame below your crotch, how much clearance should there be for a road bike? Thank you.
I have a citizen folding bike and would like to change the handle bar to a Townie handle bar style, is that possible; I am 58 yrs and my riding style is cruising in comfort while site seeing; if this is possible where can I find one as I can retrofit it myself;ThanksCarl
Hi, the measurements for the bike I might buy are 30″ frame w/ 22″ tires. I’m 5.7″ . Good or bad fit?
Hi there, i did not find the answer i was looking for, im sure you get this all the time, I’m 5′11 , what size bike would you reccommend?
are these people mentally retarded? can you read? there is a chart right there that tells you what size for what height. measure your inseam and find out for yourself!!!
HAS ANYONE BOUGHT ONE OF THESE CARBON BIKE FRAMES SELLING ON EBAY FROM A MANUFACTURE IN ASIA. THEY SELL FOR ABOUT 300 DOLLARS AND LOOK GREAT IN THE PICTURES.I WOULD LIKE SOME FEEDBACK FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS USED ONE IN A BUILD. THANK YOU JIM
I am five foot one inch tall and I just purchase a Trek Navigator.It is 13.5 ” bike, I do not know what that means but I need to know what size bike is best for me. How do I measure?I also take spin classes, that feels different than my new bike is that suppose to be a different fit?thank you,mg
I’m 6′4″ and I ride a 63cm bike frame (frames over 62cm can be hard to find). Saw some tall guys posted asking about fit, so I thought I would contribute. You should definitely get fitted at a bike shop though, even if you are planning on buying used. Just go in to a shop, ask to ride a few bikes, have them size you up, ask what size frame would fit you best, write down the measurement, and then go surf craigslist for an appropriately sized bike. That’s my two sense.
I am 5′10” but have short legs in proportion to my torso. In seam measurement would suggest a 50 cm frame but would my height effect my general feeling on the bike (being a small size bike)?
recently i went to look at a bike for sale that was listed as “26 inch”. i found a bike that probably was meant for someone who is 5′8″. i am 6′3. my belief has been that the higher the numeric frame size the taller the bike. not so? what size should i be looking for? thanks for your time.
26 inches probably means wheel-size
I am 6′5 and looking for a road bike I was looking at the chart and I see it stops at 59cm frame for 6foot. Does that mean 59cm is for 6 feet and over?
Frame size is a measurement to the top tube.You will need a 58cm or 60cm bike and adjust the saddle accordingly. I’m 5,11 and ride a 56cm with the saddle up. Hope this helps.
I am 5 feet 1 inch and looking to buy a new bike. I was looking at a 28″ Schwinn Trailway hybrid but if I remember correctly, I think my old bike was 26″. Do you think this bike will be too tall for me?
I am starting in road bikes. I am 5 10. Which size bike do I need
my son is 5′ 1″. I would like to buy him a 49cm which it states is for 5′ 3″. He is 13 and not yet through growing,and I want some growing room. What do you think?
Hi, I’m 6′3″ and I am looking at two used bikes, one is the frame is 58cm and the other is 27in. Both in my estimation are out of my size range, is that an accurate estimation? Or can anyone over 6′ ride anything 59cm’s or more?
ive never bought a road bike before and i am going to within the next few days…some of the sites i go too just list the frame size(22inches) is this enough information for me to buy the bike because according to the size chart i think its a go?
Hi, so I am 5′11” and I am curious what size of bike do I need for my frame size? Please help me out. Thanks.
Hi I am a little confused about bike sizes, because I got a 24” bike before, and it fit me fine (I am 5′3”) so I am not really sure what the 24” was measuring. Here it says I should get a 49 cm frame size bike, so I am a little confused. I was just wondering if you could clarify what the standard 24” and 26” stand for?
Hi I just ordered the 49cm frame size because my old bike (an SE) was a 48cm I believe. I am 5′6”. Is this right, and if I screwed up, can I change my order?
When Companies Advertise a bike being a 24″ or 26″ bike, they are commenly talking about the wheel sizes. Mountainbike frame sizes commonly come in 15″,17″ and 19″ sizes,( And and incriments in between and slightly above) best way to Fit yourself on a bike is to go to a shop and Sit on one. Bikes all have different geometry, even if measurements are similar.
Hi,i am 6,2 what height road bike can i use? thanks
hia im 5′5 in height i was wonderin if you could tell me which size id most likely need either a 16 or 18 inch? thanks
Hi I’m 5′3 and looking to get a road bike. I need major help! What’s my size? I want to be able to stand over my bike and not hurt my crotch.
Hi! I’m 5′2′ female at the young age of 54. I’m looking for a bike that I can ride on a (smooth surface) sidewalk or a rough dirt trail. I need something lightweight in order to pick it up when I need to. What would be a good bike to look at?
Hi Sarah.
A Hybrid (not Hybird!) bike is a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. The wheels are the size of a road bike, but will usually be fitted with off-road tires. The handle bars will be straight and flat like a mountain bike with the gears on the brake levers and have a large spread of lower gears than a road bike. It may or may not have suspension forks.
Hybrid bikes are perfect for on road and rough tracks and paths, but not for full off-road mountain courses. Most good bike shops should sell or be able to get hold of a Hybrid bike for you as all the top bike manufacturers make Hybrid bikes.
For your inseam I would suggest you go for the smaller sized frame, if you are considering a bike with a cross bar (man’s style) one with stand over height of less than your 29 inches, probably around a 15 inch frame. If you want a woman’s style frame then the step over isn’t as important.
Good luck Sarah, see if you can get a test ride before you buy.