STEPS for sizing your next bike

Follow these steps to find your perfect bike size

1) Reference the size guide:  All bike companies have a size guide for their bikes. These guides are a great place to start when determining which size of bike to purchase. The size chart will show the range of heights the company recommends for each size of their bikes. The size chart is a great place to start when sizing a bike, but it shouldn't be your only stop.

2) Look at the reach number:  The reach number is arguably the most important measurement to look at when sizing a bike. The reach number is a standardized measurement across all bicycles. When comparing the size of one bike to the size of another bike from another brand, one should always consult the reach number. It will offer the most accurate comparison between the two bikes. Once you have ridden several bikes, you will learn which reach number works best for you and your riding style.

3) Look at the stack number:  Just like reach, the stack measurement is also standardized across all bikes. It's really only important to look at the stack number if you have a point of reference. If you would like a higher or lower front end than a bike you previously had, then use the stack number of both bikes to figure out which one is taller. It's also important to remember the "effective" stack of a bike can be greatly changed with the rise of the stem and/or handlebars.

Generic Sizing Guide

As mentioned above, the best place to start your sizing journey is with a size chart from the bike brand you intend on purchasing. The size chart below is a generic size chart based on certain measurements from a geometry chart. This size chart does not contain the standard nomenclature of small, medium, and large because each bike brand has a different definition of what a "large" is. Again, analyzing the geometry chart of a bike is the best way to understand the size of it. Additionally, every rider has a personal preference of what their "ideal" frame size is.