finding the right sized bike?

G'day, just curious to know if there is a general rule of thumb for choosing
a bike size, as in when you sit on the seat, are your feet suppose to be
able to touch the ground? ta.

steve m wrote:

G'day, just curious to know if there is a general rule of thumb for choosing
a bike size, as in when you sit on the seat, are your feet suppose to be
able to touch the ground? ta.


Greetings,
No, the correct positioning for a bike is well known. With your
feet flat on the ground, the cross-bar should be just below your
nether regions on a standard framed bike. In the saddle, with one
foot at the bottom centre position, your knee should be slightly
bent forward. Knee straight or bent too far forward and you will
be in trouble before long. If you can stand on the ground from the
saddle, it's too low. Try a couple of different frames at your LBS
and fiddle with the saddle quick release and see how you go.
Regards,
Ray.

steve m wrote:

G'day, just curious to know if there is a general rule of thumb for choosing
a bike size, as in when you sit on the seat, are your feet suppose to be
able to touch the ground? ta.

If you normally walk like a duck, then yes, but for most people no as it
saves a lot of damage to the knees and makes riding easier.
..
Basically, sit on the bicycle near a wall or pole or have someone assist
to hold bicycle and you upright. Put ball of foot [1] on pedal and back
pedal till it is at bottom of movement. Your foot should be level and
your leg straight.

Second test is to be able to straddle top bar (sit on it not seat), and
be able to have both feet on the ground. This is because you stand on
one pedal and lower your other foot to the ground when you stop. Hint,
practise on kerbs first.

Thereafter it tends to get religious depending on the style of bicycle
riding you intend to do. There are books that are worth the money, or
you can trust your LBS[2].


[1] the padding behind toes but in front of arch of foot.
[2] if you have a choice, the method of choosing a LBS, is to leave
wallet at home and go around to all and ask the same dumb question, then
compare answers. What you are looking for is an honest answer from
someone who is looking to keep you as a customer. I found mine when he
said "I don't know much about touring except frames are different". That
was a few decades ago and his little poky shop is now a four shop
chain.