Post by ianmoss on Apr 28, 2014 14:02:05 GMT
Whether you are an experienced rider or new to road cycling and road bikes, one of the major considerations is getting the right sized bike.
Here is our guide to help you choose what's right for you.
About you.
The 3 main measurements required are your height, inside leg and reach (commonly known as 'ape index') measurements.
The best way to measure your inside leg is to stand with your back against a wall and place a book between your thighs as high as it will go, then measure from the floor to the top edge of the book.
Ape index is a measurement of your arm span relative to your height. To measure this use a wall / solid object to reach up from the floor.
These measurements will indicate to you weather you have, long legs or a long torso. if your arm span is greater than your height that is a positive Ape index, shorter is negative.
The B'TWIN Chart below will indicate which frame is the closest match for your height (bikes are sized for average sized people). If your height is around the middle of 2 bike sizes, and you consider yourself to have relatively short inside leg measurement (29in / 73cm) then maybe the smaller size would suit you better. If you have a positive ape index then larger size may suit you better.
The Triban section in the chart will correspond with the new B'TWIN 'T' series of bikes released this year (2014)
About the bike.
B'TWIN bikes come in different sizes, measured in centimetres, 54, 57, 60 etc which will be clearly marked on the frame. This is the length of the seat tube, from the bottom bracket (the area at the bottom of the frame where the pedal crank goes through)
This measurement is to a point if you imaged to the top tube of the frame to be level as illustrated below. (if you have bought a bike online and you measured the frame seat tube and came up short, that's why.
Riding position.
When you sit on a bike you have 3 points of contact. The Saddle handlebars and pedals. Achieving a good riding position with these steps will give you a good idea if the bike is the right size generally. This applies when setting up a bike delivered from Decathlon and you are setting it up straight out of the box or when trying bikes in store where the friendly staff will adjust things for you and advise you further.
Saddle height, feet on the pedals
Placing the ball of your foot on the pedal, rotate the pedals so the crank arm is pointing down (6 o'clock) the correct saddle height should be where you have a slight bend in your knee.
If you are able to put your feet on the floor while you are sat on the saddle then you are too low.
Reaching the handlebars
After adjusting the saddle to the correct height, you should be able to comfortably reach the handle bars without feeling like you are reaching out too much. with your arms on the brake lever tops (known as the hoods position) your arms should feel relaxed with a slight bend at the elbow and your wrists in line with your arms without too much bend.
How does it feel?
If this is your first time on a road bike it can feel a little different to other bikes you may have ridden. If you have a test ride and you feel comfortable, then you should be on the suitable sized bike.
You can fine tune your exact position further by adjusting the saddle up or down, fore / aft and rotating the handlebars up or down.
Please note.
We are all shapes and sizes, tall, short, long arms with short legs, long legs with a short body and ever combination in between. The information given here is a guide. The final decision to purchase is your own. It is advised that you visit your nearest Decathlon Store and try out the bikes with the members of staff who will spend the time to get you on the bike comfortably, do ask for adjustments to be made if you wish. With the information given above in mind, you should be able to choose the bike that is best for you.
Here is our guide to help you choose what's right for you.
About you.
The 3 main measurements required are your height, inside leg and reach (commonly known as 'ape index') measurements.
The best way to measure your inside leg is to stand with your back against a wall and place a book between your thighs as high as it will go, then measure from the floor to the top edge of the book.
Ape index is a measurement of your arm span relative to your height. To measure this use a wall / solid object to reach up from the floor.
These measurements will indicate to you weather you have, long legs or a long torso. if your arm span is greater than your height that is a positive Ape index, shorter is negative.
The B'TWIN Chart below will indicate which frame is the closest match for your height (bikes are sized for average sized people). If your height is around the middle of 2 bike sizes, and you consider yourself to have relatively short inside leg measurement (29in / 73cm) then maybe the smaller size would suit you better. If you have a positive ape index then larger size may suit you better.
The Triban section in the chart will correspond with the new B'TWIN 'T' series of bikes released this year (2014)
About the bike.
B'TWIN bikes come in different sizes, measured in centimetres, 54, 57, 60 etc which will be clearly marked on the frame. This is the length of the seat tube, from the bottom bracket (the area at the bottom of the frame where the pedal crank goes through)
This measurement is to a point if you imaged to the top tube of the frame to be level as illustrated below. (if you have bought a bike online and you measured the frame seat tube and came up short, that's why.
Riding position.
When you sit on a bike you have 3 points of contact. The Saddle handlebars and pedals. Achieving a good riding position with these steps will give you a good idea if the bike is the right size generally. This applies when setting up a bike delivered from Decathlon and you are setting it up straight out of the box or when trying bikes in store where the friendly staff will adjust things for you and advise you further.
Saddle height, feet on the pedals
Placing the ball of your foot on the pedal, rotate the pedals so the crank arm is pointing down (6 o'clock) the correct saddle height should be where you have a slight bend in your knee.
If you are able to put your feet on the floor while you are sat on the saddle then you are too low.
Reaching the handlebars
After adjusting the saddle to the correct height, you should be able to comfortably reach the handle bars without feeling like you are reaching out too much. with your arms on the brake lever tops (known as the hoods position) your arms should feel relaxed with a slight bend at the elbow and your wrists in line with your arms without too much bend.
How does it feel?
If this is your first time on a road bike it can feel a little different to other bikes you may have ridden. If you have a test ride and you feel comfortable, then you should be on the suitable sized bike.
You can fine tune your exact position further by adjusting the saddle up or down, fore / aft and rotating the handlebars up or down.
Please note.
We are all shapes and sizes, tall, short, long arms with short legs, long legs with a short body and ever combination in between. The information given here is a guide. The final decision to purchase is your own. It is advised that you visit your nearest Decathlon Store and try out the bikes with the members of staff who will spend the time to get you on the bike comfortably, do ask for adjustments to be made if you wish. With the information given above in mind, you should be able to choose the bike that is best for you.