How To Measure Hybrid Bike Size: Step By Step Guide

Knowing the attributes of a hybrid bike is very essential especially when you are hiring, buying, or even analyzing them. One of these influential attributes is the size of the bike.

Hybrid bikes come in various sizes. As a result, knowing the size of a Hybrid bike is a very fundamental consideration. It isn't a good idea to have a bike and you know nothing about the size. 

There are many benefits that you will get if you know the size of a hybrid bike. Key reasons as to why you need to know the size include the following:

How To Measure Hybrid Bike Size
  • The size gives a rough estimate of the cost of the bike
  • One is able to know the bike's capacity
  • It helps to know the cyclist height range
  • Necessary to determine the speed and distance a hybrid bike can cover
  • It aids in recognizing the age choice

The following are the things you should know and have when measuring the size of a hybrid bike:

  • A Hybrid Bike-Of course, the first thing that you need to have is a hybrid bike. If you want one, you can visit the dealer's shop and measure from there. You can also ask from a friend if you do not have one.
  • The brand of the Hybrid Bike-You will need to know the brand of the hybrid bike. This is because different bikes have different ways of measuring them depending on the brand. Different manufacturing techniques are implemented when making a hybrid bike so taking the measurements might not be similar to all brands. To know the brand, you can request details from the dealer. 
  • A Tape Measure-You need a tape measure to take the different measurements. The tape measure should be at least 3 meters long so as to accommodate all the measurements within the range. This tape measure should help you read the measurement in inches, meters, and centimeters. You can easily get one from friends or local shops.
  • A Meter Rule-A meter rule is essential because it will help you to take the measurements like that of the seat tube. Even though you can use a tape measure, but for accuracy purposes, use a meter rule. The meter rule is more accurate and it doesn’t give room for errors. This is because a meter rule does not bend. It is not flexible.

Terms To Note:

  • Top Tube: The top tube is the tube which runs from the edge below the seat of the bike.
  • Stand over Height: This is determined by the measurement of the inside part of the leg. It is the difference between the top tube and the crotch below the saddle.
  • The reach: The reach is determined by the upper part of your body. To get it, you need to determine the Apex Index (Arm span minus Height).
  • Seat Tube: This is the tube that runs from the edge below the seat down all the way to the pedal.
  • Frame Size: The frame comprises of all the tubes that make up the middle part of the bike.

Measuring The Size Of A Hybrid Bike:

1. Now Measure Your Height:

To measure the size of a hybrid bike, you will need to know your height. For this read out  what size of bike do I need for my height.  Take the ruler and measure your height or you can ask someone to help you. Ensure you stand straight. You can stand beside a wall for more accurate measurement. Record this measurement as it will be used later. This height is important because it gives us the perpendicular distance from the top tube.

Make sure you take the measurements in centimeters and inches depending on your preference. Fill these readings on the table I have given below:

Related Read: Disc Brakes Vs Rim Brakes On Hybrid Bike

2. Measure The Top Tube Distance:

You will then use the tape measure/meter rule to measure the top tube part. For accuracy record, take both readings using the meter rule then using the tape measure. Take the measurements in centimeters and inches then do this calculation:

     Top tube Distance= (Meter Rule reading + Tape Measure reading) of top tube / 2

Fill these readings on the table below:

3. Measure The Seat Tube Distance:

You will then use the tape measure to measure the seat tube part. Do the same with the meter rule. As you will realize you will need to be more accurate. For accuracy, record both readings the Meter rule then using the Tape measure. Take the measurements in Centimeters and Inches this is because of difference in preference. Then do this calculation:

Seat tube Distance= (Meter Rule reading + Tape Measure reading) of seat tube / 2

Fill these readings on the table below:

4. Stand Over Height:

Measure your leg size using a tape measure then record the measurement. This is what is referred to as the Standover height. Record all this reading and take note of them. Take the measurements in Centimeters and Inches.

Fill these readings on the table below:

5. The Reach Height:

Measure the inside part of your leg. This is what we refer to as the reach height. To make this process successful, you will need someone to help you. Record all the reading. Make sure you take the measurements in centimeters and inches.

Fill these readings on the table below:

The Measurements

Readings

Your Height

___cm / ___Inches

The Top tube distance

___cm / ___Inches

The Seat tube distance

___cm / ___Inches

Stand Over height

___cm / ___Inches

The reach height

___cm / ___Inches

The now find the square root of the sum of the squares of both the top tube distance and the seat tube distance.

The size of the Bike =√(Top Tube Distance2 + Seat tube distance2 )=The distance from the peddle to the ground

This formula above will give you the size of the hybrid bike. The height, stand over height and the reach height are used to choose a hybrid bike after you have found the hybrids size. Then define if a hybrid is considered small, medium or large.

References: Rutland Cycling, Evans Cycles

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