OFF THE BEATEN PATH
I have been a cyclist all my life. Even the lure of law and elections failed to diminish my enthusiasm so much so that I would make it a point to drop by the bike shop at least twice a week after work. I have long attempted to justify my passion for the sport, but to this day, I still can’t quite put my finger into the singular why. Why not, I say. Perhaps it is the adrenalin rush, or the clarity of mind that it brings after a long and relaxing ride, but what fuels me most is the joy of building, restoring or simply looking at a well-built bike.
I do get a lot of questions on types, maintenance, ride but there is one particular topic that interests a number of my readers. Size. Does size matter? Of course, it does.
Let me start by saying that the simple art of riding a bicycle has turned into a well, complicated chore when one considers the number of bikes that you can choose from. There’s the tribike, road bike, gravel bike, cyclocross, mountain bike (rigid, hardtail, full suspension), touring bike, fixie, BMX, folding bike/track bike, recumbent bike, cruiser. Hybrid bike, E-bike, utility bike (commonly viewed as the Japanese surplus bikes, with a basket in front).
No matter what you choose, for whatever purpose that it may serve, you must remember that one size doesn’t fit all. Allow me to share below the guide I found on several websites. It’s practically similar to most fit guides you’ll find.
Rider Height Frame Size Stand-over Height
4’10” – 5’3” XS (13-15) 26.6” / 67.7cm
5’2” – 5’6” S (16-17) 28” / 71.5cm
5’5” – 5’9” M (17-18) 30” / 76.4cm
5’10” – 6’2” L (19-21) 31” / 78.7cm
6’1” – 6’7” XL (21+) 32” / 81.3cm
Please take note that there may be some variances, so when you decide to buy a bike, or borrow from your cycling buddy, it is best to ask a bicycle mechanic or a bicycle fitter (there’s usually one in every bicycle shop) to help you. A good rule of thumb is when you stand over the top tube of the bicycle (the horizontal tube running from the front of the bicycle, to the saddle), there should be about an inch of clearance from your crotch, to the top tube.
Having a right-sized frame is key to enjoying the cycling experience. You can adjust the fit by changing or adjusting some parts, like changing the length and rise of the stem; adjusting the height of the saddle, etc.
Non enthusiasts may find the distinction too tedious but if you want an ache-free ride, ask the in-house experts to recommend the bike that perfectly fits your body type. What’s important is you’re comfortable when you ride your bicycle. You’re not too extended, not too stretched out. It’ll make a huge difference in enjoying your cycling experience.
I often tell myself that my bones may be getting old(er) but my passion for cycling remains. Like what I tell my wife, I may have retired from the Comelec, but from biking? Not in a gazillion years.
Off The Beat: Sharing a medley of Olivia Newton-John hit songs: 1. A Little More Love, 2. If, 3. Magic, 4. Physical, 5. Xanadu
Click on the link below to listen: https://www.mixcloud.com/goyolarrazabal/tuesday-tunes-with-goyo-larrazabal-230428/