Body Dimensions (and how to measure them)

To establish the size of bike that you need you must first establish the size of your body. Do this with your cycling kit on (cycling shorts) but no shoes. Take each measurement at least two times (and move around between each time). You need a straight edge, a tape measure, a stool, a clear piece of wall, a large book and a helper (you can't measure yourself). The stool must be such that you can sit on it with your back pressed to the wall, your thighs parallel to the ground and your lower legs parallel to the wall (i.e. with 90 degree bends at the knee and hip)

Inside leg

Measure this standing up against the wall with your feet shoulder width apart. Slide the book as far up between your legs as it will go (!) and measure the distance to the floor

Thigh & Lower Leg

In the sitting position measure from a straight edge across the front of your knees to the wall (parallel to the floor). Then measure from a straight edge across the top of your knees to the floor (parallel to the wall).

Torso

Measure your torso from the seat to the top of your shoulder (parallel to the wall)

Arm & Lower arm

Measured your arm to the middle of your closed fist (as though gripping the handlebars). For the whole arm use the sitting position again and hold the arm straight out infront. Measure from your fist to the wall (keep your shoulder pressed against the wall). For the forearm bend your arm to 90 degrees at the elbow, press the elbow against the wall, and measure from wall to fist again.

That’s it. Total height is unimportant.