How to pick a road bike size that will fit your riding the best For example, What size road bike is appropriate for someone who is 5’8? This advice should assist you in making the best decision. If you’re 5′ 8”, you’re within a common height range and finding your ideal frame size can make the difference between an enjoyable and injury-free cycle. In this guide, we will outline everything you need to know when it comes to choosing the perfect road bike size for your height, from frame measurements to customization tips.
Why Bike Size Matters?
Road bike size influences not only comfort, but performance as well. A bicycle that doesn’t fit you well can lead to issues such as back pain, knee strain or poor handling. Moreover, riding on a bike that fits you well, ensures optimum power transfer and helps you stay fresh during longer rides. Knowing what size road bike fits a 5’8” rider is a great place to start when buying a bike to help you make an informed purchase.
Road Bike Size Chart: “What Size Road Bike for 5’8?”
According to the length of the seat tube, measured from the bottom bracket to the top, the majority of road bikes are measured in cm. A 5’8″ (173 cm) recommended frame size is typically between 54 cm and 56 cm. However, specific body proportions, like leg and torso length, may affect the precise fit.
Here’s a quick reference chart for finding road bike sizing based on height:
Height Range |
Recommended Frame Size |
| 5’5″ to 5’7″ | 52 cm to 54 cm |
| 5’8″ to 5’10” | 54 cm to 56 cm |
| 5’11” to 6’1″ | 56 cm to 58 cm |
The sweet spot for a 5’8″ rider is typically 54 cm, yet depending on their inseam and riding style, some riders may feel more at ease on a 56 cm bike.
How to Measure Your Inseam?
A good start to narrowing down your bike size choices is measuring your inseam. Here’s how:
- Prepare: For precision, put on cycling shorts or thin pants.
- Stand straight: Stand against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart.
- Use a book: Put a book or flat object in between your legs to mimic the position of a bike saddle.
- Measure: Measure the distance from the floor to top edge of book This is your inseam length.
To arrive at your ideal size road bike frame, multiply your inseam (in centimeters) by 0.67. So if your inseam was 81 cm you would multiply 81 by 0.67 roughly coming up with a rough frame size of 54 cm (81 x 0.67 = 54.27).
Everything You Should Know About Bicycle Size
Other considerations may also influence the appropriate road bike size for you if you’re 5’8″:
Body Proportions
- Long Legs, Short Torso: Choose a smaller frame so as not to overreach the handlebars.
- Short Legs, Long Torso: A taller frame might offer better comfort and reach.
Bike Geometry
There are two main geometries for road bikes:
- Race geometry: Aggressive position for super racer-types.
- Endurance Geometry: A bit more relaxed for long-distance comfort.
If you’re a race rider, you might opt for being on the smaller end of the size range, while endurance riders likely sit slightly larger.
Adjustable Components
- Seatpost: Adjust the seatpost to get proper leg extension.
- Handlebar Stem: Go for a stem length that doesn’t allow overreaching or crowding.
- Saddle Position: For maximum pedaling efficiency, move forward or backward.
How to Test the Fit
It’s always best to test ride various models before settling on a frame size. Here’s what to look for:
- Stand-Over Height: When standing over your top tube there should be approx. You should have 1-2 inches of space between you and the bike.
- Knee Position: At 3 and 9 o’clock position of your pedals, your front knee should be in vertical line with the pedal axle.
- Reach and Comfort: You should have a slight bend in your arms as you hold the handlebars, and you shouldn’t feel cramped or stretched out.
Common Adjustments for a Better Fit
If the suggested size doesn’t seem to fit just right, there are small tweaks you can make that can help with comfort and performance:
Adjusting Saddle Height:
- At the degree of saddle height, there ought to be a mild bend inside your knee in the bottom of the pedal stroke.
Handlebar Height and Angle:
- Stem height can be personalized to your riding posture. If the handlebars are lower, one can be more aerodynamically positioned; if the handlebars are higher, more comfortable.
Changing Stem Length:
- A shorter or longer stem can be used to adjust the bicycles reach.
Importance of Professional Bike Fit
A small difference for a 5’8” rider, but something that can really pay off with professional bike fitting. A bike fit specialist takes into account things like:
- Flexibility
- Riding goals
- Strength and fitness level
- Previous injuries
They’ll tweak things like the saddle, handlebars, and cleats to align with the unique biomechanics of your body.
Final Words: What Size Road Bike for 5’8?
The normal road bike size for a 5’8″ person is between 54 and 56 cm, however most would choose the 54 cm size. To actually find the best fit for you, however, inseam measurement, riding style, and bike geometry have to be taken into consideration. If you’re not sure, spend some time test riding different sizes or having a professional bike fitter evaluate you. Get the right size bike and it will not only prevent any discomfort but enhance your performance too so you can enjoy every ride. So, if you have been asking yourself, “What size road bike for 5’8? this guide has you covered.