HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE BIKE FRAME | BIKE FIT TIPS!

Thanks again to Phil - he knows his stuff.
His channel is here: / @philburtinnovation
// Bikes: www.ribblecycles.co.uk
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[@mikebradford2651]

Another useful video Katie, thank you!

[@TheTOUGElife]

The video i needed to see before i bought my bike now i found it after realising my frame is too big for my long legs and shorter reach. New frame en route. Very helpful

[@felixjackson2670]

Katie,I live in Donegal,West Coast of Ireland. Do custom builds,bike-fit,servicing etc from workshop at home...the most important and often misunderstood part of fitting someone to a bike is Handlebars...SO often folk rock up on a new bike...bars too high,seat too low,brake levers too far away😬. So ,So many times the magic comes with COMPACT BARS. I do cleats,then seat then bar position. Bars that allow to ride on the drops without being too high on the tops,then levers set high on the bar with almost no reach-stretch. So riding on the tops and going onto levers is NOT stretching any more but simply a different hand position. Then go to the drops. Also on lever hoods bend the arms to get more aero. Obviously some guys want levers further away but for you a compact bar would work. Good luck

[@andrew5220]

Ooooh looking forward to bike build video. I love messing around with Ribble’s bike builder

[@barriepountney3598]

That was very interesting I have had a bike fit in the summer and it was well worth the money ,looking forward to the bike build video .

[@kennedystuart23]

Very cool video....I can't wait to see the new build....keep up the great work....cheers from across the pond here in Canada...👍🇨🇦

[@davehoover8853]

A good bike fit makes all the difference and glad you had a great experience with your new bike purchase. Look forward to the build. Be happy you have long legs!

[@garybird8646]

As a bike fitter myself I gravitate towards a bike with a longer head tube to get around the issue you have with longer legs and shorter torso. Some bikes just don't work for some folk and that's the benefit with trying them out before buying and having an experienced person help you. Looking at the vid as you were pedalling you bounce quite a bit as you close the hip angle at the top of the pedal stroke, your body isn't coping very well with the saddle to bar drop. (unless you have pelvic asymmetry or a leg length discrepancy).

[@Digiphex]

I am in between as well. It made sense what he said that to go smaller you need to raise the seat to get leg extension, and the smaller bike already has a lower stack so by going smaller you are high on the seat and low on the bars like a racing position. Not good for gravel!

[@HarishChouhan]

wow wish I was living near that store. I learned how to ride a bicycle last year and then got a cheap MTB which was just too short but comfortable. Now I got a gravel bike since there is no bike fitting here in Vietnam, trying stuff myself.

[@g4rymw110]

I’m 5ft 8” with 30” inseam Ribble has me on M based on height but geometry for reach is 390 and top tube 550 , the S geometry seems more suitable, luckily I’m not far so after lockdown number 2 I can go in and try the adjustable bike jig they have to the required geometry also hopefully try the s and m in store too , going for the fixed aero level 5 bars so have to get it right as there is no room for stem length adjustment with them

[@darrellcarter1163]

Hello Katie u r right with all the time and miles u spend on the bike it should fit u right great vlog Katie 🏅🏆😎 x

[@kidkarbon4775]

I'm short legged so like 165mm cranks and long body with a lot of flexibility. I always end up with 120 - 130mm stems depending upon the bar reach. I run 36cm bars. I now purchase custom framesets as production frames are just too compromised

[@timproseus7633]

Thanks for the video Katie. Also I would enjoy more on the meal prep theme ; I love simple fresh vegan food ! Cheers

[@Tapper1969]

I’m looking at Ribble this year and when their outlet stores open again I’ll be checking them out for real. They look great and I’ve read so many good reviews including yours. Also they are a UK supplier and I love their website. Many other common brands lack the same level of information to potential buyers and currently manufacturers like Canyon and Giant have a 7 month lead time (I have both of those brands already). I also have the same problem of short reach and my stem is about 60mm. The day I shortened my stem was the day I discovered full control over the handling of my bike. I’m male and 5ft 8 (just) so I’ll be looking to compare the S and M for the Endurance SL Great video thank you.

[@KatieKookaburra]

I think if you’re 5’ 8” I would perhaps go for small. But if you get on the chat the guys there will help size you up :) they got my size spot on!

[@Sinakl444]

Good video on sizing thanks

[@czarinajeananonuevo9075]

Excited for the future vids about the bike build!! planning to get a new bike as well next year :)

[@KatieKookaburra]

Oooh what are you going for?

[@czarinajeananonuevo9075]

@@KatieKookaburra Liv Avail or Canyon :)

[@grantmcalpine6364]

I just went through this and he's so right. It came down to feel. I was between a 48cm and 51cm Cervelo Caledonia. The 51 on paper was good but the 48 just felt right. I have long legs and short arms. I'm 5'6" (168cm). I'm so happy that those 2 frames were in stock and I could try both. I kept going back to the 48 and am so happy. I might lengthen the stem from the 80mm to a 90 or 100, but so far, so good. Thanks for this video.

[@alisunjaya]

What's your inseam and handlebar width?

[@grantmcalpine6364]

@@alisunjaya I have a 78cm to 79cm inseam and ride with 38cm bars but I could probable use 36cm bars too.

[@roderickdomingo733]

I’m very new to cycling, I’m also 186cm tall and I’ve got an 80cm inseam length so according to the little research I’ve done I need a large frame (58cm). Will an medium frame (54cm) work for me?

[@iMadrid11]

Another great option that isn’t available to everyone. Is to visit a ‘custom frame builder’ for an perfect bike fit. The frame builder will take your exact body measurements. Then build you a custom bike frame set to fit you perfectly. One disadvantage though depending where you live. A custom bike frame from a frame builder can get really expensive. Your choices of frame materials could be limited to what the frame builder could source locally. Usually steel or chromemoly. Here in the Philippines we are lucky to have a legendary custom frame builder ‘Ave Maldea’ who builds custom built steel or chromemoly bike frames inexpensively. If you want to use other materials like titanium or stainless steel. He’ll build you one as long as you provide the materials.

[@notendopodcast]

I am a half/half which is extremely hard to bike fit for. If it weren't for brooks cambium c19 I doubt I could ride for as many miles as I do. Now I just need my ankle to heal and I will be able to get out there again.

[@markrushton1516]

never realised how much the s-post flexes (3:00) at the top. It's meant to but obviously if it was rigid it would be uncomfortable. love those sensors/big screen tech.

[@ColonelBummleigh]

Haha,I'm always fkn about with setups. Going to have arms like King Louie eventually.

[@Francesco_M.]

T-rex reach gets me every time 😂 though it doesn't seem like it from afar; I'm also in between sizes all the time and go with the medium as well, I feel like given the right frame you can adjust variables starting from it whereas a smaller size is not going to be a fit no matter what. Hope to see the horses in action, especially the CGR 🚲 Take good care 😃

[@garryshirreffs9517]

Great vid,,,, thanks

[@mrexpatjohnny]

Great info, thanks! Admittedly this is odd that at your height you feel you are between... perhaps that is due to the shorter torso. At 5'7 I find that I am literally in between S and M on most brand size charts I've looked at, and if I was 5'10, it wouldn't be a question, I'd go medium. Looking forward to your ride impressions on the Ribble... they look like an awesome brand!

[@ronitdebnath]

You ll need an S in most circumstances. I agree with your predicament but it occurs acutally at 5'8 or 173. Most bike size charts are off by 1-1.5 inches or 2.5-4 cms.

[@PedroDVC]

@@ronitdebnath True! I'd go smaller any day

[@pattencycling]

Love your videos

[@briansrcadventures1316]

A good video. My current Audax bike (A cheap and cheeful 2014 Pinnacle Dolomite 2), I bought online at an end of season sale at Evans. I opted for an XL size, but in retrospect I probably should have went for a large. I've always felt that it was too long in the top tube. So I think my next audax bike, I'll buy from an actual shop where I can actually get sized properly.

[@KatieKookaburra]

How tall are you? You can adjust bars and saddle like I am doing.

[@markclements1509]

I'm currently on a large (56) Wilier but I rode a 54 Cannondale abroad and never had any issues with sizing. I am the same height as your good self but have arms like an orangutan 😁

[@barryford7135]

Personally, I would have gone for the small with narrow bars & have the stem a bit higher. I’m also an odd size, between a m/l & a l on a giant. I go for the m/l because I can get my stem lower that the large, but I use a 14cm stem for the reach.

[@bikenband]

Your proportions look just fine to me.

[@kidgiven]

I’m between bike sizes. A 54 and 56. And it’s causing me loads of stress because I plan to go what I consider expensive on a carbon bike here in a few months. I have been waiting for someone to explain this. But I have to be honest. I didn’t understand anything that dude said. Should I go for comfort? Or who is to say I’m in the wrong position and a different size and different reach would be better for me in the long run, but may not be comfortable right off that bat?

[@timip3658]

I've bought Phil's book after watching your videos with him, I want to ride for longer =)

[@nunyabiznez6381]

I've been riding 26" bicycles since 1973. That's all I've ever ridden. My most recent bike was a Schwinn sidewinder that is labeled as a 26" bike and fits me perfectly. But there are no adult bicycles available for sale anywhere in my county for some odd reason so I have to go on line to order one and have it shipped. I can't figure out which of the crazy new sizes is the same as I've been riding for 48 years. I've consulted multiple charts and websites and not two explain it the same way. So I decide to measure my tire with a tape measure and it turns out that despite the tire being labeled as 26" x 2.10" the actual tire diameter is closer to 23" and the width is closer to 2.25" Now I am 10 times more confused than I was before. I long for the good old days when all adult bikes were either 24" (small) 26" (medium) and 27" (large).

[@flrn6233]

Just change the stem for a SHORT one. All the bikes came with a huge long stem, and that push your arms way to the front. And they put huge wide handlebars, so that's gonna push your torso more to the front. So that's why you never find a correct size of bike. So I suggest you to change the stem of the bike a put a very short one, that is gonna put your arms back and the best thing is that you are gonna feel like you have a more nimble bike and easier to ride. On mountain bikes we always do this, to use a short stem, and get a handlebar according to your size. Those people love to "crucify everybody" with those wide handlebars.

[@OffshoreNath]

By shortening the stem you also alter the handling of the bike, steering will feel quicker almost twitchy if you start going too short. Road bike geometry is designed around a particular length of stem as standard for each size, for example most 54cm bikes come with a 100mm stem, if you are having to drop to a 70-80mm stem then that will certainly affect the handling (remember that different makes of bars have different amounts of reach also so adjustments can be made there too) . Ultimately a good bike fit is always a good choice (before you buy the bike).

[@Exgrmbl]

@@OffshoreNath i went to a 90 from 110 and i cant't really tell any profound difference. Maybe it is right at the threshold where effects could be felt.

[@steviemelv]

I have an Carbon 8.9 Boardman, I feel I have short legs so would a Ribble be the same if I were to upgrade to one, I don’t want to buy online and it not be the same and regret it

[@nemthefearless]

Are we going to see Robo-Katie in 2020 aka Electronic Shifting Kookaburra ? Deffo on my fantasy list, missed gear changes cost me victory when i get into traffic light drag races with other cyclists (and trackstand fails, but that's my fault)

[@Keepinitreal61]

Thanks lovely. Great help. Know I need to save my pennies. I'll be 85 for the bike I'm looking at 😂

[@brucedunston625]

Can't get the image of you with little bitty T Rex arms riding a bike out of my mind. Too funny.....

[@joaobrito1801]

Hello Katie! I´m just like you, a short torso and long legs. My inseam is 84 cm and I´m 5`9. I´m struggling with my new bike fit, I have a 54 coluer and I have neck pain, can you give me some suggestions?

[@sophiespal]

Body doppelganger. (mmm, bit of a stretch) I have long levers and a short torso. Fit is my nemesis. Forever swapping out bits here and there. :(

[@peterhartill3047]

Fair Play Katie 👍👍👍 Ultimate issue getting the right size bike so good blog Try before you buy guys Comfort is such a big deal on your bike can make or break a good ride out 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️ 😎😂😂😂😂

[@the.otis.burger617]

YIKES! Didn't realize that you were so tall!

[@gw4550]

Sweet choice. I look forward to seeing you out on the damn hills 😏👌🏽

[@KatieKookaburra]

I can't wait to get out on them!!

[@colinjava8447]

I got an XL R872 following a bike sizing in store. I'm 6'2" which also recommends XL on the website, but other 6'2" people have gone with size L instead.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Nah if it fits you all good. Some people have longer legs or longer torso which can affect which size frame you get.

[@ondoy25tv]

Hi sir could you help me the exact size of road bike and my height is 5'3" or 160cm. As of now in have the twiiter road bike 48cm size but the top tube size is 53cm is too long and it is aggressive very aero could please help me the exact size

[@felixjackson2670]

Forgot to say..often will sit person on bike when seat,bars,stem etc all good and leave levers loose enough so can move move back and forth on bars a little until comfortable,also re-assures person being fitted to get position tweaked. Then tape the bars.

[@rodieselpower]

man... his voice is so deep... holy cow!

[@hoser7706]

You look greatvon camera. Modelesque and stunning actually so no worries there. Lol. And you seem well firted to the bikes you ride on camera. It is so normal for riders to switch out parts for dialing in comfort. Especially now that sizing of mondo pricey frames is often 5-6 options compared to the old steel days of 1cm incriments. Add to it changes like larger hoods/shifters vs old brake levers, harder or wider saddles, narrow pedal spindles etc. A zillion things to alter butvwell worth it in the end.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you!!!!

[@DaveNarn]

60mm stem and 175 crank arms fixes it for me!

[@monkmchorning]

T-Rex for sure.

[@andrew5220]

When hands are on the hoods should arms be locked or have a slight bend?

[@davidpinnington213]

Slight bend = shock absorber + if you can drop the elbows parallel to tops hoods etc = instant aero

[@frankbonde8582]

You don't look normal, you look amazing 😁

[@stevepatterson2290]

nice video

[@andykinsella5195]

Who doesn’t love a new bin

[@Mr76K1976]

Im 5' 9" i ride a 52cm with a 90mm stem... fits perfectly....

[@Geeios1]

If you get fit on a bike and not a true adjustable fit bike the fit and you and the fitter are limited by the frame. A fit bike also helps determine the proper frame geometry for your physiology to work for you. {{Judging from the video}}, Moving the saddle forward is not the correct position at all. It moves your torso weight to the bars and you can't fully transfer weight to the pedals. The saddle is in the way. You don't get to use the saddle as an anchor either. He fit you sitting up, that limits your reach, obtained from your torso length. Why are you sitting up? This isn't a working position, its a toddling through the neighborhood position, just as the video shows. So, too much of your weight is on the saddle and bars it won't be comfortable or efficient. Measure the saddle height (it's too low in my opinion), move it back as far as safely possible then lower it to the measurement, bend at waist for a longer reach. Using your core to hold your torso up is how you transfer torso weight to the pedals and off the saddle and hands, bend your elbows, un-weight your hands feel the power/weight transfer to the pedals.(you'll have to add gears to hold the weight on the pedals) Try it, you have nothing to lose. We need to transfer/translate body physiology to your bike fit. Using retul to get numbers is ok, but it doesn't put you in the correct position to enable your physiology to do work. A quick example. Stand up, bend over 80-90°, lift one leg, what's holding your torso up? Your core, transfer that feeling to the bike. Apologies for the interference, but I can't help it, bike fit is my passion.

[@kindereggsurprise]

I have the same issue short legs but a long body and arms haha guess my pistons are ok lol Great informative video :] Have a great week :]

[@KatieKookaburra]

Haha yeah long legs short body here. Glad you enjoyed. Phil is so good at bike fit :)

[@guberization]

Is Ribble really 100% customizable before you get the bike?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeah if you pop on the website once you choose a bike there’s a ‘bike builder’ section and you choose cranks, bars, groupsets, wheels and if you want - custom colour. I absolutely love Ribble for that!!!

[@davidmcculloch961]

Your hands will tingle with arms locked n wrists up. No.? Great advise though.

[@FoHsi]

Store worker sounds like Mr Been 😁.

[@monkmchorning]

Sizing bikes to riders for years, l learned to classify the different builds--gorillas, tyrannosauruses, dachshunds, spider monkeys, and averages. All but averages have their own fit problems to be solved. You're T-Rex all the way. Most of your leg length is in the femurs, too.

[@Zeben84]

The truth is, if you have long legs and a short torso and you want a confortable bike, you are obligated to go on the endurance bike (high stack low reach). The race bikes are either gonna feel agressive or you'll have a lot of spacers.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeah I've never felt great on all out race bikes... but I've never wanted one as I don't race. Endurance are the way to go for me for sure.

[@monkmchorning]

Not necessarily , if your arms are long, too. True, some bikes will be too low in front, but generally longer arms enable a lower but somewhat shorter reach.

[@Ifyoudonttakeitucantfakeit]

Can anyone who has bought a Ribble during lockdown get checked? My XL is ok for my height but I seem to be reaching a lot which affects my neck.

[@KatieKookaburra]

I think Phil Burt is doing remote bike fits.

[@Robin_S78]

T-Rex arms to reach :D :D

[@fwvanoorschot6507]

Is this a large bike im over 6'

[@KatieKookaburra]

Is what a large bike?!

[@MatthewatRibble]

5’9 / 5’10 🤔

[@andrewclarke9817]

Your seat on both bikes is to high. You are not able to drop your heal on climbs. Level out the saddle and drop post at least 10 to 15 mil. You are having to point your toes down at the bottom of the stroke.

[@hogsmaws]

T-Rex arms... LOL

[@srpskihayk]

The problem with bike fits, as I see them, is that they do not take into account real-world riding. On a trainer, I feel great. In the real world, I suffer intense neck pain and fatigue. I do ride a bike that is a size too small. (I am 187cm and in Taiwan, bikes to fit that size do not really exist outside of the bespoke world, and here that costs the same as a small car.) Giant says an M/L will do, but an M is OK. And it is. When I am on a trainer, I can ride all day and not a problem. On the streets, after about 20 minutes, I can't hold my neck up. No one does bike fits here. At least none that I have found. None of the Giant or Merida shops will do it. So, just have to fiddle around till something works.

[@DTGMRuns]

All this talk makes me nervous because I ordered a bike from Ribble and I’m between sizes as well. Such a bad time to have to send a bike back if it doesn’t suit me lol.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Which did you go for?

[@DTGMRuns]

Katie Kookaburra I went for a medium which is the smaller of the two sizes I’m between. It was in their recommendation because I’m going to use the bike for commuting and just getting into cycling in general. I’m sure it’ll be fine!

[@mitch3683]

T rex arms😂🚴‍♂️

[@Stop_Elitists_Wars]

Custom bikes, I wish $€£

[@raudi]

looking hot

[@KatieKookaburra]

Cheers

[@johnli8831]

Has anyone’s else realize how low his voice is

[@zyghom]

truth be told: 95% of people FIRST buy bike THEN start fitting into it ;-)

[@31.8mm]

ofcourse, i think firstly because bikefitting service are not everywhere, and its cost doesn't suit newer riders in lower to mid budget range. just like me back then. 7 years forwards and im now learning DIY bike fit using turbo trainer, phone camera, some apps, and guides from fitters

[@carlreyes5344]

Zygfryd Homonto i think it is 99%

[@thankyoujesus2836]

Gooosh youre so heavenly cute and beautiful 😍

[@Numeriwar]

If youre between two size you should always go for the bigger one. Unless you're a pro cyclist...