When looking for a new bike, it is essential to measure your inseam length. The inseam length is actually the inside length of your pant leg, starting from the crotch and going to the floor. The inseam length is the primary measure used to calculate the best bike size.
So, how to measure inseam for bike? Measuring the inseam length is relatively easy. You will only need simple materials, and it will take only a few minutes to do it properly. Please check below the step-by-step guide for measuring the inseam length.
What to Prepare:
- A Hardcover Book
- A Tape Measure
- Pen or Pencil for Marking
Step 1: Looking for the Right Location for the Measurement
When learning how to measure your inseam for a bike, the initial step is to find the perfect place for measuring your inseam length. The ideal place can be a closed-door or a free wall space that provides an area that is large enough for you to stand with your back against it.
As for me, I prefer to do it in a free wall space since it provides enough space for you to move with ease and allows you to measure the length easily. You can actually take the measurement as long as you are standing, but these places must allow you to stand straight to get the proper measurement.
Step 2: Preparation Before the Actual Measurement
Once you have already found the right location, the next step is to prepare yourself for the actual measurement. First, you need to secure all the materials you need to measure your inseam length.
Prepare the hardcover book, which is very important in the measuring process. If you can find a book with a rigid spine, it is easier to do the measuring process. Prepare the other essential materials such as the measuring tape and the pen or pencil used for measuring.
Once all the materials are prepared, you will also need to prepare yourself for the measuring process. What I mean is that you will need to remove your shoes and socks if you are wearing the two during the measurement. You will need to be barefooted during the actual measurement. If you can get a friend to help you with the measurement, it will be easier for you.
Step 3: Actual Measurement of the Inseam Length
The next step is the actual measurement of the inseam length. First, position your back against the wall. Stand with your back against the wall while the feet are positioned at least 6 to 8 inches apart. Then, get the book and place it between your legs spine-up.
The book should be in close contact with yourself, similar to the bike saddle’s contact with your butt during the ride. Meaning, the book should mimic a bike seat by positioning nicely between your legs. Also, you will need to make sure that the hardback is in full contact with the wall.
Step 4: Getting the Inseam Measurement
Once everything is in place, the next step is to get the measurement of your inseam length. There are two ways to do it. The first way is to let your friend measure the distance from the top of the book to the floor using a tape measure. This measurement will be your inseam length.
The other way is to hold the book in place against the wall. Then, you will need to move slightly forward to make enough space for your friend to mark the point of contact. Once the marking is done, you can easily step away from the wall while getting the measurement of the height from the floor to the point of your marking.
Then, for you to be able to get the most accurate measurement, you can do another measuring process for another two rounds. This step aims to have the most precise measurement of the inseam length by getting the average of the results of the different rounds of measurement you do.
Helpful Tips
- This inseam measurement is very useful when it comes to purchasing a bike online. It is the best reference for you when buying the bike without actually seeing it. However, there are also other factors that you might consider, such as your reach and stack. All of these factors will help determine the right bike frame size for you
- These measurements can help when buying a new bike, but the best method in the buying process is still trying out the bike yourself. This step is still better since you will know the comfort and the other aspects that the bike brings to you
Conclusion
Learning how to measure inseam for a bike is essential when you are planning to purchase a new bike. This measurement is necessary when you are looking for the best bike size that fits your physical structure. Getting the measurement is very easy and only needs a few minutes to do it, as shown in this article.