How to choose the right size for your travel bike frame.

The quest for the perfect touring bike starts with the frame. That metal skeleton that makes all the difference without you even realizing it. 🚴‍♂️

If the frame is too small, you risk feeling cramped, with your knees almost hitting the handlebars with every movement. Not ideal for enjoying the scenery on a bike tour. On the other hand, too big a frame and you're guaranteed instability, turning every pedal stroke into a balancing act, especially on winding paths or busy city streets (You wanted to ride a bike, not surf, right?). 🏄‍♂️

Choosing the right frame size means finding that perfect balance between comfort and control. It allows you to pedal efficiently, without sacrificing the pleasure of the ride. A good frame reduces fatigue and increases the joy of every adventure, whether on the road, in the wilderness or in an urban environment 🙂

The first stop for understanding the geometry of a touring bike (because it may come in handy when you buy one): the tube. It's not just a metal tube, but the backbone of your bike. Whether in lightweight aluminum or sturdy steel, it defines the axis of your two-wheeler. You guessed it, tubes aren't accessory parts to look pretty (well, yes they are too 😎), but they're a valuable member not to be overlooked! 👗

Next, the gallows. Not a gardening term, but the part that connects the handlebars to the frame. Crucial for handling, it determines whether you zigzag gracefully or maneuver like a tank. 🚜

Handlebars aren't just for hanging your clothes. In the cycling world, it's the handlebars. And choosing the right one is an art! Wide for greater stability on rough terrain, narrow to split the air in town, each handlebar has its own vocation. 💨

And finally, the fork. No, we're not talking about cutlery, but the part that holds the front wheel. It absorbs shocks on trekking trails, preventing you from feeling every rock like an earthquake. 😮

Inseam measurement is the Holy Grail of bicycle frame selection. Forget riddles and approximations, we're talking science here! (Don't worry, though, high school math is well and truly a thing of the past 😉)

To get started, you'll need a tape measure. You don't need to be a measuring genius, just a little precise. (By the way, measuring with your hands doesn't count! 😜) Measure your crotch: this is the distance from the floor to your... shall we say, personal comfort. 📏

With this measurement in your pocket, it's time for a little math (first-grade math, rest assured 😅). Multiply your measurement by 0.66. If you measure 80 cm inseam, for example, your ideal frame would be around 52.8 cm (easy, no? 💪).

First, your riding style. Are you the type to zip along mountain bike trails, take a leisurely stroll through town, or explore country roads? Your bike will have to adapt to your riding style. A lightweight frame and thin tires for speed, or a sturdy frame with wide tires for off-road adventure. 🌄

Next, let's consider your weight. Yes, it's a bit tricky, but it's important! A stronger frame to support more weight is like choosing a heavy-duty sleeping bag for a mountain camping trip. You want your bike to be able to carry your weight, plus that of your luggage, without flinching at the first bump. 🎒

Your personal preferences count too. Maybe you like a bike with a multi-speed transmission to climb hills easily, or a larger crankset to go faster on the flat. 🚵‍♂️

We're not going to go into too much detail and tell you about every size, every frame and every bike. But these few messages were important to get across (did we tell you to use your brakes too at some point??? 😅).

Here comes the moment of truth: testing the frame size of your travel bike. 🥂

First step, sit on the bike. Adjust the height of the saddle so that, when you put your foot flat on the ground, your leg is slightly bent. (You don't have to be a contortionist, just enough so you don't look like a stork!) 🦩

Next, put your hands on the cocottes (the brake handles, for those who don't speak bike jargon) and stretch your arms forward. Your arms should also be slightly bent.

Now for the crucial test: pedal! You should be able to do this comfortably, without twisting or bending. If you feel like you're on a throne, in a regal position, then you've got it! 🚴‍♀️

This little test will help you feel if the bike is right for you. Whether it's a top-of-the-range electric bike or a more classic one, comfort is king. And don't forget, a well-fitting bike is one step closer to sustainable tourism, because the better you feel on a bike, the more likely you are to use it for eco-friendly adventures. So, are you ready for the test? 🌍