Riding a bike a great way to stay fit, and the right bicycle size can keep you pedaling injury-free. In this Health Smarts video, fitness expert Vonda Wright, MD, explains how to choose the ideal bike size for a road bike or a mountain bike.
Hi, I'm Dr. Wright, bike riding is a great form of exercise whether it is a peaceful solitary ride or a family activity, but it's important to get the right size bike for yourself. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a bicycle. For a road bike keep your frame size 2.5 cm from the crotch to the top tube for an off road bike keep it 7 to 15 cm, seat height should allow approximately 33 degrees of knee bend at the lowest point a too low seat forces the knee to bend more and may cause knee pain, the forward tip of the saddle to the center of the handle bars should equal the distance from the tip of your elbow to your long finger, although a longer crank link give you a chemical advantage, it also forces your hips and knees through a larger range of motion and increases your risk of injury, so get the right size bike and get out for a ride and don't forget your helmet.
For more great ways to stay fit check out all our smart tips right here
Vonda Wright, MD, a Sharecare Advisory Board member and orthopaedic surgeon, is an expert in active aging. She specializes is the creator and director of the Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes.
View Profile