18/08/2026
What’s Your Ideal Frame Size?
When helping a rider find the right frame size, we look beyond the usual “What size does the manufacturer recommend?”
There are three main numbers we pay look at: stack, reach, and seat angle.
Stack - How high or low do we need the handlebars to be?
This depends on the rider’s proportions, flexibility, riding style, and goals. A higher stack might make sense for one rider, while another may need a lower front end.
Reach - How far forward will the rider and his hands be positioned?
We look at the frame’s reach together with the stem length and handlebar dimensions. Is the frame too long? Will we end up needing an unusually short stem? Or will we need to go beyond 130mm in stem length?
The goal to find a combination that gives us the right overall cockpit without compromising the bike’s geometry and handling.
Seat Angle - Probably the least discussed, but just as important.
The seat angle helps us understand where the rider will sit relative to the bottom bracket. A steeper or slacker angle can significantly change saddle position, which may determine whether we need an inline or setback seatpost.
And then there’s standover, which is often overlooked. It may not determine the fit by itself, but it can be an important consideration depending on the rider’s physique.
Frame size charts are a great starting point, but they don’t paint the full picture. They don’t account for your individual proportions, riding position, flexibility, riding style, or what you’re actually trying to achieve on the bike.
That’s why two riders of the same height can end up on completely different frame sizes — and both can be right.
