How to Take Body Measurements
The design of your new frame will be based on several factors including the intent of the bike, your riding style and your flexibility. The measurements of your body are one of the key elements taken into account in frame design.
Before your frame is designed you will need to make careful body measurements. These numbers will be an important part of the design of your bike frame, so take your time and make sure these measurements are as accurate as possible.
- Download the body measurement worksheet (Excel file, 264 KB)
- Set aside an hour to do the measurements.
- Work with a partner to do the measurements; it is not possible to do this by yourself.
- Make measurements in either inches or centimeters.
- Print the worksheet and fill in the yellow boxes. Then type your measurements into the file. The red numbers will calculate automatically.
- Take each measurement 3 times and record each measurement.
- Save the file with your last name in the file name and return it to info@kirkframeworks.com
The descriptions below illustrate how to take the measurements. Be sure to use the body measurement worksheet when taking your measurements, which contains all of the same information plus handy spaces to record each measurement.
Body Measurements / Inseam
Stand bare footed with your back straight up against a wall. Place your feet about four inches apart. Be sure to stand on a hard, level surface.
Place a straight edge between your legs; raise it until snug against your crotch (this mimics the bike’s saddle). Make sure the straight edge is level.
Have another person measure from the top of the straight edge straight down to the floor.
Body Measurements / Thigh
Kneel on the floor with your knees a few inches apart. Proceed with this measurement as you did for the inseam.
Place a straight edge between your legs; raise it until snug against your crotch (this mimics the bike’s saddle). Make sure the straight edge is level.
Have another person measure from the top of the straight edge down to the floor.
Body Measurements / Torso
Stand bare footed with your back straight up against a wall. Place your feet about four inches apart. Be sure to stand on a hard, level surface.
Locate your clavic notch. This is the notch at the base of your neck that forms the “V” between your clavicles.
Have another person measure from your clavic notch down to the floor.
Body Measurements / Arm Length
Find the end of your acromion bone, which is located at the very tip of your shoulder, slightly toward the back of your shoulder.
Make a fist around a pen or pencil (on the same side as shoulder you’ve chosen).
Hold your arms out at a 45 degree angle from your side.
Have your helper measure from the end of your acromion bone to the pencil in your fist.
Body Measurements / Shoulder Width
Locate the ends of both of your acromion bones, which are located at the very tips of your shoulders, toward the back of your shoulders.
Have your helper measure across your back from the tip of one acromion bone to the other.
Body Measurements / Height
Stand bare footed on a hard, flat surface with your back against a wall. Feet should be spaced just less than shoulder width apart.
Have your helper measure your overall height. Measure in total inches or centimeters, rather than feet plus inches (or meters plus centimeters).
Body Measurements / Feet
Place your heels against wall and push a straight edge/book up against the front of your toes.
Measure from the wall to the edge of the book.
