Tempe Bicycle

Information may not be reliable

The Stand-over Test Is Just A Start - The stand-over test, which you may have used or heard about, is a quick, ballpark-only indicator of whether a certain-size bike will fit. It's simply done by straddling the bike and checking the clearance between the crotch and top frame tube. On bicycles designed for road use, you usually want about one to three inches of clearance (depending on the size and design of the bike). On off-road models, which usually have sloping top tubes and long seatposts, more clearance is needed. Look for three to six inches (depending on size and design). There's a lot more to a proper bicycle fit than stand-over clearance and on some bicycles, especially those with compact frame designs, it doesn't tell you enough to judge fit. Be sure to ask us for expert advice in selecting the right size bicycle and getting it fitted correctly, too. We're always happy to help.