How do I measure torso length?

Sit upright on a chair against a wall. Measure from the chair seat to the top of your sternum (the V-shaped notch at the base of your neck).

How do I measure arm length?

With arm straight and hand flat, measure from the acromion (bony point on top of shoulder) to the centre of your wrist.

What affects reach on a bike?

Top tube length, stem length, stem angle, handlebar reach, and saddle setback all contribute to total reach. This calculator gives a starting point.

BikeCalcs

Handlebar Reach Calculator — Ideal Reach Distance

Determine your ideal handlebar reach from torso and arm measurements.

Torso Length

Sit upright; measure from the chair seat to your sternum notch (cm)

Arm Length

Acromion (bony point on top of shoulder) to centre of wrist (cm)

How We Calculate This

Reach Calculation

Total Reach (top tube + stem) = (Torso + Arm Length) / 2 + 4 inches (10.16 cm)

This is Greg LeMond's reach formula from his Complete Book of Bicycling: the average of your torso and arm length plus a fixed 4-inch (10.16 cm) term gives the combined top-tube-plus-stem reach you should aim for.

The recommended top tube subtracts a standard road stem length of about 100 mm (10 cm) — the most common size on medium frames, with 80–120 mm being the typical fitting range. Actual fit depends on stem length, handlebar reach, saddle setback, and riding style, so treat this as a starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.