Frame Size Tests
The best way to find a bike that fits you is to take test rides, this will ensure that you will be comfortable on your bike. Each person is built differently, and there are plenty sizes and styles of bikes to accommodate everyone. Here are some simple steps to get you started and point you in the right direction to find a bike that fits you properly.
Stand over the toptube of the bike and make sure that you have at least one inch of clearance. For a road bike, 1-2 inches of clearance is what you are looking for, and on mountain bikes, you may have up to 3 inches of standover height.
When checking the saddle height, sit on the seat while leaning against a counter and pedal backwards a few times. The best position to ride in is having your leg fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Your knee should be slightly bent, but as close to locking as you can get it; this will give you the most power as you ride.
Each individual will prefer a different reach depending on what style of bike they are riding and what they are used to. Mountain bikes and hybrids tend to be set up in a more upright position, where road bikes tend to stretch your torso out. When test riding bikes, look to see that your elbows are not locking, because that will put a lot of pressure on them, you want to have a slight bend in your arm. There are many things to do that can adjust the reach on a bike, such as sliding the seat forward or backward, and swapping out the handlebar stem for something shorter or longer.