You have just spotted a Van Rysel bike, but two sizes seem to match your measurements. The online size chart provides a range, not a definitive answer. The problem is that a frame that is too large or too small cannot be corrected with a few saddle adjustments. Choosing the right size of Van Rysel bike relies on precise measurements and an understanding of the geometry specific to each range.
Stack and reach: the two dimensions that matter more than the displayed size
The letters S, M, or L provide a rough indication. Two frames labeled “M” from Van Rysel can result in very different positions depending on whether it is an RCR model (race-oriented) or an EDR model (endurance-oriented).
On an RCR in size M, the stack reaches 554 mm and the reach is 391 mm. The stack/reach ratio is around 1.41, which indicates a low and elongated position. On an EDR in size M, the stack rises to 574 mm while the reach drops to 380 mm, resulting in a ratio close to 1.51. The posture is significantly more upright.
In practical terms, the stack measures the height between the bottom bracket and the top of the head tube. The reach measures the horizontal distance between these two points. The stack/reach ratio determines your posture on the bike, much more than the letter on the frame.
To delve deeper into these concepts applied to Van Rysel models, a Van Rysel bike size guide details frame measurements and position adjustments step by step.
Inseam measurement and Van Rysel frame height: the reliable method
You may have noticed that your inseam varies by a few millimeters depending on the attempts? That’s normal. The technique of wedging a book between your legs yields fluctuating results if the pressure applied changes. Here’s how to ensure accurate measurement.
- Stand barefoot, with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Wedge a rigid book (not a magazine) between your legs, firmly pressed against the perineum.
- Ask someone to measure the distance from the floor to the top edge of the book. Repeat three times and keep the median value.
- Also measure your total height and the length of your arms (from the armpit to the middle of the palm, with the arm extended). These three data points allow you to cross-reference the ideal saddle height with the necessary stem length.
The inseam height alone is not enough to choose a size. Two cyclists at 1.80 m with inseams of 83 cm and 86 cm do not need the same frame. And two cyclists with the same inseam but different arm lengths will not have the same stem or shoulder comfort.
What to do when you fall between two sizes?
This is the most common case on Van Rysel forums. A cyclist at 1.81 m with an inseam around 85 cm often finds themselves between M and L.
The rule that works: in case of hesitation, the smaller size offers more adjustment margin. A slightly compact frame can be compensated by extending the stem or moving the saddle back. A frame that is too large requires shortening the stem, which degrades handling and the bike’s behavior on descents.
Saddle and stem adjustment: fine-tuning after choosing the frame
The frame sets the skeleton of your position. The saddle and stem allow for fine adjustments. But these adjustments have physical limits that need to be understood before buying.
The saddle height is calculated based on the inseam. The most common method involves multiplying the inseam length by a coefficient (often around 0.885) to obtain the distance from the bottom bracket to the saddle’s lowest point. This reference provides a starting point, not a definitive value. The final adjustment is made while pedaling: the knee should remain very slightly bent at the bottom of the stroke.
For the stem, the standard length supplied with the bike corresponds to the geometry intended by Van Rysel. Changing the stem by more than 20 mm from the original often means that the frame is not the correct size.
Saddle setback, an underestimated parameter
The saddle setback determines the position of the knee relative to the pedal axis. If too far forward, pressure on the kneecaps increases. If too far back, pedaling power decreases and the lower back compensates.
To check: sit on the bike, with the pedal horizontal (crank at 3 o’clock). The plumb line placed on the kneecap should fall at the level of the pedal axis. This adjustment is valid for standard road practice. Riders who prioritize comfort over long distances may move the saddle back a few additional millimeters.
Choosing between RCR and EDR ranges based on your practice
The choice of size cannot be made without first selecting the right range. A cyclist who rides three times a week for two to three-hour outings has different needs than a competitor preparing for races.
The RCR range places the torso lower and further forward. This position favors aerodynamics and acceleration. It suits cyclists who already have good flexibility in their back and hamstrings. On long rides, this posture puts more strain on the lower back.
The EDR range raises the torso by about 20 mm (stack difference between the two families in size M). The head tube is higher, and the reach is shorter. The EDR position reduces the load on the wrists and lower back, which is noticeably felt after the second hour in the saddle.
If you are torn between comfort and performance, try to answer a simple question: after your current rides, where do you feel pain? Cervical or lumbar pain points towards EDR geometry. Feelings of “softness” during accelerations point towards RCR.
The ideal size of a Van Rysel bike depends as much on your body measurements as on the geometry of the targeted model. Taking the time to measure inseam, height, and arm length, then comparing these data to the stack and reach of the targeted frame, remains the most reliable method to avoid a disappointing purchase. A brief test in a Decathlon store allows you to validate the feel before confirming the order.