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Bicycle Sizing Guide

When it comes to sizing, there's really no substitute for taking a test ride to ensure that the frame is the right size, and the bike offers a comfortable riding position.  Come to our store, or simply call/email us if you'd like to try out some of our bikes.

  1. Some general sizing guidelines
  2. How the frame size is measured
  3. How you are measured
  4. The link between the frame size and your measurements

1. Some general sizing guidelines

As a general rule, with the correct frame size you should be able to do three things:

  1. Have sufficient clearance between the top tube (what’s this?)The top tube or cross bar is the top part of the frame connecting the seat tube (where the saddle is) to the head tube (where the handlebars are) and your crotch!  If you stand over the bike just in front of the saddle there should be sufficient clearance between your crotch and the top tube: 2 inches is a good guide.  For mountain bikes a slightly greater clearance is often recommended.
  2. Sitting comfortably on the saddle, with your heel on the pedal, you should be able to straighten your leg such that your knee locks when the pedal is at the lowest point.  Obviously you can adjust the saddle up and down to achieve this, but you need to ensure the frame is the correct size so that the saddle is not at the very top or very bottom of its adjustment.
  3. Reach the handlebars comfortably.  Smaller frame sizes will have a shorter top tube, so if reaching the handlebars is a stretch, it is worth considering a smaller frame.

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2. How the frame size is measured

In general, manufacturers measure bike sizes according to seat tube length: from the centre of the bottom bracket (what’s this?)The bottom bracket is the unit containing the pedal crank axle - the axle joining the two pedal cranks together to the top of the seat tube, as illustrated below:

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3. How you are measured

The most important measurements to take are your height and your inside leg measurement.  For the inside leg measurement, measure from your crotch down to the floor.  Note: Take off your shoes, have your feet flat on the floor and your legs straight and vertical to ensure an accurate result.

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4. The link between the frame size and your measurements

This is dependent on the type of bike you are buying as each bike type has a slightly different riding position.  Choose the bike type you are interested in to see the correct sizing chart.

Note: We can only suggest frame sizes - everyone is different and different brands also have specific frame characteristics.  There is no substitute for trying out the different bikes and sizes with a test ride.

  1. Comfort and urban mountain bikes
  2. Mountain bikes for off-road use (not full suspension)
  3. Full suspension mountain bikes
  4. Commuter and recreational bikes
  5. Road and touring bikes
1. Comfort and urban mountain bikes
Height
(feet & inches) 		Inside Leg
(inches) 		Suggested Frame Size
(inches)

4.10+
4.10+
5.0+
5.2+
5.4+
5.6+
5.8+
5.9+
5.10+
6.0+
6.2+

26 - 28"
26 - 28"
27 - 29"
27 - 29"
28 - 30"
28 - 30"
29 - 31"
29 - 31"
30 - 32"
32 - 34"
33 - 35"

13"
14"
15"
16"
17"
18"
19"
20"
21"
22"
23"
2. Mountain bikes for off-road use (not full suspension)
Height
(feet & inches) 		Inside Leg
(inches) 		Suggested Frame Size
(inches)

4.10+
5.0+
5.2+
5.4+
5.6+
5.8+
5.9+
5.10+
6.0+
6.2+
6.4+

26 - 28"
27 - 29"
27 - 29"
28 - 30"
28 - 30"
29 - 31"
29 - 31"
30 - 32"
32 - 34"
33 - 35"
34 - 36"

13"
14"
15"
16"
17"
18"
19"
20"
21"
22"
23"
3. Full suspension mountain bike
Height
(feet & inches) 		Inside Leg
(inches) 		Suggested Frame Size
(inches)

5.4+
5.6+
5.8+
5.9+
5.10+

28 - 30"
28 - 30"
29 - 31"
29 - 31"
30 - 32"

16"
17"
18"
19"
20"
4. Commuter and recreational bikes
Height
(feet & inches) 		Inside Leg
(inches) 		Suggested Frame Size
(inches)

5.0+
5.2+
5.4+
5.6+
5.8+
5.9+
5.10+
6.0+
6.2+

27 - 29"
27 - 29"
28 - 30"
28 - 30"
29 - 31"
29 - 31"
30 - 32"
32 - 34"
33 - 35"

15"
16"
17"
18"
19"
20"
21"
22"
23"
5. Road and touring bikes
Height
(feet & inches) 		Inside Leg
(inches) 		Suggested Frame Size
(inches)           (cm)

5.1+
5.3+
5.5+
5.7+
5.9+
5.11+
6.2+

27 - 29"
28 - 30"
29 - 31"
30 - 32"
31 - 33"
32 - 34"
33 - 35"

18"
19"
20"
21"
22"
23"
24"

48cm
50cm
52cm
54cm
56cm
58cm
60cm
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