Sizing Guide

What to measure?

In order to size a bike correctly you should consider your height and inside leg measurement along with your riding style and the type of bike.

Measuring your height is best done by standing upright against a wall with your legs together (shoes off) and shoulders back. Place a pencil on top of your head, holding it parallel to the floor and mark the wall. You can now measure your height easily against the wall.

Your inside leg measurement is taken from the floor (again, no shoes) to your crotch. Stand with your legs roughly shoulder width apart against a wall, then take your inside leg measurement. It is probably easier to get someone to do this for you.

Personal choice does play a factor

Bikes are designed to have their saddles raised. That is to have some of the seat post showing. The amount riders wish to raise or lower their saddles is a matter of personal choice. Some riders like the saddle to be higher than the handle bars which means their hands are low when riding, giving them an aerodynamic position. Others may prefer or can only ride ride with their hands around the level of the saddle height, giving a more upright position.

Your measurements, flexibility, age, confidence, riding style, new bicycle choice will play a part in sizing correctly. For a general guide follow our chart below. Please remember that these are only guidelines and personal opinions may differ. We are always happy to discuss frame sizes with you - please contact us.

Off-Road MTB

When riding off-road it is important to have a slightly smaller frame than you would for normal road riding. This is for 2 reasons, firstly to increase the amount of clearance you have over the crossbar to a minimum of 3 inches and secondly, a smaller frame will handle better over more challenging terrain. This will put you in a slightly more forward position with seat-post height extended.

Full-Suspension MTB

The range of frame sizes available for full suspension models are usually smaller than rigid front suspension bikes.

The main consideration here is to make sure the rider meets the minimum height and inside leg requirements and has the clearance over the crossbar.

Comfort MTB

Designed to give maximum comfort without the drag of knobbly tyres for the road.

Only a 1-2 inch clearance is required over the crossbar to put you in a balanced position between the seat and handlebars, maximising comfort.

Suspension Seat-post Models: Take 1" off the frame size you require.

Traditional Hybrid

Only a 1-2 inch clearance is required over the crossbar to put you in a balanced position between the seat and handlebars maximising comfort.

Suspension Seat-post Models: Take 1" off the frame size you require.

Sports Hybrid

Only a 1-2 inch clearance is required over the crossbar to put you in a balanced position.

However due to the style of this model you will be in a slightly more forward riding position.

Suspension Seat-post Models: Take 1" off the frame size you require.

Road

Sizing is all-important here as the rider is in an aerodynamic position (for riders that are competing or fast fitness riders.

Only a 1-2 inch clearance is needed.

For Sportive and comfort road riding, one size up from suggested size may be a better choice.