To size a bike correctly you should consider your height and inside leg measurement, along with your riding style as well as the type of bike you have in mind.
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.
Bikes are designed to have their saddles raised, 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 handlebars which means their hands are low when riding, giving them a more aerodynamic position. Others may prefer to, or can only, ride with their hands around the level of the saddle height, resulting in a more upright position.
Your measurements, flexibility, age, confidence, riding style, new bicycle choice, will all play a part in sizing up your bike correctly. For a general guide, follow our charts below. Please remember that these are only guidelines and personal opinions may differ. We are always happy to discuss frame sizes with you, and the differences between one manufacturer and the next - please contact us.
When riding off-road, it is important to have a slightly smaller frame compared to what you would typically use for road riding. This is for 2 reasons. Firstly, to increase the amount of clearance you have over the crossbar, to a minimum of around 3 inches. Then, secondly, riding a smaller frame will handle far better over more challenging terrain than a larger one. This will also put you in a slightly more forward position, with the seat-post at its optimal extension.
Rider Height | Inside Leg | Frame Size Suggested |
---|---|---|
Feet & Inches | Inches | Inches |
4.10+ | 26 - 28 | 13 |
5.0+ | 27 - 29 | 14 |
5.2+ | 27 - 29 | 15 |
5.4+ | 28 - 30 | 16 |
5.6+ | 28 - 30 | 17 |
5.8+ | 29 - 31 | 18 |
5.9+ | 29 - 31 | 19 |
5.10+ | 30 - 32 | 20 |
6.0+ | 32 - 34 | 21 |
6.2+ | 33 - 35 | 22 |
6.4+ | 34 - 36 | 23 |
The range of frame sizes available for full suspension models is usually more refined than those for rigid, front suspension bikes.
The main consideration here is to make sure the rider meets the minimum height and inside leg requirements and has comfortable clearance over the crossbar.
Rider Height | Inside Leg | Frame Size Suggested |
---|---|---|
Feet & Inches | Inches | Inches |
5.4+ | 28 - 30 | 16 |
5.6+ | 28 - 30 | 17 |
5.8+ | 29 - 31 | 18 |
5.9+ | 29 - 31 | 19 |
5.10+ | 30 - 32 | 20 |
Designed to give maximum comfort without the drag of knobbly tyres when riding on the road.
Only a clearance of 1–2-inches is required over the crossbar to put you in a balanced position between the seat and handlebars, maximising comfort.
For suspension seat-post models: Take 1" off the frame size you require.
Rider Height | Inside Leg | Frame Size Suggested |
---|---|---|
Feet & Inches | Inches | Inches |
4.10+ | 26 - 28 | 13 |
5.0+ | 27 - 29 | 14 |
5.2+ | 27 - 29 | 15 |
5.4+ | 28 - 30 | 16 |
5.6+ | 28 - 30 | 17 |
5.8+ | 29 - 31 | 18 |
5.9+ | 29 - 31 | 19 |
5.10+ | 30 - 32 | 20 |
6.0+ | 32 - 34 | 21 |
6.2+ | 33 - 35 | 22 |
Only a clearance of 1–2-inches is required over the crossbar to put you in a balanced position between the seat and handlebars, maximising comfort.
For suspension seat-post models: Take 1" off the frame size you require.
Rider Height | Incheside Leg | Frame Size Suggested |
---|---|---|
Feet & Inches | Inches | Inches |
5.0+ | 27 - 29 | 14 |
5.2+ | 27 - 29 | 15 |
5.4+ | 28 - 30 | 16 |
5.6+ | 28 - 30 | 17 |
5.8+ | 29 - 31 | 18 |
5.9+ | 29 - 31 | 19 |
5.10+ | 30 - 32 | 20 |
6.0+ | 32 - 34 | 21 |
6.2+ | 33 - 35 | 22 |
Only a clearance of 1–2-inches 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.
For suspension seat-post models: Take 1" off the frame size you require.
Rider Height | Inside Leg | Frame Size Suggested |
---|---|---|
Feet & Inches | Inches | Inches |
5.0+ | 27 - 29 | 14 |
5.2+ | 27 - 29 | 15 |
5.4+ | 28 - 30 | 16 |
5.6+ | 28 - 30 | 17 |
5.8+ | 29 - 31 | 18 |
5.9+ | 29 - 31 | 19 |
5.10+ | 30 - 32 | 20 |
6.0+ | 32 - 34 | 21 |
6.2+ | 33 - 35 | 22 |
Sizing is an all-important factor here as the rider is, more often than not, needing to be in an aerodynamic position, especially when competing, or just to maintain a fast-riding experience.
Only a 1–2-inch clearance is needed.
For sportive and comfort road riding, one size up from the suggested size may be a better choice.
Rider Height | Inside Leg | Frame Size Suggested | |
---|---|---|---|
Feet & Inches | Inches | Inches | CM |
5.1+ | 27 - 29 | 18 | 48 |
5.3+ | 28 - 30 | 19 | 50 |
5.5+ | 28 - 30 | 20 | 52 |
5.7+ | 29 - 31 | 21 | 54 |
5.9+ | 29 - 31 | 22 | 56 |
5.11+ | 30 - 32 | 23 | 58 |
6.2+ | 33 - 35 | 24 | 60 |