Choosing the right size frame is essential when deciding on your new bike.
Picking a bike with a good fit for you means it will be more comfortable when cycling, the handling will be easier, and you will be able to ride more efficiently.
To work out what size bike, first you’ll need, you need to measure your height and inside leg. Once you’ve done this you’ll need to match it to the frame size recommended by the manufacturer in their bike size charts.
Measure your height
To make sure you measure your height correctly, stand on a flat surface (with your shoes off) upright against a wall, with your legs together and shoulders back. Place a pencil on top of your head, and make a little mark on the wall.
Measure your inside leg
This is as equally as important as measuring your height. Standing upright against a a wall again (shoes off), place a ruler between your legs at your crotch. You’ll need to get a friend or family member to measure from the floor to the ruler.
Different types of bike frames
Bike sizes are measured by their seat tube length. Usually, this measurement is taken from the centre of the bottom bracket or the centre of the bolt which attaches the crank arms. However, the measurement method varies depending on the type of bike.
Road bikes and mountain bike frame sizes differ, and the units used to measure them depend on the brand of bike. Whereas road bike sizes are usually quoted in centimetres, mountain bike frame sizes are usually measured in inches.
To help make things simpler, many bike manufacturers offer bike size calculators – enter your measurements and it works out the rest.
You can also work out what size bike you’ll need using the bike sizing chart below.
