Choosing The Right Sized Bike

Making sure you choose the correct frame size is of paramount importance when buying a new bike. The correct fitting bike will be more comfortable, more efficient and more fun to ride.
We know that choosing the right sized bike can be a confusing experience, even for the most experienced cyclists – the right size frame depends on the type of bike, your height your riding style and your preference.
This guide gives our customers general advice on choosing the right sized bike. It is a guide only and we always recommend visiting one of our stores.
How are bike frames measuredBike sizes are determined by the frame size, based on the length of the seat tube. Most manufact
Unfortunately, some manufacturers measure their models from the intersection of the top tube and seat post to the crank axle, which can throw out some of the sizings, so if ever in doubt consult one of our experts in our sales team or in store.
Manufacturers quote sizes in different ways, some quote the size in centimetres, some in inches and some as a frame size (such as Small, Medium, Large, etc).
Although the size of frames are based on the measurement of the seat tube, it’s not just the seat tube that changes depending on the size – the entire frame changes in proportion to the frame size.
Matching you to the right size bike – what’s your height?To help our customers choose the right size bike we provide a suggested height for the various frame sizes available.
In order to accurately match the correct frame to your height it’s essential you measure your height accurately!
To best measure your height, stand against a wall with your shoes off. Keep your legs together and your shoulders back. Carefully place a pencil on top of your head and mark the wall – for best results get a helper to mark the wall for you. Then measure the mark on the wall with a tape measure.
If your height is on the cusp of the range your reach is often the deciding factor in which size to go for. To find out if you have a short or long reach measure your Ape Index (your arm span minus your height) – if you have a positive ape index then go for the larger size, if you have a negative ape index go for the smaller size.
Stand over heightStand over height is the clearance between the top of the top tube (also known as a cross bar) and the bottom of your crotch. It’s important that you have adequate clearance in this area to avoid contact when you’re stopped and astride the bike. For road and hybrid bikes 1 to 2 inches of clearance is required, mountain bikes require 2 to 4 inches.
The sizes we recommend in our sizing charts take stand over height into consideration. So if you’ve got a close to average inside leg measurement our recommendations will be fine.
Mountain bike sizing chart (hardtail & full suspension)

Rider Height		Frame Size Suggested
Feet and Inches	Centimetres	Inches	Size
4' 10" - 5' 2"	148 - 158	13 - 14	XS
5' 2" - 5 '6"	158 - 168	15 - 16	S
5' '6" - 5' 10"	168 - 178	17 - 18	M
5' 10" - 6' 1"	178 - 185	19 - 20	L
6' 1" - 6' 4"	185 - 193	21 - 22	XL
6 '4" - 6' 6"	193 - 198	23 - 24	XXL