Get the Right Size
So you know what bicycle you want but arn't sure of which size to get it in? Here is a basic guide as to which bicycle will best suit your build and height.
Traditional bikes
Traditional bicycles are sized by the inner leg of the individual. Dependent on the style of bicycle the size of the bicycle should follow same basic guide. For sizing tradaditional bicycles please see the bicycles details. Hybrid bikes
The term Hybrid covers a wide range of bicycles types but essentially these bicycles are designed to give the rider a more upright/comfortable riding position. If you wish to purchase a Hybrid, follow the Mountain Bike Sizing Guide for bicycles with 26-inch wheels and the Road Sizing Guide for bicycles with 700cc wheels.
Road bikes
If you are riding solely on the road you should have a minimum of 1" clearance between yourself and the top tube of the frame. A racing bike needs to fit you perfectly as you could be spending a long time in a single position.Road Bikes are measured from either the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube or the centre of the bottom bracket to the centre of the top tube, normally referred to as C to T or C to C. It is also important to take into account the length of the top tube.
The advent of Compact Geometry confuses the situation somewhat, but most companies will detail the virtual top tube length (i.e. the equivalent horizontal top tube length of a standard frame). We need to know your height and inside leg measurement. Standing in your socks, with your legs approximately 6 inches apart, take a book and place it between your legs and move it up as far as it will go. Keeping the book parallel to the ground, measure the distance from the floor to the top of the book. This will give us your inside leg measurement and subsequently your stand over height. It helps if some one helps you.
Mountain Bikes
Cycling off-road you need 2 things to negotiate difficult terrain; space in the cockpit (area between your saddle and the handle bars) to shift your weight fore and aft of the saddle and clearance between yourself and the frame. The minimum stand over height should be 2 to 3 inches. We need to know your height and inside leg measurement.
Standing in the shoes you would use for cycling and with your legs approximately 6 inches apart take a book and place it between your legs and move it up as far as it will go. Keeping the book parallel to the ground, measure the distance from the floor to the top of the book. This will give us your inside leg measurement and subsequently your stand over height. It helps if some one helps you.
Children's bikes
Children's bicycles are difficult to size as it is dependent on the childs height. Generally a childs bicycle is sized by wheel. The following is a guide based on the average height of a child of that age. If your child is smaller or larger than the average height it may be preferable to bring your child in, and let our staff help you select the bicycle which is best suited for you child.
| Wheel Size | Age |
|---|---|
| 12" | 2 to 5 |
| 14" | 4 to 6 |
| 16" | 5 to 7 |
| 20" | 7 to 10 |
| 24" | 10 to 14 |
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