Choosing the Correct Size Bike
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 the same basic guide.
We need to know your height and inside leg measurement. Standing in your socks, measure your inside leg from the base of your foot to your sit bone.
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).
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.
Children's Bikes
Children's bicycles are difficult to size as it is dependent on the child's height. Generally a child's 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 your child.
Wheel Size | Age |
12" wheel | 2-4 years |
14" wheel | 3-5 years |
16" wheel | 4-6 years |
20" wheel | 5-7 years |
24" wheel | 7-9 years |