Choosing the bike size depends on the type of bike, your height, your riding style, and your preference. A
correct
fitting bike will be more comfortable, more efficient and more fun to ride. This bike size guide gives our
customers
general advice on choosing the right size. It is a guide only and we always recommend visiting one of our
stores or
contacting one of our experts using one of the options from our contact us page.
To get started, think about your style of riding, measure your height and use the links above for sizing on
relevant bike
types.
To find the correct sized bike you will need to measure your height and your inside leg. For your height,
stand against
a wall and mark the wall with a pencil so it's level with the top of your head. Then measure from the ground
up to the
mark (having someone to help might make this easier). For your inside leg measurement, stand against a wall
and using a
book hold it in between your legs into your groin and make sure it's flat against the wall. Measure the
height from the
book to the floor. (Again it might be easier to get a friend to help). If your height is on the cusp of the
size range,
your reach is often the deciding factor in which size to go for. To find out if you have short or long reach
you will
need to measure your ape index. This is your arm span minus your height. If you have a positive ape index
then go for
the larger size, or if you have a negative ape index go for a smaller size.
What type of bike you choose will affect the bike size you buy. The type or style of riding that you do will
also affect
which size you need. For example a mountain biker that wants to ride more aggressively and would like a more
maneuverable bike may prefer a size smaller than they would normally take. Likewise a cross country racer
that is
looking for a flatter and speedier mountain bike may prefer a size larger than they would normally take.
There is no
definitive right or wrong size, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels comfortable. The
different types
of bikes are all explained within our buying guides here.
Bikes are measured by their seat tube length. This measurement is normally from the centre of the bottom
bracket (BB) or
the centre of the bolt that attachs the crank arms. This differs by brand, some measure to the top of where
the top tube
meets the seat tube, or even the centre of the top tube. Mountain bikes are either measured in inches or
descriptive
sizes (small, medium etc). Road bikes are in centimetres or descriptive sizes where as Hybrid bikes can be
any one of
the three. Bikes also get longer as they go up in size (relative to the frame size) but different brands can
be
inherently longer or shorter than others.
Stand over height is how tall the frame is from the ground. Stand over height measurements are to the top of
the
top-tube. Ideally you want at least 2cm of clearance between you and the frame. In theory your stand over
height is your
leg measurement minus 2cm. It it worth measuring your inside leg with your shoes on so you can establish
your stand over
height. Should you need to jump off the saddle quickly, the clearance between you and the frame will prevent
any
injuries.
Evans Cycles' tutorial videos provide information and guidance on bike ownership, starting here
with help on choosing a bike. With so many different types and models of bike available,
choosing the right bike for you might seem a daunting prospect.