Adult Bikes Sizing Guide

Once you are into 26 inch wheel bicycles (road bikes typically have 700C which is 27 / 28 inch wheels), then size is only determined by frame size.  The size of the frame is measured from the top of the frame at the point where the seat post is inserted, down to the centre of the axle carrying the pedal arms (bottom bracket).

The following rules of thumb should be applied when you try a bike for size:

Racing Bikes: Standing flat footed on the ground, you should have a minimum of 1 inch clearance between yourself and the top tube of the frame.

Mountain Bikes: Standing flat footed on the ground, you should have a minimum of 3 inch clearance between yourself and the top tube of the frame.

A simple calculation can be used to estimate your required frame size if you are not able to sit astride a bike to measure:

1.  Measure your inside leg measurement to the floor, subtract 3 inch for mountain bikes or 1 inch for road bikes.

2.  Subtract 10 inches (average distance from the bottom bracket to the ground) to give maximum frame size you require.

If you have any other questions about sizing please don't hesitate to contact us info@bestcheapbikes.co.uk

 Use the sizing charts below to find the right sized bike for you. Knowing your height and inseam measurements, you should be able to determine what size frame will be most comfortable for you. Of the two measurements, height and inseam, inseam is more important.

Women's mountain bike sizing chart (hardtail & full suspension)

Please note
Women's mountain bikes have specific differences to men's mountain bikes.

Mountain Bike Sizing Guide

Mountain Bikes have exploded in popularity over the past twenty years. These bikes have wide tyres, usually with knobby treads and a stout frame and are designed to handle the rugged trails without disintegrating. Mountain bikes do not go as fast as road bikes, which is a trade-off for their durability along with a more comfortable riding position. You sit higher on these bikes, more upright with the straight handlebars, which is often a happier choice for people with back problems than being hunched over as you are on a road bike.

 Road Bike Sizing Guide

Road Bikes are designed for riding on paved streets and going fast. Featuring skinny tyres, a lightweight frame and a riding position that puts you bent over the handlebars, you might choose this type of bike if traveling longer distances at higher speeds is important to you.
The frames of most road bikes are not particularly beefy in construction and generally won’t stand up well for extended periods under heavy loads or on really rough surfaces. They are about as well-suited for a path in the woods as you would be when wearing high heels.

The goal of handlebar height adjustment is to find the position where you can ride comfortably without putting strain on your back, shoulders or wrists. There is a lot of personal preference here, and a fair amount of variation between body types, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find the setting that is best for you. Generally, the following guides may be used for different types of bikes:

• Road bike: on a road bike, the top of the bike's handlebars should be a bit lower than the top of the saddle, in the range of an inch or two. This allows for a definite forwarding-leaning, more aerodynamic ride.
• Mountain bike: on a mountain bike, the handlebars will often be set even lower, perhaps three to four inches below the saddle. The point in this is to provide a low center of gravity, particularly if you're going to be riding off the pavement. so as to give a lower center of gravity. Also, mountain bike riders often come out of the saddle to negotiate bumps, logs and other obstacles, and the lower handlebars provide a better, more balanced position in distributing the rider's body weight across both wheels.

•  Hybrids and Cruisers: With these bikes, where you're sitting much more upright (in contrast to road and mountain bikes) the handlebars will be raised correspondingly higher, approximately an inch or two (or more) higher than the seat. This means much more of your body weight will be borne by your rear, instead of your shoulders, wrists and arms.