Mountain Bike Sizing Guide
MTB’s are engineered for off-road riding. Traditionally they come with a 26″ wheel, but more recently we’ve seen the launch of 29″ and 27.5″ (650b) wheeled bikes. These new sizes offer more speed and are generally better at soaking up the bumps. MTB sizes are measured in inches or as S, M, and L frames.
Women’s MTB sizing
Women’s MTBs tend to be shorter in length, have narrower handlebars and smaller frame sizes. They also have specific saddles and often have their own colour scheme too. Like other MTBs, these designs are measured in the same way (from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube) but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try a unisex MTB.
MTB’s are measured from the centre of the bottom bracket (BB) to the top of the seat tube. To give a rider more stand over height, MTB top tubes often slope down and join the seat tube lower than road bikes. So it’s worth taking your inside leg measurement and comparing it to the manufacturers model. Always check the manufacturer’s measurements or visit a store to speak to an experienced member of staff.
Road Bike Sizing Guide
Most road bikes come in two styles – racing road bikes (long in the top tube and low at the front for faster riding) and sportive road bikes (which tend to have shorter top tubes and higher front ends for extra comfort). In recent years there’s also been a rise in cyclocross bikes, which are for more casual off road rides, and that’s led to the creation of adventure road bikes – a lightweight, drop-bar bike for a mix of terrains, roads and trails.
What’s the right road bike size for me?
This handy chart should show you the right size of road bike you need based on your height. Measure your height accurately and always check the manufacturer’s measurements too. You can also visit us in store to speak to an experienced member of staff.
Women’s road bike sizes
Many bikes are designed with the female form in mind. So they accommodate a shorter reach, narrower shoulders and smaller hands. But there’s absolutely no reason why a woman can’t ride a unisex or male bike, so don’t restrict yourself – just make sure you test ride it first.
How are road bikes measured?
The measurement shown is the distance (in cm) from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube (centre of the top of seat tube). However, some manufacturers measure their bikes slightly differently. Some will measure centre of the BB to the top of the top tube (centre to top) or centre of the BB to the centre of the top tube (centre to centre). And bear in mind that a lot of road bikes have sloping top tubes so the measurements can alter – these are often sized S, M, L and XL.
BMX Bike Sizing Guide
BMX bikes tend to come in one frame size (although there are some variations in length). It’s the wheel size that can be changed and this can be chosen depending on the height/age of the rider. Often used for either racing or performing tricks, the different styles/sizes are normally split by either ‘Race’ BMX or ‘Freestyle’ BMX.
What’s the right BMX bike size for me?
This handy chart should show you the right BMX bike you need based on your height/age. Measure your height accurately and check the manufacturer’s measurements too. You can also visit us in store to speak to an experienced member of staff. Always make sure you’re able to stand over the frame with a minimum 2cm gap between you and the top tube. As a minimum you will need at least a 23″ inside leg to be able to stand over a full size BMX bike.
How are BMX bikes measured?
When choosing a BMX you need to make sure that you are able to stand over the frame. A full sized BMX bike comes with a 20″ wheel, but there are smaller wheel sizes available for younger riders.
Hybrid Bike Sizing Guide
Hybrids are typically used for commuting or leisure riding. They often incorporate MTB styling, but with smoother and narrower tyres. Or they look like a road bike but with flat handlebars. When choosing your hybrid bike, it’s best to consider whether you’ll be riding mainly on or off-road.
What’s the right hybrid bike size for me?
This handy chart should show you the right size of hybrid bike you need based on your height. Measure your height accurately and check the manufacturer’s measurements too. You can also visit us in store to speak to an experienced member of staff. Always make sure you’re able to stand over the frame with a minimum 2cm gap between you and the top tube.
Women’s hybrid bikes
Women’s hybrids differ to male/unisex hybrids. They tend to be shorter in length with narrower handlebars and smaller frame sizes. In some cases they’ll have a step through frame where the top tube drops down, meeting the seat tube much lower. In some cases a male/unisex hybrid may suit you better.
How are hybrid bikes measured?
Hybrid bikes are measured from the centre of the bottom bracket (BB) to the top of the seat tube. You might find however that some hybrid manufacturers will measure their bikes slightly differently, depending on the style of the bike. Don’t forget you’ll need your height and your inside leg measurement. Hybrid bikes are typically sized in S, M, L and XL but there are some models that are sized in inches. This will vary depending on the brand. Always check the manufacturers measurements or visit a store to speak to a experienced member of staff.
