Whether you’re a well seasoned rider, or returning to the saddle, with the multitude of bicycles available and their varying price points, selecting the right bike can prove somewhat mind boggling! This article provides you with key information, to help you make an informed purchasing decision on the right bike for you.
Rightbike – Frequently Asked Questions
Before you commit to buying a bike, ask yourself the following questions to help drill down on the right type of bicycle for you:-
- What type of cycling will you be doing? Will you be commuting to work? Cycling for leisure? Do you prefer to cycle on the road or off? Are you a competitive cyclist?
- What is your budget? When it comes to sports equipment, our advice is to get the best you can afford, because in terms of quality components, features, durability and ride, it will be a better investment – especially if you are planning to use it more regularly. A good starting point for a basic leisure bicycle is £250 and they go uphill from there!
- Where will you store your bicycle? If you don’t have a secure, weatherproof place then we do not recommend storing your bike outside! Metal + Outside elements = Rust and decay.
- Will you be looking to carry bags, shopping etc.on your bike? If you’d prefer to carry a bag on your bike then you will need a bike that can take a rear or front rack, not all bikes can accommodate them!
Types of Bicycles
From road racers, TT’s, sportif endurance, touring, folding, electric and more – there are so many different bikes available! Read our blog here to find out more about the variety of bicycles available on the market.
Bike Sizing – Making Sure Your Bike Fits You
One size definitely does not fit all! Just like a great suit, a great bike is built around you and the style of riding you want to do. Whilst the size of the bike will depend upon your riding discipline, you can use the below as a good reference guide:-
- Measure Your Height. To find the correct sized bike, your height and inside leg measurement are required. If you are on the cusp of a size range, you will then need to determine your ape index. (Your arm span minus your height). If yours is positive, you need to opt for the larger size; and if it’s negative you will need to go for the smaller size.
- Stand Over Height. Stand over height is how tall the frame is from the ground to the top of the top-tube. Ideally you’ll need at least 2cm clearance between you and the frame to allow for jumping off the saddle quickly. A good rule of thumb for stand over height is your inside leg measurement, less 2 cm, (making sure you measure yourself with your shoes on!)
- The Type Of Bike. The type or style of riding you do will affect the size of the bike you need. For example, a cross country racer wanting a flatter and speedier mountain bike may prefer a size larger than they would normally take, and a mountain biker who likes to push the boundaries and ride more aggressively might select a slightly smaller framed bike. Check out our tables below for suggested sizing.
Road Bikes
| Rider Height | Suggested Road Bike Size | ||
| Centimetres | Feet & Inches | Frame Size (cm) | |
| 148 – 152 | 4’10” – 5’0″ | XX-Small
(47 – 48) |
View our XX-Small bikes |
| 152 – 160 | 5’0″ – 5’3″ | X-Small
(49 – 50) |
View our X-Small bikes |
| 160 – 168 | 5’3″ – 5’6″ | Small
(51 – 53) |
View our Small bikes |
| 168 – 175 | 5’6″ – 5’9″ | Medium
(54 – 55) |
View our Medium bikes |
| 175 – 183 | 5’9″ – 6’0″ | Large
(56 – 58) |
View our Large bikes |
| 183 – 191 | 6’0″ – 6’3″ | X-Large
(58 – 60) |
View our X-Large bikes |
| 191 – 198 | 6’3″ – 6’6″ | XX-Large
(61 – 63) |
View our XX-Large bikes |
Mountain Bike
| Rider Height | Suggested Mountain Bike Frame Size | |||
| Centimetres | Feet & Inches | Frame Size (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | |
| 148 – 158 | 4’10” – 5’2″ | 33 – 37 | 13” – 14” | View our X-Small bikes |
| 158 – 168 | 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 38 – 42 | 15” – 16” | View our Small bikes |
| 168 – 178 | 5’6″ – 5′ 10″ | 43 – 47 | 17” – 18” | View our Medium bikes |
| 178 – 185 | 5’10” – 6’1” | 48 – 52 | 19” – 20” | View our Large bikes |
| 185 – 193 | 6’1” – 6’4” | 53 – 57 | 21” – 22” | View our X-Large bikes |
| 193 – 198 | 6’4” – 6’6” | 58 – 61 | 23” – 24” | View our XX-Large bikes |
Hybrid Bike
| Rider Height | Suggested Hybrid Bike Frame Size | |||
| Centimetres | Feet & Inches | Frame Size (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | |
| 148 – 158 | 4’10” – 5’2″ | 33 – 37 | 13” – 14” | View our X-Small bikes |
| 158 – 168 | 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 38 – 42 | 15” – 16” | View our Small bikes |
| 168 – 178 | 5’6″ – 5’10” | 43 – 47 | 17” – 18” | View our Medium bikes |
| 178 – 185 | 5’10” – 6’1” | 48 – 52 | 19” – 20” | View our Large bikes |
| 185 – 193 | 6’1” – 6’4” | 53 – 57 | 21” – 22” | View our X-Large bikes |
| 193 – 198 | 6’4” – 6’6” | 58 – 61 | 23” – 24” | View our XX-Large bikes |
Kids Bikes
| Rider Height | Suggested Kids Bike Frame Size | ||||
| Centimetres | Feet & Inches | Inside Leg (min) | Rider Age | Suggested Wheel | |
| Up to 90 cm | Up to 3’ | n/a | Under 2 years | n/a | View our balance bikes |
| 90 – 105 | 3’ – 3’5” | 40 cm | 2 – 4 years | 12” | View our 12” kids bikes |
| 105 – 118 | 3’5” – 3’9” | 46 cm | 4 – 7 years | 14” – 16” | View our 14-16” kids bikes |
| 118 – 135 | 3’9” – 4’5” | 53 cm | 7 – 10 years | 18” – 20” | View our 18-20” kids bikes |
| 135 – 150 | 4’5” – 5’ | 62 cm | 10 – 13 years | 24” | View our 24” kids bikes |
| 150 cm + | 5’ + | 69 cm | 13 years + | 26” – 27.5” | View our 26” – 27.5” kids bikes |
Time Trial / Triathlon Bike
| Rider Height | Suggested Triathlon Bike Frame Size | ||
| Centimetres | Feet & Inches | Frame Size (cm) | |
| 148 – 152 | 4’10” – 5’0″ | XX-Small
(47 – 48) |
View our XX-Small bikes |
| 152 – 160 | 5’0″ – 5’3″ | X-Small
(49 – 50) |
View our X-Small bikes |
| 160 – 168 | 5’3″ – 5’6″ | Small
(51 – 53) |
View our Small bikes |
| 168 – 175 | 5’6″ – 5’9″ | Medium
(54 – 55) |
View our Medium bikes |
| 175 – 183 | 5’9″ – 6’0″ | Large
(56 – 58) |
View our Large bikes |
| 183 – 191 | 6’0″ – 6’3″ | X-Large
(58 – 60) |
View our X-Large bikes |
| 191 – 198 | 6’3″ – 6’6″ | XX-Large
(61 – 63) |
View our XX-Large bikes |
BMX
| Rider Height | Suggested BMX Bike Size | |||
| Centimetres | Feet & Inches | Rider Age | Wheel Size | |
| 110 – 122 | 3’7” – 4’0” | 5 – 7 years | 16” | View our XX-Small bikes |
| 122 – 147 | 4’0” – 4’10” | 7 – 11 years | 18” | View our X-Small bikes |
| 147 – 193 | 4’10” – 6’4” | 11 + years | 20” | View our Small bikes |
Electric Bike
| Rider Height | Suggested Electric Bike Frame Size | |||
| Centimetres | Feet & Inches | Frame Size (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | |
| 148 – 158 | 4’10” – 5’2″ | 33 – 37 | 13” – 14” | View our X-Small bikes |
| 158 – 168 | 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 38 – 42 | 15” – 16” | View our Small bikes |
| 168 – 178 | 5’6″ – 5′ 10″ | 43 – 47 | 17” – 18” | View our Medium bikes |
| 178 – 185 | 5’10” – 6’1” | 48 – 52 | 19” – 20” | View our Large bikes |
| 185 – 193 | 6’1” – 6’4” | 53 – 57 | 21” – 22” | View our X-Large bikes |
| 193 – 198 | 6’4” – 6’6” | 58 – 61 | 23” – 24” | View our XX-Large bikes |
Rightbike Fitting
Whilst we can measure up the traditional way, at Rightbike we have invested in a Scott approved Smartfit by Radlabor. Used worldwide, this clever machine provides a fast and accurate way of finding the optimal bike size and position for each customer. If you’d like a professional bike fitting, feel free to pop in-store and see the Rightbike team.
