Guide: Choose the Right Bicycle Size
Why the right bicycle size matters
Choosing the right bicycle size is crucial – both for your comfort and safety. And sitting on a bike that actually fits you makes a world of difference. We have compiled an overview of the three greatest advantages of getting a bike in the right size:
- Increased comfort: Bike size has a major impact on riding comfort. On a correctly sized bike, you sit more comfortably and relaxed, without having to stretch to reach either the handlebars or the pedals. This makes the ride more comfortable – no matter if you’re cycling short or long distances.
- Better control of the bike: When you have a correctly sized bike, you can easily reach the handles, brakes, and gears. This makes it easier for you to manoeuvre the bike on the roads. It also allows you to react to unexpected situations, which increases your safety on the road.
- Prevent injuries: The right bike can also help prevent discomfort and injury when cycling. If your bike is too big, it’s not uncommon to experience neck and shoulder pain because you tense up to keep your balance. On the other hand, if your bike is too small, you may feel discomfort in your knees and back due to an unnatural posture.
- Increased performance: In fact, with the right bike size, you can also improve your performance on the bike. You will be able to pedal with much more force, which can help you go both faster and farther.
There are therefore several important reasons to consider bicycle size when investing in a new bike. It makes your ride much more comfortable, and it also increases both your safety and performance.
Bike size and safety go hand in hand
Safety is the most important thing when riding your bike on the roads. And choosing the right bicycle size plays a key role. A bike that suits you and your body gives you much better control and balance, which is essential for riding safely on the roads.
On a correctly sized bike, you can easily reach handlebars, pedals, and brakes. This makes it easier for you to react quickly and precisely in traffic – such as when you need to brake suddenly or take quick evasive action. A bike that is too big can make it difficult to reach the ground with your feet, and it can be dangerous in critical situations. Conversely, a bike that is too small can result in an unnatural and unsafe riding posture.
The right bike size not only increases your comfort, but also your safety on the road. It is therefore important that you take your time to find the right size when investing in a new bike.
Bicycle frame size depends on bicycle type
Finding the right bike size and frame size depends on the type of bike, such as a city bike, men’s bike, BMX, or mountain bike.
City bike
A city bike is designed to be comfortable and easy to ride. It usually has a low frame so you can easily step on and off the bike, and an upright riding posture that gives you a good overview when you move in traffic. If you are looking for a city bike, you will typically need a slightly smaller frame size. Therefore, if, according to your measurements, you are right between two sizes, it is a good idea to choose the smaller size.
Men’s bike
Men’s bikes usually have a higher top tube, which means that the frame size can feel taller than on an equivalent women’s bike. Therefore, when choosing a men’s bike, make sure that there is enough space between your body and the top tube when you stand over the bike. This ensures that you have enough room to manoeuvre – and to prevent injuries.
BMX
BMX bikes are a completely different story. They are created for tricks and fast movements, and this places some very special requirement on the bike size. It is important to have a bike that is easy to handle, which is why a BMX bike is also smaller than normal bikes. When it comes to a BMX, it is often one-size-fits-all, but you are able to adjust and adapt the different parts of the bike to suit you.
Mountain bike
A mountain bike is built to tackle challenging terrain and steep hills. The bike typically has a higher frame, which therefore results in a more stooped riding posture. This gives you better control and allows youto pedal with more force. If you’re investing in a new mountain bike, you’ll often need a slightly larger frame size.
Are you between two bike sizes?
What do you do if you are right between two bike sizes – should you choose the larger or smaller model? The best advice is to try both sizes and choose the one that feels most comfortable to you.
It’s important to remember that there are many factors that come into play when choosing the right bike size – such as your body type, riding style, and personal preferences. Therefore, if you are right between two sizes, it’s a good idea to try both sizes before making a decision.
Some people prefer a larger bike because they feel it offers more control and stability – especially on longer rides. Others prefer a smaller bike because they feel it offers more flexibility and manoeuvrability – especially in city traffic.
That’s why it’s a good idea to test ride both bikes if possible, so you can find out how each bike size feels. Are you more comfortable on the larger or smaller bike? Do you feel that you have good control over the bike? Can you easily reach the pedals and handlebars?
Children’s bicycle sizes
Does your child need a new bike? Parents often tend to choose a bike that is slightly too big so that the child can have the bike for longer. But it’s important that you choose the correct frame size for your child right now – for both ease of use and safety.
When buying a children’s bike, the child’s height and age determine which frame size to choose.
Please note that the above measurements are guidelines only. This means that if your child is taller or shorter than average for their age, you need to adjust the bike size accordingly.
View our children’s and junior bikes here
What about wheel size?
When looking at a new bike, you will often see the number of inches. Here it is important to understand that this number does not refer to the bike size, but rather to the size of the wheels. And wheel size plays a major role on the type of terrain the bike is best suited for. The choice therefore depends on how you will mainly use the bike.
- 26-inch wheels are often found on mountain bikes, and the wheels are especially good for technical tracks with many turns and obstacles.
- 5-inch wheels are a middle ground between 26 and 29 inches. This means they make the bike both quick and easy to manoeuvre – ideal for both the road and the forest.
- 28-inch wheels are the standard on most city bikes and men’s bikes. They are great for cycling to and from work.
- 29-inch wheels are popular on mountain bikes. They easily roll over obstacles and maintain speed. However, this makes them less manoeuvrable.
Always try out the bike to determine bike size
Even if you spend time measuring your height or stride length to determine the correct frame size, it’s important that you try out the bike before you buy it. You can’t measure everything in advance, since there may be variations from brand to brand and from model to model.
When you try out the bike, you get a good sense of how you sit on it and whether you can reach the ground with both feet when sitting on the saddle. You can feel if the handlebars are within a comfortable range and if you can reach the brakes and gears without any problems.
Remember to set the bike correctly
Once you have found the right bike size, it’s important that you set the bike correctly afterwards. Even if you have the perfect frame size, your ride can still be uncomfortable if your bike isn’t set correctly.
- Your saddle should be at a height that allows you to reach the ground with your toes when sitting on the saddle. That way, you can easily keep your balance when you need to start and stop. At the same time, you should also be able to stretch your leg all the way out when the pedal is in the bottom position. If your saddle is too low, your knees can quickly get sore.
- You also need to set the distance between the saddle and handlebars. Here it is important that you can reach the handlebars without stretching too much. If you stretch too much, your neck and shoulders can quickly get sore.
- You should also set the handlebar height. It’s a good idea to start with the handlebars at the same height as the saddle. If you feel that you are a little too bent over, you can raise the handlebars slightly.
Once you’ve found the right bike size and set your bike correctly, you’ll find that your ride will be much more comfortable. And remember that it’s always a good idea to regularly adjust the bike to suit you.
