What Size Bike Do I Need?
Choosing the correct bike size is one of the most important steps when buying a bicycle. Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider, the right size makes a huge difference to your comfort, control, and performance. If you’ve ever asked yourself what size bike do I need?, then you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we answer at Cycle Revival in Heathfield!
At Cycle Revival, we have been helping cyclists of all ages and abilities find the perfect fit for over 30 years. Every rider is different, so the perfect size for you will depend not just on your height, but also on your riding style, preferences, and the type of bike you choose.
Why Is Bike Size So Important?
Riding a bike that’s too big or too small isn’t just uncomfortable — it can also affect your efficiency and even lead to injuries. When your bike fits correctly, you’ll be able to ride for longer without aches and pains, and you’ll handle the bike more confidently, especially on descents, tight corners, or rougher surfaces.
The question what size bike do I need certainly matters for every type of rider. Even a short commute to work can feel unpleasant if you’re constantly overstretched, while off-road riders need a frame that offers control and stability on technical terrain.
Understanding Bike Sizing
Bike sizing can feel confusing because different types of bikes are measured in different ways. Road bikes typically use centimetres to measure the frame (usually from the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube), while mountain bikes often use inches. Hybrid bikes tend to follow mountain bike sizing, but they have a more relaxed geometry, which allows for more flexibility.
Here’s a handy reference table to get you started. These are general guidelines — for the most accurate fit, we always recommend popping into Cycle Revival for expert advice and to try a few bikes in person.
Road Bike Size Chart
| Rider Height | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|
| 5’0” – 5’3” | 48 – 50 cm |
| 5’3” – 5’6” | 51 – 53 cm |
| 5’6” – 5’9” | 54 – 56 cm |
| 5’9” – 6’0” | 57 – 59 cm |
| 6’0” – 6’3” | 60 – 62 cm |
Mountain Bike Size Chart
| Rider Height | Frame Size (inches) |
|---|---|
| 5’0” – 5’3” | 13 – 14” |
| 5’3” – 5’6” | 15 – 16” |
| 5’6” – 5’9” | 17 – 18” |
| 5’9” – 6’0” | 19 – 20” |
| 6’0” – 6’3” | 21 – 22” |
Hybrid Bike Size Chart
| Rider Height | Frame Size (inches) |
|---|---|
| 5’0” – 5’3” | 13 – 14” |
| 5’3” – 5’6” | 15 – 16” |
| 5’6” – 5’9” | 17 – 18” |
| 5’9” – 6’0” | 19 – 20” |
| 6’0” – 6’3” | 21 – 22” |
What About Women’s and Kids’ Bikes?
Women’s bikes are often designed with shorter top tubes and narrower handlebars to match typical female body proportions, though plenty of women find unisex bikes fit perfectly well too. The best way to be sure is to sit on a few bikes and see what feels right.
For children, bike sizes work differently. Instead of frame size, kids’ bikes are usually sized by wheel diameter. Here’s a quick guide to help:
Kids’ Bike Size Chart
| Age | Wheel Size |
|---|---|
| 2 – 4 years | 12” |
| 4 – 6 years | 14” – 16” |
| 6 – 8 years | 18” |
| 8 – 11 years | 20” |
| 11+ years | 24” |
At Cycle Revival, we always recommend bringing children into the shop to try a bike in person — it’s the best way to ensure the perfect fit and a safe, confident ride.
What Size Bike Do I Need for a Brompton or Electric Bike?
If you’re looking at a Brompton folding bike or an electric bike, sizing works a little differently. Bromptons come in one main frame size, with adjustable seat posts and handlebars to suit different rider heights. Electric bikes generally follow the same sizing principles as standard bikes, but because they’re heavier, a stable and comfortable fit is even more important. Our team at Cycle Revival are Brompton specialists and electric bike experts, so we can guide you through your options and set up the bike to fit you perfectly.
How to Check if Your Bike Fits
Even if the frame size is correct, small adjustments to your saddle height, handlebar position, and stem length can make a big difference to your comfort. When you visit Cycle Revival, we offer a free basic bike fit with every bike purchased to ensure you’re set up correctly.
The key things to check include:
- You should have a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
- You should be able to stand over the top tube with around 2-3cm clearance.
- You should feel relaxed and comfortable reaching the handlebars — not stretched out or cramped.
For more detailed adjustments, we also offer professional bike fitting services, perfect for performance cyclists or anyone who wants to maximise comfort and efficiency.
What Size Bike Do I Need?
If you’re still asking yourself what size bike do I need? then the best solution is to visit us at Cycle Revival in Heathfield. We stock a wide range of bikes from trusted brands like Giant, Brompton, Whyte and Marin — and we don’t just sell you a bike, we make sure it’s the perfect size and fit for you.
Our East Sussex shop offers a wide range of bikes, including road bikes, hybrids, and electric options, perfect for winter cycling. Need a tune-up before hitting the road? Our experienced technicians provide top-notch servicing and repairs to keep your bike in tip-top condition. We stock a wide range of children’s bikes, electric bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, adventure bikes, women’s bikes and trikes, all from our cycle shop in Heathfield. Give the shop a call on 01435 866118, email or fill out our contact form for more information. We also offer bike service and repair too!
