Bicycles come in a variety of frame sizes and styles. One model of bike might have two or three frame sizes meant to fit different sizes of riders. While people of average height can ride most model sizes comfortably, and while the seat height can be raised or lowered several inches in each direction to customize your ride, both taller riders and shorter riders want to pay particular attention to the frame sizes they get. If a taller rider gets a frame size too small for them, they will experience an uncomfortable ride and they will pedal in an inefficient manner. If a shorter rider gets a frame size too large for them, they will find it difficult to get on the bike and will experience problems with balance when coming to a stop (as they won't be able to get their feet on the ground without tipping over.)
Here are some tips to determine if a bike frame is right for you:
When you are sitting on the bike, and the pedal is at the lowest position, is your leg completely extended? You should be able to touch the ground with the tips of your toes when you're sitting on the bike. An extended leg will give full power when riding the bike. You're more efficient (why waste energy?) and protected from strain on your knees. If you pedal the bike and your knees are parallel to the ground at the highest point, this bike is too small. If you can't touch the floor when you're sitting on the seat, the bike is too high. Keep in mind that most bikes allow for an adjustable seat post, and many models, such as folding bikes, do not have frame sizes. You can simply move the seat to achieve the best position.
Many bikes are measured in either inches or centimeters. Sizes can vary from rider to rider, but generally, we follow these guidelines:
Keep in mind, these ranges are just approximations. You'll find varying ranges listed elsewhere, as there is no set standard. In reality, no matter your height, people have different builds. Two people of the same height can have drastically different proportions: one might have long legs, while the other might have shorter legs. To be as accurate as possible, you'll want to measure your inseam (standing up, along the inside of your leg from your crotch to the floor.)
Okay, so you've taken your measurements. Now what? The frame measurements (16", 18", 20", 21" or what have you) measure the vertical seat tube (not to be confused with the adjustable seat post) on the main frame. The measurement begins from the bottom bracket (the cylindrical part of the lower frame in which the pedal cranks are affixed) and goes up to the top of the seat tube, the point at which the seat post enters the main frame.
Now, before you get out your measuring tape to go to the bike store, here is another point of reference: When standing in front of the seat, the highest point of your inseam should be at least one inch above the top tube of the frame. If you cannot stand flat over the top tube of the bike, it is too large.
Note: The frame measurements are not to be confused with the wheel sizes. Wheel sizes can come in at 16", 18", 20" (most BMX's), 24", 26" (the standard wheel size in the U.S.), and 700C/27" (often found on racing bikes and European models.) The wheel measurements are independent of the frame size; when a bike is labelled as an 18" bike, the measurement is referring to the frame size specifically.
Don't want to worry about frame sizes? We carry a variety of folding bikes and electric bikes that have a one-size-fits-all frame. These bikes can be adjusted to accommodate any rider, despite their height. Here are a few models we'd recommend:
Most of our folding bikes have a low top tube and an adjustable seat post, so anyone from 5'1" to 6'4" can ride a bike like this. Dahon folding bikes have adjustable seat posts and handlebars, while Brompton folding bikes allow extensions for taller riders. Though folding bikes generally have smaller wheels, they tend to be great commuter bikes because of their compact folded shape, as well as their durable frames.
Though some of our electric bikes have frame sizes, we do have bikes with step-through frames and adjustable handlebars. It's easier to ride these bikes because the electric motor takes over and does most of the work. Even if an electric bike doesn't fit exactly according to the specifications above, you won't run into any knee strain or discomfort due to position, since the motor is doing most of the work. Some of the best one-size-fits-all electric bikes are the Sanyo Eneloop Electric Bike, the Ecobike Elegance, the IF Reach DC (which also happens to fold!), and the customizable BionX electric conversion kit, which can change a standard bicycle to an electric bike.
