Use our guide to ensure you choose the correct frame size <\/p>
Riding a bike that doesn\u2019t fit is no fun. It\u2019s uncomfortable and you risk injury from being too cramped or too stretched out, but knowing what size bike you should buy can be a bit of a minefield. So here\u2019s some advice to help you find the right size road bike.<\/p>
Finding the right bike starts with the frame shape \u2013 traditional, semi-compact or compact \u2013 and size.<\/p>
Two bike models of the same stated size can also result in very different positions, so it\u2019s well worth reading up on the key numbers that affect road bike geometry<\/a>, what they mean, and how they affect fit and handling to ensure you’re buying the best road bike<\/a> for your needs.<\/p> Getting a good fit means more than just having the right size frame. It also means your bike fits at all the main contact points: saddle, handlebar and pedals. Have a read of our guide to finding the perfect road bike position<\/a>.<\/p> Beyond the main contact points, standover is also important. You need to be able to place both feet flat on the floor with at least one centimetre to spare at your crotch when standing astride the top tube.<\/p> Of course, we\u2019re not all the same shape and size, so use the information below as both a starting point and a guide. Once you\u2019ve found the right size bike and got your position close, you can make smaller adjustments to fine-tune the fit. You\u2019ll be able to get bike fit<\/a> advice in person from a bike shop.<\/p> We also recommend taking any bikes you are considering buying for a test ride to gauge how they feel in action. You want to make sure you\u2019re comfortable on a bike and check its handling.<\/p> You should also make sure there\u2019s enough range of adjustment for you to tweak the fit once you\u2019ve bought the bike. Once again, a reputable bike shop should be able to offer impartial advice, and you can also read our guide on how to buy a bike<\/a>. <\/p> Use the chart below for a rough guide on the frame size to go for. Again, we\u2019d emphasise that this is a guide and should be used as a starting point. If you\u2019re unsure, seek further advice from your local bike shop.<\/p>Road bike size chart<\/h2>
\ufeffRider height<\/th> Frame size<\/th> <\/tr><\/thead> Feet and inches<\/td> Centimetres<\/td> Effective top tube (cm)<\/td> Bike size<\/td> <\/tr> 4ft 10in \u2013 5ft<\/td> 148-152<\/td> 47-48<\/td> XXS<\/td> <\/tr> 5ft \u2013 5ft 3in<\/td> 152-160<\/td> 49-50<\/td> XS<\/td> <\/tr> 5ft 3in \u2013 5ft 6in<\/td> 160-168<\/td> 51- 3<\/td> S<\/td> <\/tr> 5ft 6in \u2013 5ft 9in<\/td> 168-175<\/td> 54-55<\/td> M<\/td> <\/tr> 5ft 9in \u2013 6ft<\/td> 175-183<\/td> 56-58<\/td> L<\/td> <\/tr> 6ft \u2013 6ft 3in<\/td> 183-191<\/td> 58-60<\/td> XL<\/td> <\/tr> 6ft 3in \u2013 6ft 6in<\/td> 191-198<\/td> 61-63<\/td> XXL<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table>