Post by Admin on Nov 16, 2014 20:10:20 GMT
Finding the right bike for you, whether your a first time buyer, or been riding for many years, may still prove difficult or undeciding to most people. We always recommend you check out Bicycle Dealerships to help you find the right one for you, but will still give you a detailed guide on whats out there and the different styles of ride to determine what is best suited to you to make your choice that much easier.
Evans Cycles
Getting the Right Sized bike
Having a bike that's the right size for you is crucial - it'll make cycling safer and more comfortable. But not everyone knows what size bike is right for them and that's where we can help.
Choosing the right one
Bikes are measured according to their frames and we sell all sorts of different sized frames at Halfords.
Just follow these 4 simple steps to find the right one for you:
- For Road Bikes: Measure your inside leg in centimetres
- For Hybrid & Mountain Bikes: Measure your inside leg in inches.
- Look at what sized frame you'll need.
- If you're in-between sizes, you'll need to work out your reach. To do this, measure your arm span and take away your height. If you're left with a positive number, try the larger frame first. If not, go with the smaller frame
Other top tips
- Make sure your tip-toes are firmly on the ground when you're sat on the saddle.
- Make sure you can easily reach and move the handlebars when you're sat on the saddle.
- Stand over the saddle and, with both feet planted on the ground, make sure there's at least 3 inches of space between you and the top bar of the bike.
Remember that a lot of bike frames are made and measured differently and you can find discrepancies in frame sizes. Check the bike's product page for more details and don't forget that we're always here to help - just pop into your local cycle store.
Road bikes
These are slim, lightweight bikes designed for speed. They are popular with commuters and racers, they can range from basic models up to top of the range time trial bikes precision engineered to be as light and fast as possible. The saddle is high and the handlebars are lower, the resulting riding position encourages you to hunch over the handlebars to use your stronger gluteus muscles and to reduce wind resistance.
Mountain bikes
These are designed for going up and down mountains. They have thick wheels and shock absorbers. They are very sturdy and are built to be durable though not especially light or fast. Typically these are popular with enthusiasts although a lot of affordable mountain bikes are often used to commute as well simply because they last.
Hybrid bikes
These are a mix of the two. They are similar to racing bikes but with thicker wheels and normally stronger but heavier frames, built for on and off road journeys. They wouldn't be suitable for extreme downhill biking but they would be excellent if you want to take a cycle trip, which includes some off road elements. They are also popular commuting bikes.
There are other more specialised kinds of bikes available such as BMX or Time Trial but these will be covered later on in our size guide.
Advantages Of Cycling
Cycling is both efficient and a fun method of transport, especially for short or medium length journeys. Using a bicycle instead of motor transport provides you with exercise, reduces the use of fossil fuels and enables you to take routes, which would be inaccessible in a car or using public transport. Bicycles are also much easier and more convenient to park although you will require a good bike lock. Cycling benefits your health as well as reducing your carbon footprint.
Selecting The Correct Frame Size
Bikes are available in a range of different frame sizes. When making an online purchase through a retailer such as eBay, the product will probably not be possible to see in person, so ensure that you pick the correct frame size to match your body for a much more comfortable and efficient ride.
The most important factors when choosing frame size are the type of bike in question, the height and body shape of the rider and finally what feels comfortable.
How Bike Frames Are Measured.
The frame size measurement is the most important indicator of a bike's size. The standard definition of this figure is the measurement from the bottom bracket (the locus of the pedals) up to the collar of the seat tube.
Bear in mind however, that a few manufacturers will measure from where the top tube and the seat tube join which will give a slightly different value. If in doubt you can always ask the buyer directly to confirm the frame size and ask how they are measuring.
It is conventional for the frame size of road bikes to be measured in centimetres and the size of hybrid or off road bikes to be given in inches. A few manufacturers will simply give standardised sizes like S, M, and L. If this is the case then match the size of frame to the size of clothing you generally wear, but don't be afraid to ask the seller to measure the frame size.
The frame size tells you the length of the frame tube however the whole bike will be in proportion, so bigger bikes won't just have a higher saddle but the handlebars will be further from the saddle etc. For this reason it can be dangerous to buy a bike which is out of proportion to the rider's body.
See the tables below to help determine which frame size is required.
Measuring Your Own Height.
When matching frame size to height you will need an accurate figure for the current height of the rider.
The easiest way of measuring height is to stand against a wall. Remove shoes and stand with legs together and back flat against the wall. Make a mark on the wall from the top of the head then measure the height from the floor to the mark. If a second person can help, it will ensure maximum accuracy.
If your height is halfway between two frame sizes then you might want to measure the ape index to help decide which frame to chose. The ape index is a measure of arm length in relation to height. It is found by measuring the length from fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched horizontally; you will definitely need someone to help you do this.
If the ape index is strongly positive then the arms are longer than the legs and therefore the rider might want to consider a larger frame size, if the ape index is strongly negative then the arms are shorter a smaller frame size should be considered.
The Stand Over Clearance
Stand over height indicates how high the bike is from the top of the top tube to the ground. When mounting and dismounting the rider will be swinging their leg over the top tube, and will need to ensure that they have adequate clearance. For road bikes they will require at least 1.5 inches and for mountain bikes a 2.5 inch clearance is recommended. The clearance is the difference between your inside leg measurement and the stand over height of the bike in question.
Normally if the correct frame size for height has been chosen this won't be a problem. However if the rider has an unusual inside leg measurement then this is another factor to consider specifically, as inadequate stand over clearance could render a new bike uncomfortable and difficult to use.
Bike Types
As mentioned briefly above bikes fall into different categories. Each type of bike varies greatly in design so although a road bike and a mountain bike might have the same size frame tube they could be vastly divergent sizes.
The correct size becomes increasingly important in relation to the desired performance of the bike. So people purchasing time trial or high end racing bikes will want to be especially careful when choosing their frame.
Mountain Bike
Road Bike
Triathlon & Time Trial bike
Evans Cycles
Getting the Right Sized bike
Having a bike that's the right size for you is crucial - it'll make cycling safer and more comfortable. But not everyone knows what size bike is right for them and that's where we can help.
Choosing the right one
Bikes are measured according to their frames and we sell all sorts of different sized frames at Halfords.
Just follow these 4 simple steps to find the right one for you:
- For Road Bikes: Measure your inside leg in centimetres
- For Hybrid & Mountain Bikes: Measure your inside leg in inches.
- Look at what sized frame you'll need.
- If you're in-between sizes, you'll need to work out your reach. To do this, measure your arm span and take away your height. If you're left with a positive number, try the larger frame first. If not, go with the smaller frame
Other top tips
- Make sure your tip-toes are firmly on the ground when you're sat on the saddle.
- Make sure you can easily reach and move the handlebars when you're sat on the saddle.
- Stand over the saddle and, with both feet planted on the ground, make sure there's at least 3 inches of space between you and the top bar of the bike.
Remember that a lot of bike frames are made and measured differently and you can find discrepancies in frame sizes. Check the bike's product page for more details and don't forget that we're always here to help - just pop into your local cycle store.
Road bikes
These are slim, lightweight bikes designed for speed. They are popular with commuters and racers, they can range from basic models up to top of the range time trial bikes precision engineered to be as light and fast as possible. The saddle is high and the handlebars are lower, the resulting riding position encourages you to hunch over the handlebars to use your stronger gluteus muscles and to reduce wind resistance.
Mountain bikes
These are designed for going up and down mountains. They have thick wheels and shock absorbers. They are very sturdy and are built to be durable though not especially light or fast. Typically these are popular with enthusiasts although a lot of affordable mountain bikes are often used to commute as well simply because they last.
Hybrid bikes
These are a mix of the two. They are similar to racing bikes but with thicker wheels and normally stronger but heavier frames, built for on and off road journeys. They wouldn't be suitable for extreme downhill biking but they would be excellent if you want to take a cycle trip, which includes some off road elements. They are also popular commuting bikes.
There are other more specialised kinds of bikes available such as BMX or Time Trial but these will be covered later on in our size guide.
Advantages Of Cycling
Cycling is both efficient and a fun method of transport, especially for short or medium length journeys. Using a bicycle instead of motor transport provides you with exercise, reduces the use of fossil fuels and enables you to take routes, which would be inaccessible in a car or using public transport. Bicycles are also much easier and more convenient to park although you will require a good bike lock. Cycling benefits your health as well as reducing your carbon footprint.
Selecting The Correct Frame Size
Bikes are available in a range of different frame sizes. When making an online purchase through a retailer such as eBay, the product will probably not be possible to see in person, so ensure that you pick the correct frame size to match your body for a much more comfortable and efficient ride.
The most important factors when choosing frame size are the type of bike in question, the height and body shape of the rider and finally what feels comfortable.
How Bike Frames Are Measured.
The frame size measurement is the most important indicator of a bike's size. The standard definition of this figure is the measurement from the bottom bracket (the locus of the pedals) up to the collar of the seat tube.
Bear in mind however, that a few manufacturers will measure from where the top tube and the seat tube join which will give a slightly different value. If in doubt you can always ask the buyer directly to confirm the frame size and ask how they are measuring.
It is conventional for the frame size of road bikes to be measured in centimetres and the size of hybrid or off road bikes to be given in inches. A few manufacturers will simply give standardised sizes like S, M, and L. If this is the case then match the size of frame to the size of clothing you generally wear, but don't be afraid to ask the seller to measure the frame size.
The frame size tells you the length of the frame tube however the whole bike will be in proportion, so bigger bikes won't just have a higher saddle but the handlebars will be further from the saddle etc. For this reason it can be dangerous to buy a bike which is out of proportion to the rider's body.
See the tables below to help determine which frame size is required.
Measuring Your Own Height.
When matching frame size to height you will need an accurate figure for the current height of the rider.
The easiest way of measuring height is to stand against a wall. Remove shoes and stand with legs together and back flat against the wall. Make a mark on the wall from the top of the head then measure the height from the floor to the mark. If a second person can help, it will ensure maximum accuracy.
If your height is halfway between two frame sizes then you might want to measure the ape index to help decide which frame to chose. The ape index is a measure of arm length in relation to height. It is found by measuring the length from fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched horizontally; you will definitely need someone to help you do this.
If the ape index is strongly positive then the arms are longer than the legs and therefore the rider might want to consider a larger frame size, if the ape index is strongly negative then the arms are shorter a smaller frame size should be considered.
The Stand Over Clearance
Stand over height indicates how high the bike is from the top of the top tube to the ground. When mounting and dismounting the rider will be swinging their leg over the top tube, and will need to ensure that they have adequate clearance. For road bikes they will require at least 1.5 inches and for mountain bikes a 2.5 inch clearance is recommended. The clearance is the difference between your inside leg measurement and the stand over height of the bike in question.
Normally if the correct frame size for height has been chosen this won't be a problem. However if the rider has an unusual inside leg measurement then this is another factor to consider specifically, as inadequate stand over clearance could render a new bike uncomfortable and difficult to use.
Bike Types
As mentioned briefly above bikes fall into different categories. Each type of bike varies greatly in design so although a road bike and a mountain bike might have the same size frame tube they could be vastly divergent sizes.
The correct size becomes increasingly important in relation to the desired performance of the bike. So people purchasing time trial or high end racing bikes will want to be especially careful when choosing their frame.
Mountain Bike
Road Bike
Triathlon & Time Trial bike
