In Between Sizes?

If your inseam or height measurement falls on the half inch, you’ll need to take an extra measurement to help decide which size frame would best suit your body shape.  The length of your upper body will determine how long your reach is.  The charmingly named ‘Ape Index’ is calculated by comparing your outstretched arm span to your height (see diagram). Only if your arm span is greater should you plump for the bigger size.  

Picking the Right Bike Size for Your Child

First of all, you need to know that, in contrast to how adult bikes are sized, children’s bike sizes relate to the diameter of the wheels – all the way from 12” (found on most balance bikes) to 24” which is usually regarded as the last stop for juniors before they qualify for adult bikes.  Of course, there are sometimes very striking size differences between kids who are the same age so, wherever possible, get your child to actually sit on the bike so you can assess its suitability.

As an alternative (or even as a scientific check for your own observations), our handy size calculator is programmed to cater for children too. Just as with adult bikes, you’ll need their inseam and height measurements but then you’ll be in a much better place to make an informed choice.  One final point to note is that bike frame design can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Above all, you need to ensure that the bike’s standover height is lower than your child’s inseam.  This is especially important for youngsters who may still be lacking confidence on two wheels.

The minimum seatpost height is the other key dimension. On balance bikes this should be no higher than your child’s inseam.  On a first pedal bike it can be as much as an inch higher than their inseam but by the time he or she is a confident cyclist it’s fine to go for a minimum seatpost height which is up to 3 inches more than their inseam.

How to Adjust Your Bike for the Perfect Fit

Any good retailer will be happy to show you the best way to set your bike up but, in the event that you have to do it yourself, here’s what you need to know. 

Step 1: Adjusting Seat Height

The ideal way to do this is while the bike is stationary, so if you’ve got a bike training stand, you can use it for stability.  Otherwise get someone to hold it for you.  Place the balls of your dominant foot on one pedal in the six o’clock position.  The ideal fit should mean that there is a slight bend in your knee, so lower or raise the seat post until it’s just right.

Step 2:  Adjusting Seat ‘Layback’

The saddle’s lateral position is called the layback.  To check that you have the right layback, sit on your bike with your feet on the pedals in a level position.  Hold a weighted line down over the front of your kneecap. The weight should fall just in front of the pedal axle.

Step 3: Adjusting Reach

A bike’s reach measurement will decide how far you need to lean forward to hold your handlebars.  This isn’t something you should adjust by changing the seat’s layback though.  Instead this can be finely tuned by raising or lowering the head tube (the main pivoting tube which goes down to the forks).  While reach eventually comes down to personal preference, a good guide is for your back to lean forward at about 45,° and your arms to extend at roughly 90° down from your shoulders to your handlebars.

Summary

We believe that using our bike calculator and following the advice we’ve given here will set you up for every success on the saddle.  However, the best advice is always to listen to your body.  If you’re getting aches and pains somewhere along the way you might need to tinker with your setup and adjust something. 

Finally, it’s worth noting that there are bound to be minor manufacturing differences between brands which may affect how their size frame stacks up against a competitor’s.  With prices continuing to rise, it makes sense to do your research (and you’re here already, so well done!)  Fortunately, some brands allow you to do more than just ‘kick the tires’ before you part with your money so keep an eye out for retailers who’ll let you have a proper road trial in exchange for some ID or for MTB events like the ones at Outerbike which let you test bikes in the most demanding conditions.