How to choose the right size bikeUpdated a year ago
Summary
Choosing the correct size bike frame is essential for comfort, control, and performance. A well-fitting frame prevents strain on the body, enhances safety, and ensures efficient power transfer for better riding posture and endurance. The right frame size also minimizes injury risks and improves the overall cycling experience, making rides more enjoyable and frequent.
Transcript
When buying a bike online, there are a few things that you need to consider. Firstly, what style of riding are you going to be using it for? Because clearly, there are different options like mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and road bikes. They're all unique at doing different things.
When sizing up your bike, the first thing to do is check the manufacturer's size guide. At Sonder, we have that on every single bike link so you can decide which size is going to be right for you. If you're not 100% sure, try measuring your inseam and your reach length, and that should hopefully give you an even more precise measurement that you can use against the size guide.
Pick the right bike. If you're in between sizes, you should think about the sort of riding that you're going to be doing. If you're wanting a little bit more of a responsive ride, you might want to go for the slightly smaller version of the frame. Because you're on the limit, it doesn't make a huge amount of difference to you, but for that more responsive ride, the smaller frame would probably do the job. If you're wanting a slightly more relaxed geometry or you're going bikepacking, for example, you might want to size up. It gives you more space for bikepacking bags and gives you a bit more of a comfortable ride.
To measure your inseam, take a tape measure and start at the top of your crotch and measure down to the bottom of your ankle. To measure your reach, you're going to have to get a friend. Stick your arms out as wide as they can go, and they're going to measure from fingertip to fingertip.
I hope you found that video useful. If you have any further questions or anything we haven't answered in this video, we're always on hand to answer them, so either give us a call or drop us an email. We'd be happy to help. Here at Outkit, we're all about going nice places and doing good things. So, if you've got a fantastic story or a great picture you want to share with us, feel free to send it across to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. Thank you.