Size guide
Getting the right size....
Buying a bike which is the right size, is probably the most important part of buying your new bicycle. But how do you work out what size to get?
With this guide we hope to shed a little light on the subject,.
Children's Bikes
If the child is comfortable and not too stretched on the bike, and they can manage all the controls i.e. turn the handlebars safely, reach the brake levers and operate them AND touch the floor with the ball of their foot, then there is nothing to prevent you from selecting a bike in an older age category.
12" Wheel Bikes
12" Wheels
Suitable for boys and girls from approx 2 1/2 years to 4 years. 12" is usually a child's first bike with driveable pedals and freewheel. A larger child in this age group may benefit from the slightly larger 14" wheel. These bikes usually come with training wheels which can be easily removed once your child has learnt to ride. Inside leg measurement are from 35cm to 42cm
14" Wheel Bikes
14" Wheels
Suitable for boys and girls from approx 3 years to 6 years. Like the 12" wheel bikes, 14" wheel bikes are usually supplied with training wheels. These bikes are for inside leg measurements from 40cm to 50cm.
16" Wheel Bikes
16" Wheels
Suitable for boys and girls from approx 5 years to 7 years. Once a child has learnt to ride without stabilisers (generally about age 5) they will move up to a 16" wheel cycle. These bikes normally come fitted with stabilisers but if not they can be added to virtually all 16" wheel bikes if required. This size of bike is available in a varity of styles including mountain bikes, traditional girls bikes and BMX bikes. Inside leg measurement for a 16" wheel bike is 40cm to 47cm.
18" Wheel Bikes
18" Wheels
Suitable for boys and girls from approx 6 years to 8 years. 18" wheel is the smallest bikes that come with multiple gears so you will see single speed and 6 speed bikes. Single speed bikes are simpler to use so may suit a child that is new to riding. Multiple geared bikes have a greater range and can cope with hills better. 20" wheel bikes are available in many "flavours", mountain bikes, traditional girls bikes and BMX style bikes, BMX bikes are always single speed. Inside leg measurement for these bikes falls between 45cm and 57cm.
20" Wheel Bikes
20" Wheels
Suitable for boys and girls from approx 7 years to 9 years. Once you get into the realms of 20" wheel bikes and above, you may be offered multiple frame sizes. This has the benefit of being able to fit a younger child onto a bigger wheeled bike if they are confident riders. Although you will find that size options are generally not offered on a particular model, rather that different models have different frame sizes. Inside leg requirement for 20" wheel kids bikes is between 55cm and 63cm.
24" Wheel Bikes
24" Wheels
Suitable for boys and girls from approx 8 years to 11 years. At this age most children will have truly mastered the art of cycling and may want to venture a little further afield or attempt more challenging terrain. For this reason most bikes of this size will come with gears. Inside leg measurement for 24" wheel is from 60cm to 72cm.
26" Wheel Bikes
26" Wheels
Suitable for boys and girls from approx 11 years and up. 26" wheel bikes are usually classed as adult bikes but these can be a good option to consider when buying a bike for a child in this age range.
Some 26" wheel bikes are designed primarily for kids and are produced with very small frame sizes to accommodate the younger rider. Similarly many 26" wheel adult bikes are available with smaller frame sizes (13", 14" and 15") which are suitable for this age range. Inside leg requirement between 71cm and 76cm.
How to measure for a bike
To calculate what size bike you need we need to look at your height and your inseam measurements. Your inseam is the length from your heel along the inside of your leg, to your inner thigh.
Adult Bikes
The size of the frame is measured from the top of the frame at the point where the seat post is inserted, down to the centre of the axel carrying the pedal arms (bottom bracket). So the correct size of bike for the adult rider will depend on the type of bike, the wheel size, the frame size and the riders size! Sounds complicated? It can be so we have split the bikes into the following groups.
Hybrid and Classic
Insync classic and hybrid bikes are great for the town and city. If its a short trip, perhaps a little shopping, then the classic bike is the way to go. If it's the daily commute or you fancy a longer run out, perhaps along the towpath or country trail then an Insync hybrid will get you on the right track.
Wheel sizes can vary slightly but the following chart can be used to estimate the correct frame size for you.
Adventure
If you want to venture off the black stuff and try your hand at a little off road adventure then an Insync mountain bike is the right choice for you. They come in a variety of wheel sizes so picking the correct size can be a little daunting. There are 3 wheel sizes available, 26", 27.5" and 29". The different wheel sizes have an effect on the overall height (and length) of the bike. The following chart will give you an idea of the correct frame size for you across the different wheel sizes.
Folding Commuter
Insync folding bikes feature a universal fit, quick folding frame. They run on sturdy 20" wheels and feature an extra long adjustable seat post with an extended handlebar stem. This allows riders of most shapes and sizes to get the most out of these compact bikes.
Smart size guide
If you're still unsure of the correct size of Insync bike you need then why not use our Smart Size Guide. This can be found on every bike where there is a choice of frame size too choose from. It's so easy, find the bike that you want and then hit the "Size Guide" link, the smart guide will pop-up and you can adjust the slider and the smart guide will show you the correct frame size for you based on the type of bike you are looking at and your height. Simple!
