Sizing

[Kevin Alexander]

The shop was pretty quiet to be fair, it did get busier when I was in but was expecting at least a greeting or can I help as I must have looked a bit lost as I wasnt sure what I was after, just browsing. You would think someone looking at bikes they would jump on them to try and get a sale.

 

[vickster]

Not uncommon with the big chains IMO, Halfords are pretty dire at this too!

 

[Kevin Alexander]

If possible I think I will stick to online purchases for clothing and accessories, at least that way you just click and buy.

 

[vickster]

Yes but you can't try anything on and you have the hassle of returns and waiting weeks and weeks for refunds (says she speaking from bitter experience)

 

[Kevin Alexander]

True, much better selection online though. I usually buy 2 sizes just to make sure. Means you get the right size and just return it.

Chainreaction are good at refunding.

 

[vickster]

Yes, some are better than others. Wiggle too. The advantage of CRC and Wiggle is that they send collect+ labels which are easy peasy

My bitter (and as yet unresolved) experience stems from buying two sizes and returning one ...and I had to pay for the postage

 

[Kevin Alexander]

haha, tightarse

 

[vickster]

I am down £40 And have had to open a CC dispute as the retailer doesn't answer their email or phone

 

[Kevin Alexander]

Who was it with Vickster?

 

[vickster]

Bowland outdoors, steer clear. High end stuff at good prices but zero customer service (so much so I thought they'd gone bust but apparently not)

 

[Kevin Alexander]

Will do, the stores I have been looking at online are CRC, Evans, Tredz. Will check out Edin Bike and Wiggle cycling

 

[Widge]

Bike sizing is a bit of a lottery and not an exact science IME..........but........

The best thing is to be able to try it AND have a knowledgeable bot observe you as well.
However. This just ain't possible on the interwebz and mail-order so you got to be canny.
Take note of any size calculator the website may offer..measure yourself carefully and note any guidelines about torso or arm length if given (rarely).......chances are this will apply to the THEIR bikes but not necessarily any others.
Secondly...look at the RANGE of sizes offered. The 'middle' range should equate to 'medium'
If you assume that a medium size person is 5' 8ins to 5' 10...maybe an inside leg of 30 or 32 inches...then 54-55-56cm bikes seem to fit the bill. (Mostly!)

It's all a bit approximate....but if you get it all wrong by an inch or so then don't sweat it too much....there is enough adjustment in most bikes to pretty well drop or gain aLMOST a whole size if you get clever with stems and saddles. (Not ideal but possible.) As a rule - it is easier to make a small bike slightly bigger than the other way 'round.

Can't beat trying it on first though!

 

[Kevin Alexander]

Well that is me a good few hundred quid worse off, went and sat on a few cannondale, 54cm seemed to be my fit so I have order the Cannondale from Tredz and a few other bits (shoes, shorts and a lock) really excited and cant wait to get out on it. Will post some pics up when I take delivery.

Thanks for those who replied.