On Your Bike

THE RIGHT BIKE

Selecting the right bicycle for your needs will involve choosing both its type and its size. As far as size, each bike of a given model has the same wheel size. Frame sizes vary, however, in order to fit riders of different heights. For more sizing info, see below.

WHEEL SIZE

Wheels for bikes typically come in three basic sizes. Most of our road bikes and hybrids have wheels marked 700c, a common metric size. Older road bikes may have somewhat larger 27-inch wheels, while nearly all mountain bikes have 26-inch wheels.

Some special bicycles -- recumbents and time trial bikes, for example -- have other wheel sizes.

FRAME SIZE

Bicycle manufacturers usually offer several frame sizes for each model in their lines. Each bike's frame size is defined by the physical length of its seat tube. Although bike makers vary on how they measure this length, all OYB bicycles and framesets are measured "center to center," from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the seat tube/top tube joint.

Units (inches or centimeters) shown for each listing reflect the manufacturer's dimensional preference. (To convert centimeters to inches, multiply by .4 or use our Metri-Sizer. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54.)

WHAT SIZE DO I NEED?

A correctly sized frame is big enough to put seat and handlebars in a comfortable position, but small enough to straddle during unexpected stops. For proper fit, allow for the following amounts of clearance when you are standing over the top tube of your bike:

  • Road bicycles -- 1-2 inches of clearance

  • Hybrids -- 1-4 inches of clearance

  • Mountain bicycles -- 2-6 inches of clearance.

If you have access to bikes of various known sizes, step over a few to establish your range of suitable frame sizes. (When women's models are not available, try men's diamond frames for reference.) If comparative bikes aren't handy, measure the distance from your crotch to the floor when you are standing in riding shoes, then subtract 9-10 inches for road bikes, 9-12 inches for hybrids, and 10-14 inches for MTBs to approximate your frame size range.

Size options can be limited in the used bike market. Our customers often consider two general sizing conventions during their final bicycle or frameset selections:

  • In most cases, a frame near the small end of your size range will offer slightly greater performance than one near the large end.

  • For greater comfort and a more upright riding position, choose the frame that measures a bit on the large side.