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XC SKIS & BOOTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE IN STORE AFTER MARCH 14, 2024 AS WE MAKE ROOM FOR BIKES

GETTING STARTED: Bike Sizing Guide for Online Shoppers

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed bike shopping for the foreseeable future. The stock shortages that we’ve experienced for the past two years will be more noticeable than ever this summer, and it’s possible that next summer will exhibit the same issues again. With such low stock, we are finding that many of our bikes are being sold online as soon as we receive them. This means for many people, that getting the bike they want means ordering it online, sight unseen, which can be an uncomfortable experience, especially given that a bike is a very personal and expensive item.

This guide aims to provide enough information that you can purchase the right size of bike with confidence this year.

Each manufacturer provides a sizing chart specific to each model of bike. These are the best tools to use to assess the best bike size for you. Our website provides the sizing charts from the manufacturer on the right side of the page:


These sizing charts provide a range of heights that will comfortably fit on each size of bike. There is overlap between sizes, as shown here (Giant Escape 1 Chart):

If you’re in the middle of one of the ranges, it’s easy to determine the size. 

If you’re between two sizes, and you have all options available, you should pick the size that leaves you closer to the top end of the range for your size.

This means you should probably buy the smaller bike. If you imagine yourself as a coiled spring able to uncoil to deliver power into your bike, you’d prefer to be more coiled (within the size chart boundaries), which leaves more room to put power into the bike. Furthermore, If you find that your bike feels too small, it is easier to lengthen the cockpit than it is to shrink it without compromising how the steering feels.

So, by the chart above, a rider who is 5’7” could own a Medium-sized Escape 1 and be very happy with it. If the Small was an option at time of purchase, however, it would likely be the better choice.

Remember to only consult the sizing chart for the specific bike that you are interested in.

If you have especially long limbs (long arms etc.), it’s still best to trust the sizing charts. They were designed with all sorts of people in mind.

Sizing for bikes with drop handlebars (Giant Contend AR 2 Sizing Chart shown):

Higher performance bikes will have more sizes available so that riders can get the performance they’re looking for no matter their height. The same philosophy applies here: being in the middle of the range is the best, but being at the top is better than the bottom. Probably someone who is exactly 6’2” (and therefore fits into 3 sizes) should be on the Large, could very happily ride on the Medium-Large, and probably would prefer to do so than to try to fit the Extra Large.

Again, make sure that the sizing chart you are using is specific to the model you are interested in. The chart above is accurate only for the Giant Contend AR bikes.

Sometimes sizes will be provided in centimeter measurements rather than S-M-L sizing.Typically the sizes will line up as follows:

Size

Centimetre (cm)

48XXS
50XS
52SM
54MD
56M/L
 58 LG
 61 XL

Subject to change depending on specific bikes.

Hopefully this info provides some confidence in figuring out your size without seeing the bike. If you still have questions, send an email to sales@freshairexp, and we’ll get back to you via email or phone.