Selecting the most appropriate bike for your style of riding and your size will ensure maximum performance, safety and comfort.

Selecting the Right Size

How a bike fits is critical to safe, fun riding. A bike that's too big will be difficult to control. One that's too small will be awkward and uncomfortable. To avoid injuries and accidents, you want to find the size that's just right.

Our bikes are measured by wheel size; they range from 12" to 26." To figure out what size is right for you, use this simple chart as a basic guide:

These sizes included overlapping ages because people vary in size. A general rule of thumb is to give yourself at least one inch of clearance between your body and the top tube when you are straddling the top tube with both feet flat on the ground. Because bike frames are shaped differently, the right size bike may provide you with more than one inch of clearance.

Once you've found the proper size, the next step is to adjust the seat height. Setting the seat too high can make the bike unstable. Setting it too low diminishes rider efficiency. To maximize pedaling efficiency, adjust the seat so that while you're in a seated position in the middle of the saddle, your leg is almost fully extended when your heel is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Make sure to allow for a slight knee bend when your heel is at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Selecting the Right Style

Think about what you'd like to be able to do on your bike. Will you use it strictly for commuting? Will you use it primarily for off-road riding? Or are you looking for a versatile bike that is suited for a number of different riding occasions? Use the following definitions to identify what type of bike will best suit your riding needs: