--- title: A Guide to Cycle Frame Sizes date: 2022-08-30T15:16:00+01:00 author: Bob Andrews canonical_url: "https://www.assetsure.com/bicycles/bicycle-insurance/cycle-frame-guide/" section: News --- Our Customers Love Us! Bicycle Insurance [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/assetsure.com) [Home](/) › [Bicycle Insurance](https://www.assetsure.com/bicycles/) › [Bicycle Insurance](https://www.assetsure.com/bicycles/bicycle-insurance/) › [A Guide to Cycle Frame Sizes](https://www.assetsure.com/bicycles/bicycle-insurance/cycle-frame-guide/) # A Guide to Cycle Frame Sizes Just about every cyclist will have had some experience of riding a bike that just wasn’t the right size and which, as a result, was uncomfortable. Riding an inappropriately sized bike can also be dangerous – so it’s something best avoided. Here is a quick overview of some of the issues you will need to take into account when selecting the size of your bicycle frame. ## The old days of Cycle Frames If you are much above a certain age, you might remember the days when bikes were measured primarily based upon the size of their wheels. Today, a greater degree of precision and science is involved and that includes a number of metrics: - Your own height and to some extent build. For example, you can be relatively tall but have moderately short legs. The reverse is equally true; - The frame size. This is typically measured from the centre of the crank axle to the top of the tube seat but just to make things a little more complicated, not all manufacturers use the same measure. Some may simply describe it as small, medium or large frame or even measure from the crank to the crossbar; - The stand height. That is normally the distance from the top of the crossbar to your crotch. If that’s sounds slightly odd, it actually has a very practical purpose – that of trying to make sure that some of your delicate regions won’t come into contact with the crossbar if you hop off of the saddle when at a traffic light etc; - The type of bike you’re choosing. The characteristics of touring bikes, trail bikes and sport performance machines plus all the other varieties of modern bicycle around are all very different to each other. To some extent this is a question of simply understanding the feel of a given frame and how it looks against the body of an individual cyclist. ## Using the metrics Choosing a bike with an appropriately sized frame isn’t something that necessarily can be done by simply keying some of the above figures into a calculator and getting out the magical answer. To a very large extent, judgement and experience are critically important – just as they might be in getting an expert to help you if you had to select a suit or have one made for you. Most professional bicycle retailers will have qualified staff on hand who will be able to take some of the above measures and then to start to think about an appropriate frame and indeed overall bike size for you. Important as all the above science is when selecting a bicycle, it’s equally important that you feel comfortable on the bike you are considering purchasing and using. This is far more than simply about the business of selecting a comfortable saddle – critical as that may prove to be! This is about the overall geometric relationship of the bike’s frame and wheels to the proportions of your body. For example, your seating position and angle may be quite different depending on the type of bike you select and the way you plan to ride it. Ultimately there is little alternative but to take yourself along to a reputable specialist shop and put yourself in their hands. Remember that the little extra time spent selecting a bike frame that is suitable for you will yield results both in terms of your comfort, safety and cycling performance. ## Latest News & Advice [![Types of Bicycle Valve](/assets/uploads/images/_800x405_crop_center-center_none/tyre-valve.webp)](https://www.assetsure.com/bicycles/bicycle-insurance/types-of-bicycle-valve/) ### [Types of Bicycle Valve](https://www.assetsure.com/bicycles/bicycle-insurance/types-of-bicycle-valve/) There are several types of bicycle valves, each with its own unique design and characteristics. In this article, we'll delve into the various types of bicycle valves commonly used in the cycling world. In fact, in the United Kingdon you will really only encounter the first two on this list.... 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[More News](https://assetsure.com/news) ## Why choose our specialist insurance cover? ### Lloyd's of London coverholders We hold prestigious Lloyd’s of London cover holder status where most of our policies are underwritten. We also place business with major UK insurers ### Accidental Damage & Theft Included The two “must have” covers are both included in our policy. Loss of your cycle by “Theft” is provided at, and away from your home. ### Legal Expenses - Included We provide £100,000 of cover. This is essential for persons using their cycle on busy roads and can help with making a claim for injury or damages against a third party. ### Replacement Cycle Hire - Included Ideal if you need your cycle to travel to work or to take part in an event such as Cyclo-Cross or a Triathlon and your own cycle is unavailable following theft or damage. ### Accessories, Helmets & Clothing - Included Inclusive insurance for your cycle accessories or specialist helmets & clothing. You can increase the sum insured limits if required ### Public Liability - Optional Protects you against claims from a third party which could include; a pedestrian, another cyclist or a motorist. Choose from either £1 million or £2 million cover ### Personal Accident - Optional Provides you with a capital sum if you are involved in a serious accident whilst using your cycle. You can choose a level of cover to suit your needs. ### European Use - Optional For a small additional premium, you can extend your policy to cover you for up to 45 days use in the European Union. ### Competition Use - Optional You can extend your policy to include cover whilst using your cycle to take part in competitions such as cyclo-cross or triathlons [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/assetsure.com) [ View All ](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/assetsure.com)[ Get Quote ](#quickQuote) [Most Popular](#tabs__tabmost-popular)[Jewellery](#tabs__tabjewellery)[Leisure](#tabs__tableisure)[Collectables](#tabs__tabcollectables)[Events](#tabs__tabevents)[Hearing Aids](#tabs__tabhearing-aids)[Property](#tabs__tabhomes) [#### Engagement Ring Insurance ![Engagement Ring Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/engagement-ring-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/) [#### Watch Insurance ![Watch 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