Pre-Purchase Bike Sizing
Get fitted before you buy your next bike.
A new bike is a big investment. Don’t choose it from a height chart, online calculator or because you’ve “always ridden a 56”. We’ll establish the position you need first, then help you find a bike that actually works around you.
The problem
The expensive mistake happens before you even ride it
Most bikes are bought the wrong way around.
You choose the bike first. Then you try to make yourself fit it.
Sometimes that works. Sometimes it means compromises with stem length, spacers, saddle position and components. And sometimes the underlying geometry simply isn’t right for the rider.
A bike fit before you buy turns that process around: establish what you need first, then choose the bike.
- 01
A frame size doesn’t tell the whole story
A 56 in one brand can be completely different to a 56 in another. Stack, reach and geometry vary considerably between models.
- 02
Your height isn’t your riding position
Two riders of the same height can have different proportions, flexibility, injury histories, riding styles and goals. They shouldn’t automatically be riding the same bike.
- 03
The wrong bike can be expensive to put right
A different stem, handlebar, crankset or saddle can quickly add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a new bike — assuming the position can be achieved at all.
- 04
Stock bikes are built for an average rider
A complete bike comes with the component sizes the manufacturer has chosen for that frame size. But the crank length, bar width, stem length and saddle supplied aren’t necessarily what you need.
You’re spending thousands on a bike. It makes sense to know that it fits before you pay for it.
The session
Fit first. Bike second.
We use fully adjustable fitting jigs to establish the position and geometry that works for you — without being constrained by the bike you already own or the bike you’re thinking of buying.
From there we can:
- Establish your ideal riding position
- Determine the geometry and sizing you should be looking for
- Compare different brands, models and sizes
- Identify potential compromises before you buy
- Recommend the component sizes your new bike should ideally have
You leave knowing what you’re looking for rather than hoping you’ve ordered the right bike.
If you’re considering a new bike, come and see us before you buy it.
Fit first. Bike second.
Key points
Buy once. Buy right.
- 01
Don’t choose a bike from height alone.
- 02
Find your position before choosing your frame.
- 03
Know the stem, bars and crank length you actually need.
- 04
Compare bikes based on whether they fit you.
- 05
Avoid paying to replace unsuitable stock components after purchase.
Crafted Cycles
Or take the guesswork out of the whole process.
Knowing your ideal position is one thing. Buying a bike that arrives set up around it is even better.
Through Crafted Cycles, we can take the measurements from your bike fit and use them to help specify your new bike from the outset.
Instead of buying a stock bike and then replacing parts to make it fit, we can build around you — selecting the appropriate frame size, crank length, cockpit, saddle and other components from the start.
Bike fit → bike selection → specification → build → final setup.
One process, with your fit at the centre of it.
Next step
Don’t fit yourself to your next bike. Fit the bike to you.
Book a pre-purchase sizing session before you spend, and make your next bike the right one from day one.