Wrong bike size Halfords

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Leemi1982

Active Member
Hi not very knowledgeable about bikes I have a cheap hybrid bike from halfords However i think the frame might be a little to big for me as I feel unsteady on it mainly around bends or getting up speed. I am 5ft 8 on a 20inch frame bike, I was measured up for the bike at Halfords and have taken it back twice explaining the problem but Halfords were determined it was correct so I just lived with it.

Anyway thinking of getting a new bike, I’m looking into a ebike as have problems with my right knee however the only ebike I like the look of and in my price bracket is unfortunately at Halfords the online size chart says I should be on a 18 inch frame not 20

should I buy it online and go with the online size chart or go in and hopefully they’ll get it right.
.
 

Spiderweb

Not So Special One
Location
North Yorkshire
If you have a 20” frame road bike, the type with drop handlebars then at 5’ 8” this shouldn’t be too big.
If you have a hybrid or mountain bike then a 20” frame which equates to ‘large’ is likely to be too big, you really need a medium size or roughly 17”.

Always best to try before you buy.
 

Twilkes

Guru
How much seat post is showing on your current bike? And do the handlebars feel too far away or is that not a problem?
 

Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
You need to be able to straddle the frame with both feet flat on the ground without err feeling uncomfotrtable. Can you do that?
A picture of you on the bike sitting on the saddle will identify if the bike is too big/right for you and if the saddle height is correct.
 
OP
OP
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Leemi1982

Active Member
Pic with my foot on floor both sides flat on floor
 

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si_c

Guru
Location
Wirral
You need to be able to straddle the frame with both feet flat on the ground without err feeling uncomfotrtable. Can you do that?
A picture of you on the bike sitting on the saddle will identify if the bike is too big/right for you and if the saddle height is correct.
That's often quoted advice but it's not correct especially with modern bikes and a sloping top tube.
 
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vickster

Legendary Member
The OP may also be female, it’s never been an issue for me (also because we have longer legs)
 

rogerzilla

Legendary Member
If it has a sloping top tube and a real 20" seat tube, a 20" frame is massive. However, it might be a "virtual" 20", where they quote the size as if the top tube were horizontal.
 
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