Raleigh Size Guide
Raleigh specialises in bicycles for all ages and riding styles, from children's bikes to electric hybrids and classic models. The brand believes that the perfect bike should fit like your favourite pair of jeans — comfortable, reliable, and suited to your individual needs. Whether you're looking for a lightweight folding bike for commuting, a sturdy mountain bike for off-road adventures, or a timeless classic for leisurely rides, Raleigh offers frame sizes across multiple categories to ensure riders of all heights find an excellent fit. This guide covers sizing for kids' bikes, classic bikes, folding bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and electric models.
How to Measure
- Measure your height: Stand barefoot against a wall and measure from the floor to the top of your head. Record this in both centimetres and feet/inches.
- Measure your inside leg length (inseam): Wear the shoes you typically cycle in. Stand with feet hip-width apart and measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle bone. This measurement is especially important for children's bike sizing.
- Consult the appropriate chart: Locate your height range in the category that matches the type of bike you're interested in. The suggested frame size appears in the corresponding row.
- Set saddle height correctly: Once you've selected a frame, adjust the saddle to the height of your hip bone whilst standing next to the bike. Ensure the saddle is not extended beyond the minimum insertion mark on the seat post.
- Test for comfort: When seated on the bike with the pedal at its lowest point, your leg should have a slight bend at the knee. Your reach to the handlebars should feel natural without excessive stretching or cramping.
Bike Size Charts
Children's Bikes
Children's bikes are sized by wheel diameter. Use both height and inside leg length to find the best fit for your child.
| Wheel Size | Min Rider Height | Max Rider Height | Min Inside Leg Length | Max Inside Leg Length | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12" | 85 cm | 98 cm | 33 cm | 41 cm | 2–3 years |
| 14" | 88 cm | 104 cm | 36 cm | 51 cm | 4 years |
| 16" | 95 cm | 114 cm | 41 cm | 51 cm | 5 years |
| 18" | 112 cm | 127 cm | 46 cm | 56 cm | 6 years |
| 20" | 114 cm | 129 cm | 53 cm | 63 cm | 7 years |
| 24" | 128 cm | 143 cm | 57 cm | 68 cm | 8 years |
| 26" | 135 cm | 150 cm | 61 cm | 81 cm | 9–11 years |
Classic Bikes
Classic bike frame sizes are measured in inches. These timeless designs combine comfort with traditional British styling and are available in sweeping open frame styles.
| Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’1" – 5’6" | 155 – 168 cm | 17 inch | 43 cm |
| 5’6" – 5’11" | 168 – 180 cm | 19 inch | 48 cm |
Folding Bikes
Raleigh folding bikes maintain high performance in a compact, nimble design. Engineered with lightweight aluminium frames, they're ideal for storage and public transport.
| Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4’12" – 6’0" | 152 – 183 cm | 18 inch | 46 cm |
Hybrid Bikes
Stylish hybrid bikes are popular for weekday commutes and weekend adventures. Available in a wide variety of frame sizes and styles to suit different heights and preferences.
| Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’0" – 5’4" | 152 – 163 cm | 14 – 15 inch | 36 – 38 cm |
| 5’5" – 5’8" | 167 – 177 cm | 16 – 17 inch | 40 – 43 cm |
| 5’8" – 5’11" | 177 – 180 cm | 18 – 19 inch | 46 – 48 cm |
| 5’11" – 6’1" | 180 – 185 cm | 20 – 21 inch | 50 – 53 cm |
| 6’1" – 6’5" | 185 – 196 cm | 22 – 23 inch | 56 – 58 cm |
Mountain Bikes
Designed to deliver ultimate riding experience on all terrains, Raleigh mountain bikes are built for speed and agility. These bikes excel both on road and trail.
| Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’2" – 5’5" | 157 – 165 cm | 16 inch | 41 cm |
| 5’6" – 5’10" | 168 – 178 cm | 18 inch | 46 cm |
| 5’10" – 6’0" | 178 – 183 cm | 20 inch | 51 cm |
| 6’1" – 6’5" | 185 – 196 cm | 22 inch | 56 cm |
Electric Hybrid Bikes
Raleigh electric bikes feature power-assisted pedalling to help you cycle for longer and tackle hills without slowing down. Available in crossbar, low step, and open frame styles across multiple sizes.
| Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’0" – 5’4" | 152 – 163 cm | 16 – 17 inch | 41 – 44 cm |
| 5’4" – 5’9" | 163 – 175 cm | 18 – 19 inch | 46 – 48 cm |
| 5’7" – 6’1" | 170 – 185 cm | 19 – 20 inch | 50 – 52 cm |
| 5’10" – 6’3" | 178 – 193 cm | 21 – 22 inch | 54 – 56 cm |
Electric Folding Bikes
A versatile option ideal for commuters, staycation seekers, and caravanners. Raleigh electric folding bikes are packed with quality components and powered by TranzX for ultimate reliability.
| Rider Height (ft/in) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size (inches) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’0" – 6’0" | 152 – 184 cm | 18 inch | 46 cm |
Product-Specific Guidance
Children's Bikes: When selecting a children's bike, prioritise inside leg length alongside height to ensure safe ground clearance. Your child should be able to straddle the frame with at least 5 centimetres clearance. As children grow quickly, consider bikes with adjustable seat posts and handlebars to extend the usable lifespan. Always ensure proper helmet fit and supervise young riders.
Classic Bikes: Raleigh's classic range celebrates timeless British design. These bikes typically feature swept-back handlebars and upright riding positions, making them ideal for leisurely, comfortable rides. Frame sizes are measured in inches, which is traditional for classic bicycle geometry. Choose a size that allows you to step over the frame comfortably with feet flat on the ground.
Folding & Electric Folding Bikes: Both standard and electric folding bikes accommodate a wide height range with a single 18-inch (46 cm) frame size. The long seatpost adjustment allows riders between 152 cm and 184 cm (or up to 191 cm with an optional extended seatpost) to find a comfortable position. These are excellent for multi-modal commutes where you combine cycling with train or bus travel.
Hybrid, Mountain & Electric Hybrid Bikes: These categories offer multiple frame sizes to ensure a precise fit across a broad height spectrum. Hybrids and electric hybrids are versatile for both urban commuting and light off-road use, whilst mountain bikes are engineered for trail performance. Choose based on your height range, then test-ride if possible to verify saddle and handlebar reach feel natural for your intended use.
Sizing Tips
- Measure in the afternoon or evening: Feet and legs can swell throughout the day, so taking inseam measurements later will give you a more accurate baseline for bike sizing.
- Wear cycling shoes when measuring: If you have dedicated cycling shoes with a stiffer sole, wear them when measuring your inseam. This accounts for the extra height they provide while pedalling.
- Frame size is only one part of fit: Once you've selected a frame size, saddle height, handlebar reach, and stem length all contribute to overall comfort and efficiency. Many Raleigh models allow adjustment of these components.
- Consider frame style: Raleigh offers crossbar, low step, and open frame designs. Women and riders with mobility concerns often prefer low step or open frames for easier mounting and dismounting.
- Test before purchasing: Whenever possible, visit a retailer and take a test ride. A bike that feels right when you're seated and pedalling is far more important than a chart measurement alone.
- Check seat post insertion marks: If your ideal saddle height requires the seat post to extend beyond the minimum insertion mark, you may need to move up a frame size for safety and durability.
- Account for growth in children: A child's bike should not be chosen purely for their current size. A bike that is slightly too large can be adjusted downward, whilst one that is too small will quickly become unusable.
- Electric bikes may feel heavier: If you're transitioning to an electric model, remember that the motor and battery add weight. Ensure your frame size still allows you to support the bike comfortably when stationary.