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The Ultimate Raleigh Bike Size Guide (2025)
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide to Raleigh bike sizing for 2025. As one of the world's oldest and most iconic bicycle brands, Raleigh has been putting families on two wheels for generations. Choosing the correct Raleigh bike size is the most important step in buying a new bike, ensuring a ride that is comfortable, safe, and fun.
This guide consolidates all of Raleigh's official sizing data into easy-to-read charts for their main bike categories, from classic cruisers to modern e-bikes. Whether you're looking for a Raleigh hybrid bike size chart or trying to find the perfect first bike for a child, this page is your definitive resource. While this guide is a reliable starting point, always double-check with an official Raleigh dealer in the UK, from Bournemouth to the Highlands, for a professional fitting.
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Hybrid, Classic & Urban Bikes
This category covers Raleigh's versatile bikes designed for commuting, city cruising, and relaxed weekend rides. Raleigh is a master of this style, with a huge range including the popular Pioneer, Strada, and classic models like the Willow. Sizing for these bikes is typically measured in inches and focuses on providing a comfortable, often upright, riding position.
| Frame Size (Inches) | Rider Height (cm) | Rider Height (ft/in) |
|---|---|---|
| 14" (XS) | 152 - 165 | 5'0" - 5'5" |
| 17" (S) | 165 - 175 | 5'5" - 5'9" |
| 19" (M) | 175 - 183 | 5'9" - 6'0" |
| 21" (L) | 183 - 191 | 6'0" - 6'3" |
| 23" (XL) | 191+ | 6'3"+ |
Applies to: Pioneer, Strada, Stowaway, Sherwood, Willow, Centros, and other classic/hybrid models. Note: Low-step "ladies" frames often come in 17" and 19" sizes only.
Electric Bikes
Raleigh has a vast and popular range of e-bikes that add a powerful assist to your ride. Sizing is crucial for safely managing the extra speed and weight. Their e-bikes, including the market-leading Motus and Centros, generally follow the hybrid sizing convention but often use metric (cm) frame sizes.
Electric Hybrid Bikes (Motus, Centros)
Enjoy a comfortable commute or leisurely ride with an extra boost. The Raleigh Motus size chart below ensures stability and control at higher assisted speeds. These bikes often come in both crossbar and low-step frame designs.
| Frame Size (cm) | Rider Height (cm) | Rider Height (ft/in) |
|---|---|---|
| 40cm | 152 - 165 | 5'0" - 5'5" |
| 46cm | 163 - 175 | 5'4" - 5'9" |
| 50cm | 173 - 183 | 5'8" - 6'0" |
| 54cm | 180 - 193 | 5'11" - 6'4" |
Applies to: Motus Tour, Motus Grand Tour, Centros, Array, and other electric hybrid models.
Mountain Bikes
For off-road adventures, a proper mountain bike fit is essential for maneuverability and control on trails. Raleigh's mountain bikes, like the popular Strada Trail Sport, are designed to provide confident handling over rough terrain.
| Frame Size (Inches) | Rider Height (cm) | Rider Height (ft/in) |
|---|---|---|
| 14" (S) | 152 - 165 | 5'0" - 5'5" |
| 17" (M) | 165 - 178 | 5'5" - 5'10" |
| 20" (L) | 178 - 188 | 5'10" - 6'2" |
Kids' Bikes
Getting the right size bike for a child is crucial for their safety, learning, and confidence. Raleigh, famous for icons like the Chopper and Burner, is an expert in kids' bikes. They size their bikes by wheel diameter, which corresponds to the child's age, height, and inside leg measurement for a perfect fit.
| Wheel Size | Approx. Age | Rider Height (cm) | Inside Leg (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" | 2-4 years | 85 - 98 | 33 - 41 |
| 14" | 4-6 years | 95 - 110 | 40 - 51 |
| 16" | 5-7 years | 105 - 117 | 45 - 55 |
| 18" | 6-8 years | 112 - 127 | 50 - 60 |
| 20" | 7-9 years | 117 - 135 | 55 - 65 |
| 24" | 8-11 years | 127 - 145 | 60 - 72 |
| 26" | 10+ years | 140 - 155 | 68 - 81 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm between two sizes?
If your height puts you between two frame sizes, your body proportions and riding style are the deciding factors. For a more comfortable, relaxed ride (common for hybrid or classic bikes), sizing up is often a good choice. For a more agile, responsive ride (especially for mountain bikes), sizing down is usually better. It's typically easier to adjust a slightly smaller frame to fit perfectly.
How can one folding bike size fit so many people?
Folding bikes achieve a near-universal fit through highly adjustable components. They feature extra-long seatposts and adjustable-height handlebars that can be moved significantly to accommodate riders of very different heights, ensuring a comfortable and safe riding position for almost everyone.
Is height the only measurement that matters?
Height is the best starting point, but it's not the only factor. Your inseam (inside leg measurement) is also very important for determining standover clearance and proper saddle height. For a more precise fit, considering your reach (torso and arm length) is also beneficial, which is where a professional bike fitting can be invaluable.
A Deeper Dive into the Raleigh Bike Size Chart Philosophy
For over 130 years, Raleigh has been synonymous with cycling in Britain. From the streets of Nottingham to every corner of the country, the iconic heron head badge represents a legacy of quality, reliability, and fun. Understanding the Raleigh bike size chart is the first step to becoming part of that history. Unlike high-performance brands that focus on aggressive racing geometries, Raleigh's sizing philosophy is rooted in comfort, practicality, and accessibility for the everyday rider. This in-depth guide will explore the nuances of Raleigh's sizing across their modern range, helping you find the perfect fit for your cycling journey.
How to Measure Yourself for a Raleigh Bike
Before you even look at a chart, getting two key measurements right is essential. Raleigh's charts primarily use rider height, but for the best fit, especially with kids' bikes, you'll also need an inside leg measurement (inseam).
- Measuring Your Height: Stand against a wall without shoes, with your back straight and feet together. Place a flat object (like a hardcover book) on top of your head, level with the floor. Make a small mark on the wall at the base of the object, then measure from the floor to the mark. This is your accurate height.
- Measuring Your Inside Leg (Inseam): This is the most crucial measurement for standover clearance—the ability to stand over the bike's top tube with your feet flat on the floor. Stand in the same position against the wall and place the same hardcover book between your legs, raising it firmly but comfortably to simulate a saddle. Measure from the floor to the top edge of the book's spine. This is your cycling inseam, which is usually a couple of inches longer than your trouser inseam.
Decoding Raleigh's Frame Sizes: Inches vs. Centimetres
One of the unique aspects of Raleigh is its use of multiple measurement units. As a classic British brand, many of their bikes, particularly hybrids and mountain bikes, are sized in inches (e.g., 14", 17", 20"). This refers to the length of the seat tube. However, their modern electric bikes, like the Motus and Centros, often use centimetres (e.g., 40cm, 46cm, 50cm) for a more contemporary and precise fit. Our charts provide both measurements for easy conversion. It's important to always check which unit is being used for the specific model you're interested in.
Model-Specific Sizing Insights for the 2025 Raleigh Lineup
While the general charts are an excellent guide, different models have unique characteristics that can influence your size choice.
Raleigh Motus & Centros: The E-Bike Revolution
The Raleigh Motus and Raleigh Centros are two of the most popular e-bike ranges in the UK. Their sizing is critical because the added power and weight of an e-bike demand confident control. These models are typically offered in both a traditional crossbar (or "gents") frame and a low-step (or "ladies") frame.
The Raleigh Motus size chart is designed for comfort. The geometry places you in an upright position, which is perfect for leisurely rides and commuting. The low-step frames make getting on and off incredibly easy, and they often come in a smaller range of sizes (e.g., 40cm, 46cm, 50cm) as the low frame accommodates a wider variety of rider heights within a single size. A 46cm low-step Motus, for instance, might comfortably fit a rider who would need either a 17" or 19" frame in a crossbar design. The Centros follows the same logic but often uses a slightly more premium frame and components.
Raleigh Pioneer & Strada: The Hybrid Heroes
The Raleigh Pioneer is a classic hybrid, built for reliability and comfort. Its sizing is very traditional, focusing on a relaxed, upright posture. The Raleigh Strada, on the other hand, is a sportier hybrid with a more forward-leaning position for faster city riding and fitness. When looking at the Raleigh hybrid bike size chart, you might consider sizing down on a Strada for a more nimble feel, whereas with a Pioneer, choosing the larger of two sizes can enhance its comfortable, cruising nature.
The Legacy of the Raleigh Chopper & Burner
No discussion of Raleigh sizing is complete without mentioning the icons. While the vintage Raleigh Chopper and Raleigh Burner BMX are not part of the current mainline range, they have been re-released in limited editions. These bikes have unique sizing. The original Chopper Mk1 and Mk2 had a "one-size-fits-all" philosophy for kids and teenagers, with its long saddle and adjustable handlebars allowing for a huge range of rider heights. Modern re-releases are often collectibles and are sized for nostalgia rather than practical daily riding. Similarly, BMX bikes like the Burner are not sized by height in the same way, but rather by top tube length, with most being suitable for teenagers and adults for their intended purpose of tricks and track riding.
Why Standover Height is So Important on a Raleigh
For the type of everyday cycling that Raleigh champions, being able to comfortably and safely put your feet on the ground is paramount. This is known as standover clearance. When you stand over the bike's top tube (the bar between the handlebars and the saddle), there should be at least a few inches of space between your body and the frame. This is especially important for hybrid and classic bikes where you might be stopping frequently in traffic or riding in casual clothing. Low-step frames, often found on bikes like the Raleigh Willow or the electric Motus range, are designed to maximize this clearance, making them an incredibly popular and confidence-inspiring choice for a wide range of riders.
Professional Fitting: The Final Step
This guide is the most comprehensive resource for understanding Raleigh's sizing online. However, it cannot replace the hands-on expertise of a professional. Especially if you are investing in a premium electric bike or are between sizes, visiting a certified Raleigh dealer is highly recommended. A knowledgeable bike fitter in a shop, whether in Bournemouth, Nottingham, or your local town, can observe your posture, flexibility, and riding style. They can make micro-adjustments to the saddle height, handlebar position, and reach to ensure your new Raleigh fits you perfectly, providing you with many years of comfortable and happy cycling.