You can do a search online for “bicycle owner’s manual” for the brand that you are interested in getting. There will be a bicycle sizing chart in the manual which you can refer to.
If you refer to (page 9 of) Apollo or Radius Bicycle Owner’s Manual, you will see this “Bicycling Sizing Guide” for their kid’s range of bicycle.
According to the manual, for your safety, as you stand straddling over the toptube, there should be a gap of about 1 inch / 25mm from it to your crotch area. This is to prevent you from hitting the toptube and getting hurt by it, should you fall forward during an accident.
The sales person at the bike shop you go to should also be able to assist you. However, even without the sizing chart or shop assistance, following through with these steps, will help you to decide on the right frame size, based on your height.
1) Sit on the saddle of the bicycle you are interested in buying. Place your hands on the handlebar. Do you feel that you are leaning way too forward?
Note: If it is and you still like the bike, you can request the bicycle shop to change a stem with a shorter reach or replace it with one which is adjustable so that you can raise the handlebar nearer to you.
2) As you sit on the saddle, are your feet sitting flat on the floor? Raise the seatpost up so that only the tips of your shoes are touching the floor.
Note: Sometimes, the bike shop may have to change the seatpost if it can’t be pushed down any lower. The bolts installed for the cage could be blocking the way. This can be resolved if a seatpost of shorter length is installed.
Note: Sometimes, the bike shop may have to change the seatpost if it can’t be pushed down any lower. The bolts installed for the cage could be blocking the way. This can be resolved if a seatpost of shorter length is installed.
3) Now get off the saddle and straddle over the toptube. Is your crotch area touching it?
Note: If it is, ask the shop to let you try one with a smaller frame size. Example, if a 16″ to 17″ frame size (M size in Asia) is too high for you, you may have to try a frame size of 15″ (S size in Asia). Anything above 18″ is L size in Asia. The size of the frame is usually printed on seat tube, sometimes just below the toptube.
If you are checking on frame size because you plan to buy your bicycle online, you will find some of the points at the following link useful:
Can a quality bike be purchased online? What are the dos and don'ts?
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