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Cycling for Noobs

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MazH Jan 2021 5:21pm, 26 Jan 2021 11,264 posts	Quote Pin MazH I go back to my point about suspension could be causing your issues... your bike looks like it's got more springs than my Nissan Juke!! (advice part 1, do you need that much shock absorption?) Also: Buy one cheap on facebay, find a model/style you like and upgrade from there, and re-sell it if it's not suitable, provided you have the cash flow.... (in case you miss that is me giving you the advice you asked for part 2.) Otherwise, I'm all out of crystal balls.
AndyS Jan 2021 5:24pm, 26 Jan 2021 182 posts	Quote Pin AndyS So the answer to "how do I buy one that fits" is "buy one that fits". Ok, got it.
halfpint Jan 2021 6:13pm, 26 Jan 2021 33,996 posts	Quote Pin halfpint The best you can probably do right now is look carefully at the spec of various bikes and their sizing charts etc. As Maz says there is a fair amount of adjustability in most bikes so you can get the set up right for you. Going second hand is a good option and you can easily Google to find spec. I have no idea about the thing you bought but it looks like a monstrosity to me.
Mandymoo Jan 2021 6:32pm, 26 Jan 2021 11,002 posts	Quote Pin Mandymoo Would this help at all bicycle-guider.com
Mandymoo Jan 2021 6:33pm, 26 Jan 2021 11,003 posts	Quote Pin Mandymoo Also our local bike shop is not open to the public but are working so maybe call one for advice in size etc. Our LBS has second hand/trade in bikes and are really helpful. Might be worth a try
AdrianB1066 Jan 2021 6:37pm, 26 Jan 2021 6,641 posts	Quote Pin AdrianB1066 Decide what you want the bike to do with you on it and select a budget. Furthermore read reviews, magazines etc and narrow your choices down to a specific bike, ask on bike forums about sizing from existing owners etc. Answer to “how do I buy one that fits?” Got to a website, find the bike you like, check it’s in stock, refer to the sizing guide. Measure yourself (usually explained in the sizing guides) & buy bike. I’ve bought several bikes online using the above methods and size wise all have been perfect. If you are reasonably average, symmetrical etc this will get you a bike that fits. Buying a bike suitable for your riding needs is where you need to do the research which is where I suspect you went wrong before. Did you need a folding bike? If yes, did it need to go off-road most of the time? There is a huge site Bike Radar - have a look. I’d suggest for cheaper bikes keep them simple. Don’t buy full suspension buy a hardtail. If you don’t need a mountain bike or front suspension buy an urban bike. Money saved on suspension, folding brackets etc is money spent on better components elsewhere. Good luck and enjoy.
AdrianB1066 Jan 2021 6:46pm, 26 Jan 2021 6,642 posts	Quote Pin AdrianB1066 I’ve bought from Ribble before and the size guide was spot on. If the guides weren’t then all their sales would be returned to them which obviously they don’t want. Here is their 30 day Returns Policy LINKY ribblecycles.co.uk
MudMeanderer Jan 2021 7:12pm, 26 Jan 2021 2,022 posts	Quote Pin MudMeanderer There are bike fitters and bike shops out there who have almost infinitely adjustable rigs that can be used to size a frame and components without needing an actual bike. Based on the measurements, they can advise you on a suitable bike, and good ones will be able to also advise on likely causes of pain/discomfort, and any on or off-bike work to help. I'm a bit of a morphological outlier, and so have used this before when buying/building bikes. They may not be open for a short while, but it shouldn't be too long before they're operating again. Where are you based? There may be someone who can recommend someone local.
XB Jan 2021 7:32pm, 26 Jan 2021 11,247 posts	Quote Pin XB Decathlon do bikes which are OK and not too expensive and they employ staff who have an idea about what they are selling. They should be able to match budget, size, use, and spec.
PK Jan 2021 12:01pm, 27 Jan 2021 703 posts	Quote Pin PK Some of your online retailers will have web chats where you can speak to folk that are, normally, in the know. They should be able to give you some examples from their own stock based on your own measurements (and budget). Height and inside leg measurement are important, as is arm length. Weight may also be an issue if comfort is important. They can also advise on adjustments that can be made if it needs tweaked in the future. As HP said above, manufacturers will have size charts on their own websites as well if you wanted a bit of advanced research.