I'm new here and to the biking world and am having such a hard time right now. The covid thing has me unable to pick a bike physically so I'm trying to order online a cheap basic first bike and the sizing confusion is killing me. I'm 5'2 and everything I read tells me I need a 26" tire with a 16" frame and I'm finding that impossible. Everything 26" seems to be 17-18" frame. Am I searching for the wrong thing? Do I need a 24" bike for my size because everything I've read on that says it's too small for me. Someone please help before I lose my mind lol

Bike sizing chart

Go to different manufacturers and get a consensus.

Nah. There are 700c and even 650b options out there which would fit you fine.

If you're considering purchasing online, you really need some idea of what model/size would fit you well.

Maybe start with measuring your cycling inseam and arm wingspan. Give us a budget and I can go from there, assuming you want a drop bar bike.

Wheel size and frame size are 2 different things. 26" wheel bikes are available in multiple frame sizes if you look around. Can you furnish an example of the bikes you have been looking at?