Purchasing a bike online is becoming increasingly popular, with fewer bikes bought in-store every day.
This, however, makes choosing your bike size increasingly important as you cannot try bikes for size as you can in store.
This article will breakdown everything you need to know about bike size chart, then you can choose the perfect sized bike to spin your 2020 in the right direction.
Table of Contents
Here are details insight from our bike size chart infographic.
1. What is my bike size?
Finding your ideal bike size is essential to both the comfort and enjoyment of your new bike. A bike too small or too big will place extra stress on your body in places such as your knees and back, increasing the likelihood of injury.
It is important to note that different kinds of bikes also have different sizing, a mountain bike won’t fit the same size as a road bike and a BMX won’t fit the same size as a mountain bike. It is therefore essential to do your research and look up the specific sizing of the bike you are after, read reviews, use size-charts and ask questions on online forums/live-chats if possible. The more information you have the better.
If buying a bike in-store, trying the bike before you buy is the obvious option. This will allow you to see if it is the right fit if it is comfortable and if you actually like the bike and can see yourself riding it. Buying in-store often means you can invest in a professional bike-fit, allowing for your sizing and dimensions to be measured up whilst being walked through the entire process.
2.How to measure bike frame size
Measuring a classic road bike frame size is a relatively simple task. To measure:
1) Find the top of the seat tube (this is where the seat post is held)
2) Find the center of the bottom bracket (This holds the crank arms together)
3) Measure the distance between these 2 points
4) Record this in both cm and inch to find the right frame for you
As you can see on our bike geometry, the ST is the frame size.
How to measure adult bike size
Adult bike size is measured on both height and inseam size. Inseam size is often regarded as more accurate measurement, however, it is useful to measure both and compare to receive the best fitting bike. A guide on how to measure both height and inseam length will be covered later in this post.
How to measure children bike size
Ensuring the right bike size for a child is essential. Not only does it provide comfort, but it also improves the safety of the bike itself. How exactly do you measure a children’s bike size you ask?
If possible, it is recommended to bring them into a local store and simply let them try out a variety of different bikes. This will allow them to get a feel for what is right, comfortable and safe. With hands-on experts, the process is a lot easier, allowing the safety of your child to be put first.
If however, purchasing a bike online, it is recommended to measure the height of your child beforehand. Unlike adult bike sizing done by frame, children’s bike size is done based on wheel diameter.
This, therefore, means measuring the height of the child and matching it to the correct wheel diameter to ensure a perfect and safe fit, allowing you to rest easy. Be sure to invest in a quality helmet to go with the new bike, with an extensive range available you will be certain to find one which appeals to them.
3. What bike frame size do I need?
Picking the right bike frame size is ultimately down to personal preference. With different kinds of bikes hosting different riding styles it is important to determine what kind of bike you are looking to purchase. Whether buying for a child or adult, there are various ways to measure bike-size without the need to go in store, these will be covered below.
What kind of bike do you ride?
Depending on the kind of bike you ride or want to ride, will determine your size along with your riding style.
For example, mountain biking is a lot more aggressive than road biking and may require a smaller sized bike to make it more maneuverable through different terrains and obstacles, whereas a cross-country racing bike may be sized slightly larger to allow more speed to be generated.
Bike size, however, is simply personal preference, what works for you most likely won’t work for others, therefore, it is essential to size yourself up and try different kinds of bikes before buying.
Bike frame size for height
Measuring bike frame size by height could never be easier.
Simply stand up straight against a wall, shoes off, legs together, shoulders back whilst somebody marks with a pencil the top of your head.
Your height is used to match bike frame size along with inseam size. Inseam size is often regarded as a more accurate approach, however, it doesn’t hurt to measure both increasing the accuracy of your bike fit. Inseam size will be discussed below.
What is inseam size?
Inseam size is often regarded as one of the most important factors when choosing a frame size. Inseam is simply the measurement from the floor to the highest possible crotch position measured in cm.
Measuring the inseam can be done relatively easily, requiring only 2 people and a book only taking a fraction of time. To begin:
- Stand with your back against the wall and feet positioned 6-8 inches apart
- Place a book between your legs, spine-up, raise until the book mimics a bike seat and is positioned between your legs
- Get a second person to measure from the top-of-the book to the floor (cm) this is your inseam length
Alternatively, if visiting a store and receiving a professional bike-fit this will be done for you. This is recommended if you do not feel comfortable measuring the inseam or your bike fit size yourself.
4. Bike size chart
Below is a list of different bike size charts depending on the type of bike you are looking to purchase. It is important to use the correct chart based on bike type and gender to ensure the perfect fit. Alternatively, skip ahead and use the bike size calculator to find the right size and type of bike for you.
Due to women generally having shorter upper bodies than men along with shorter top-tubes on bikes, women’s bikes are made slightly different. It is important to check to size against women’s charts unless the bikes are unisex such as triathlon bicycles. This will ensure a comfortable and optimal fit to enhance your cycling experience.
Road bike size chart (Women)
Height (cm) | Road bike size (cm) |
148 – 152 cm | 44 cm (XX small) |
152 – 160 cm | 48 cm (X small) |
160 – 168 cm | 51 cm (small) |
168-175 cm | 54 cm (medium) |
Mountain bike size chart (Women)
Height (cm) | Mountain bike size (inch) |
148 – 158 cm | 13 – 14” |
158 – 168 cm | 15 – 16” |
168 – 178 cm | 17 – 18” |
178 – 185 cm | 19” + |
Road bike size chart (Men)
Inside-leg (cm) | Height (cm) | Road Bike Size (cm) |
71 -75 cm | 152 – 160 cm | 48 cm (XX small) |
75 – 79 cm | 160 – 170 cm | 51 cm (small) |
79 – 83 cm | 170 – 174 cm | 54 cm (medium) |
83 – 85 cm | 174 – 180 cm | 56 cm (large) |
85 – 89 cm | 180 – 188 cm | 57 cm (X-large) |
89 – 92 cm | 188 – 195 cm | 60 cm (XX large) |
92 + cm | 195 + cm | 63 cm (XXX large) |
Mountain bike size chart (Men)
Inside-leg (cm) | Height (cm) | Mountain bike size (inches) |
71 -75 cm | 152 – 160 cm | 15” (X-small) |
75 – 79 cm | 160 – 170 cm | 16” (small) |
79 – 83 cm | 170 – 174 cm | 17” (medium) |
83 – 85 cm | 174 – 180 cm | 18” (medium) |
85 – 89 cm | 180 – 188 cm | 19” (large) |
89 – 92 cm | 188 – 195 cm | 20” (large) |
92 + cm | 195 + cm | 21” (X-large) |
Triathlon bike size chart (Women & Men )
Height (cm) | Inside leg (inch) | Frame size (cm) | Top tube length (cm) |
152.5 – 160cm | 26.5 – 28” | 48 – 50 cm | 48.5 – 50 cm |
157.5 – 165 cm | 27.5 – 29” | 50 – 52 cm | 50 – 51.5 cm |
162.5 – 170 cm | 28.5 – 30” | 52 – 54 cm | 51.5 – 53.5 cm |
167.5 – 175 cm | 29.5 – 31” | 54 – 56 cm | 53.5 – 55.5 cm |
172.5 – 180 cm | 30.5 – 32” | 56 – 58 cm | 55.5 – 57 cm |
177.5 – 185 cm | 31.5 – 33” | 58 – 60 cm | 57 – 58 cm |
182.5 – 190 cm | 32.5 – 34” | 60 – 62 cm | 58 – 59 cm |
Bike size chart for kids
Age (years) | Height (cm) | Wheel diameter (inch) |
2 – 5 | 85 – 110 cm | 12 |
2 – 4 | 85 – 100 cm | 14 |
3 – 5 | 95 – 110 cm | 16 |
5 -7 | 110 – 120 cm | 20 |
7 – 9 | 120 – 135 cm | 22 |
9 – 11 | 135 – 145 cm | 24 |
11 + | 145 + cm | 26 |
BMX bike size chart
Age (years) | Height (cm) | Wheel size (inch) |
5-7 | 110 – 122 cm | 16” |
7 – 11 | 122 – 147 cm | 18” |
11 + | 147 – 193 cm | 20” |
Fixie/single-speed bike size chart
| Height (inch) | Inside leg (inch) | Frame size (cm) |
| 5’1” – 5’3” | 27 – 29” | 48 cm |
| 5’3” – 5’5” | 28 – 30” | 50 cm |
| 5’5” – 5’7” | 29 – 31” | 52 cm |
| 5’7” – 5’9” | 30 – 32” | 54 cm |
| 5’9” – 5’11” | 31 – 33” | 56 cm |
| 5’11” – 6’2” | 32 – 34” | 58 cm |
| 6’1” – 6’5” | 33 – 35” | 60 cm |
Men’s hybrid/ city bike sizing chart
Height (cm) | Frame size (cm) | Hybrid frame size |
148 – 158 cm | 33 – 37 cm | X-Small |
158 – 168 cm | 38 – 42 cm | Small |
168 – 178 cm | 43 – 47 cm | Medium |
178 – 185 cm | 48 – 52 cm | Large |
185 – 193 cm | 53 – 57 cm | X-Large |
193 – 198 cm | 58 – 61 cm | XX-Large |
Women’s hybrid/ city bike sizing chart
Height (cm) | Frame size (inch) | Hybrid frame size |
148 – 158 cm | 13 – 14” | X-Small |
158 – 168 cm | 15 – 16” | Small |
168 – 178 cm | 17 – 18” | Medium |
178 – 185 cm | 19” + | Large |
5. Bike Size Calculator
Rinasclta’s Choice
A good bike fit is the difference between discomfort, pain, and injuries, or having a blast on your new ride. Trying out all the different sizes and options is not always an option and certainly impractical. So to avoid this, we were blessed with online tools. one of the simplest is the Bike Size Calculator from The Omni Calculator Project that will quickly get you started on choosing the right bike size for you.
There are many types of bikes: mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, gravel bikes, etc. Depending on your activity the ideal frame size varies for the same person. While there is no real substitute for a professional bike fit, this calculator can get you very close in a matter of seconds. All you need to do input your measurements (height and inseam), and your type of bike, and the calculator will tell you what size you should be looking for and the range of possible options. You can try it for yourself and thank Hania and Álvaro for their work by visiting the page: Bike Size Calculator by Omni
If you are still confused about what bike size should you choose. We also use the frame size calculator from Ebicycles’ online calculator
First, choose the bicycle type you want to ride. Here we choose “Road Bike”
Second, input your personal information. Here we input “Adult, male”, “175cm” “80cm leg length”.
Vola! You will get a detailed report for the bike size you need, includes frame size (in centimeters and inches) and crank size. Easy, right?
6. Bike Fitting Guide
If you are riding a road bike or mountain bike for racing purpose, then it’s better to get a bike fitting before you finally ride on the bike.
Why?
Cause you want to know your perfect body position on the bike for highest efficient riding.
1) Amazon Bike Fit Guide
In Amazon bike fit guide, you can see they are listing “Adult road bike sizing chart”, “Adult mountain bike sizing chart” and “Kids’ bike sizing chart”. More details check their website.
2) Jenson USA Bike Fit Calculator (Beta)
This bike fit calculator is quite professional. Based on their requirements, you’d better prepare these infos before get ready to calculate your fitting data.
For example, Foot length, arm length, inseam length and so on.
More details check their calculator here.
3) Check your local bike shop with bike fitting services.
Search online and find the bike shops who can offer bike fitting services, then go and find your perfect fitting date.
If you know some local bike wholesales, you can also contact them, they have a thorough list of bike sizes on different bikes, and they know better about local people’s bike size.
Now we would like to hear from you
Did the bike size chart good enough to help you find your perfect frame size?
Or you prefer to check the bike size calculator instead?
Or you would like to try the bike fitting service locally?
Either way, please leave a comment and share your experiences with others now.
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Quite helpful guide, I am 80KG and I found my carbon mountain frame size by using this bike size infographic, thank you.
Thanks Marshall, we are glad that our bike size chart guide could help you 🙂
The triathlon bike frame size chart is easy to use, and I chose my first tri frameset from Rinasclta, and the consultant was nice and helpful.
On suggestion, you guys could make a video with different frames to explain how to measure the frame size, that will be super!
Quite helpful. I downloaded the size chart infographic and shared with my friends, they love it!
[…] Measuring inseam is really simple and easy. Here’s how you can do it: […]
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Thank you for sharing, in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Live and do it with your heart” My nickname is Somma is a gentle and loving expression in every moment.