If you want to get a bike of your size, you must make many preparations. Not only do you need to understand the internal structure of the bike, but you also need to match your physical condition with the bike.
The bike size chart is the most important reference for choosing a bike of the right size.
This article will be a guide to teach you how to choose the right bike size well through the bike size chart.
When choosing the right bike, you should know the bike frame size, tire, height, etc. More about the bicycle tire size.
Even though getting the correct size can be a daunting process when buying a new bike or frame, finding the perfect fit ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.
With the complete bike size chart, we want to help you pick the right-sized bike.
Table of contents:
1.The importance of the right bike size
2.The principle of the right bike size
3.Refer to bike size chart help find right bike size
4.How are bike frames measured?
- Seat tube length
- Reach and stack
- Other measurements
5.Bike size for kids
6.Which BMX bike size are suitable for me?
7.How do I choose the right bike size?
- Height
- Inseam
- Reach
- Calculate your bike size
10.Conclusion
1. It is important to find the right bike size for yourself
If you're new to cycling, feeling clueless about your bike size is normal. How can I find the right bike size for me?
When planning on buying your first bike, understanding the measurements of your new bicycle is key for a perfect fit. This is even more relevant in today's society, where we can order most bikes or frames online.
Riding a bike has, as we all know, health benefits, but if you get the wrong size bike, it will take away your joy of biking. You won't be as efficient and feel uncomfortable, even to the point where you'll want to give up riding.
Sitting on a bike that's too small or too big will never feel quite right; it will affect how it performs and how your bike feels. You might even cause an injury from sitting in a position that is too tight; you'll be unable to raise the saddle high enough to allow your full range of motion, limiting the power you can use.
Let's not forget the danger of clipping your toe on the front wheel while steering. Conversely, if your bike is too long, you won't be capable of delivering your power efficiently or even handling your bike properly.
So, It is important to find the right bike size for yourself.
2. The principle of the right bike size
Depending on the category of bike you choose, there are many different types of bikes that each come with their riding position; you need to consider some general principles when looking for a bike:
- Have a slight bend of the knee at the end of your pedal stroke
- Stand over the top tube with a bit of clearance
- Must be able to reach your cockpit comfortably
After you understand the importance of finding a bike that fits your size, it is time to know how to measure which bike size is right for you.
One way to find the right bike size is to refer to the bike size chart based on a large amount of rider data. It is the easiest way to find the right bike size for you! You only need to refer to the data on the bike size chart, and then, combined with the bike chart data given by the actual supplier, you can find which bike size is appropriate.
3. Refer to the bike size chart to help find the right bike size
To help you get started, you’ll find a couple of sizing charts for bike types and methods. It is up to you whichever method you’d like to use.
Depending on the type of bike, there are different bike size charts. Below is the size chart you can refer to.
Road Bike Size Chart 1
Rider Height |
Suggested Road Bike Size |
|
Feet & Inches |
Centimetres |
Frame Size (cm) |
4'10" - 5'0" |
148cm - 152cm |
XX-Small (47cm - 48cm) |
5'0" - 5'3" |
152cm - 160cm |
X-Small (49cm - 50cm) |
5'3" - 5'6" |
160cm - 168cm |
Small (51cm - 53cm) |
5'6" - 5'9" |
168cm - 175cm |
Medium (54cm - 55cm) |
5'9" - 6'0" |
175cm - 183cm |
Large (56cm - 58cm) |
6'0" - 6'3" |
183cm - 191cm |
X-Large (58cm - 60cm) |
6'3" - 6'6" |
191cm - 198cm |
XX-Large (61cm - 63cm) |
Inseam (in/cm) |
Seat Tube (cm) |
Crank Size (mm) |
Size |
25.0/64 |
43 |
165 |
XXS |
25.5/65 |
44 |
165 |
XXS |
26.0/66 |
45 |
165 |
XXS |
26.5/67 |
46 |
165 |
XXS |
27.0/69 |
47 |
165 |
XS |
27.5/70 |
47 |
165 |
XS |
28.0/71 |
48 |
165 |
XS |
28.5/72 |
49 |
165-170 |
XS |
29.0/74 |
50 |
165-170 |
S |
29.5/75 |
51 |
165-170 |
S |
30.0/76 |
52 |
170 |
S |
30.5/77 |
53 |
170 |
S |
31.0/79 |
54 |
170 |
S |
31.5/80 |
54 |
170-172.5 |
M |
32.0/81 |
55 |
170-172.5 |
M |
32.5/83 |
56 |
170-172.5 |
M/L |
33.0/84 |
57 |
172.5 |
M/L |
33.5/85 |
58 |
172.5 |
L |
34.0/86 |
59 |
172.5-175 |
L |
34.5/88 |
60 |
172.5-175 |
XL |
35.0/89 |
60 |
175 |
XL |
35.5/90 |
61 |
175 |
XL |
36.0/91 |
62 |
175 |
XL |
36.5/93 |
63 |
175 |
XXL |
37.0/94 |
64 |
175 |
XXL |
37.5/95 |
65 |
175 |
XXL |
38.0/96 |
66 |
175 |
XXL |
Women Road Bike Size Chart
Rider Height |
Suggested Women's Road Frame Size |
|
Feet & Inches |
Centimetres |
Frame Size (cm) |
4'10" - 5'1" |
147cm - 155cm |
XX-Small (44cm - 46cm) |
5'1" - 5'3" |
155cm - 160cm |
X-Small (47cm - 49cm) |
5'3" - 5'5" |
160cm - 165cm |
Small (50cm - 52cm) |
5'5" - 5'8" |
165cm - 172cm |
Medium (53cm - 55cm) |
5'8" - 5'10" |
172cm - 180cm |
Large (56cm - 57cm) |
MTB Bike Size Chart 1
Rider Height |
Suggested Mountain Frame Size |
||
Feet & Inches |
Centimetres |
Frame Size (inches) |
Frame Size (cm) |
4'10" - 5'2" |
148cm - 158cm |
13" - 14" |
33 - 37 |
5'2" - 5'6" |
158cm - 168cm |
15" - 16" |
38 - 42 |
5'6" - 5' 10" |
168cm - 178cm |
17" - 18" |
43 - 47 |
5'10" - 6'1" |
178cm - 185cm |
19" - 20" |
48 - 52 |
6'1" - 6'4" |
185cm - 193cm |
21" - 22" |
53 - 57 |
6'4" - 6'6" |
193cm - 198cm |
23" - 24" |
58 - 61 |
MTB Bike Size Chart 2
Inseam (in/cm) |
Seat Tube (in) |
Crank Size (mm) |
Size |
25.0/64 |
13 |
170 |
XXS |
25.5/65 |
13 |
170 |
XXS |
26.0/66 |
14 |
170 |
XXS |
26.5/67 |
14 |
170 |
XXS |
27.0/69 |
14 |
170 |
XS |
27.5/70 |
15 |
170 |
S |
28.0/71 |
15 |
170 |
S |
28.5/72 |
15 |
170-175 |
S |
29.0/74 |
16 |
170-175 |
S |
29.5/75 |
16 |
170-175 |
S |
30.0/76 |
16 |
175 |
S |
30.5/77 |
17 |
175 |
M |
31.0/79 |
17 |
175 |
M |
31.5/80 |
17 |
175 |
M |
32.0/81 |
18 |
175 |
M |
32.5/83 |
18 |
175 |
M |
33.0/84 |
19 |
175 |
L |
33.5/85 |
19 |
175-180 |
L |
34.0/86 |
19 |
175-180 |
L |
34.5/88 |
20 |
180 |
L |
35.0/89 |
20 |
180 |
L |
35.5/90 |
20 |
180 |
L |
36.0/91 |
21 |
180 |
XL |
36.5/93 |
21 |
180 |
XL |
37.0/94 |
21 |
180 |
XL |
37.5/95 |
22 |
180 |
XL |
38.0/96 |
22 |
180 |
XL |
Women MTB Size Chart
Rider Height |
Suggested Women's Mountain Frame Size |
||
Feet & Inches |
Centimetres |
Frame Size (inches) |
Frame Size (cm) |
4'10" - 5'2" |
148cm - 158cm |
13" - 14" |
33 - 37 |
5'2" - 5'6" |
158cm - 168cm |
15" - 16" |
38 - 42 |
5'7" - 5'9" |
168cm - 178cm |
17" - 18" |
43 - 47 |
5'10" - 6'1" |
178cm - 185cm |
19"+ |
48 + |
Hybrid Bike/City Bike Size Chart
Rider Height |
Suggested Hybrid Frame Size |
||
Feet & Inches |
Centimetres |
Frame Size (inches) |
Frame Size (cm) |
4'10" - 5'2" |
148cm - 158cm |
13" - 14" |
33 - 37 |
5'2"" - 5'6"" |
158cm - 168cm |
15" - 16" |
38 - 42 |
5'6" - 5' 10" |
168cm - 178cm |
17" - 18" |
43 - 47 |
5'10" - 6'1" |
178cm - 185cm |
19" - 20" |
48 - 52 |
6'1" - 6'4" |
185cm - 193cm |
21" - 22" |
53 - 57 |
6'4" - 6'6" |
193cm - 198cm |
23" - 24" |
58 - 61 |
Hybrid Bike/City Bike Size Chart 2
Inseam (in/cm) |
Seat Tube (cm) |
Crank Size (mm) |
Size |
25.0/64 |
43 |
165 |
XXS |
25.5/65 |
44 |
165 |
XXS |
26.0/66 |
45 |
165 |
XXS |
26.5/67 |
46 |
165 |
XXS |
27.0/69 |
47 |
165 |
XS |
27.5/70 |
47 |
165 |
XS |
28.0/71 |
48 |
165 |
XS |
28.5/72 |
49 |
165-170 |
XS |
29.0/74 |
50 |
165-170 |
S |
29.5/75 |
51 |
165-170 |
S |
30.0/76 |
52 |
170 |
S |
30.5/77 |
53 |
170 |
S |
31.0/79 |
54 |
170 |
S |
31.5/80 |
54 |
170-172.5 |
M |
32.0/81 |
55 |
170-172.5 |
M |
32.5/83 |
56 |
170-172.5 |
M/L |
33.0/84 |
57 |
172.5 |
M/L |
33.5/85 |
58 |
172.5 |
L |
34.0/86 |
59 |
172.5-175 |
L |
34.5/88 |
60 |
172.5-175 |
XL |
35.0/89 |
60 |
175 |
XL |
35.5/90 |
61 |
175 |
XL |
36.0/91 |
62 |
175 |
XL |
36.5/93 |
63 |
175 |
XXL |
37.0/94 |
64 |
175 |
XXL |
37.5/95 |
65 |
175 |
XXL |
38.0/96 |
66 |
175 |
XXL |
Women Hybrid Bike/City Bike size Chart
Rider Height |
Suggested Women's Hybrid Frame Size |
||
Feet & Inches |
Centimetres |
Frame Size (inches) |
Frame Size (cm) |
4'10" - 5'2" |
148cm - 158cm |
13" - 14" |
31 - 35 |
5'2"" - 5'6"" |
158cm - 168cm |
15" - 16" |
36 - 40 |
5'6" - 5' 10" |
168cm - 178cm |
17" - 18" |
41 - 45 |
5'10" - 6'1" |
178cm - 185cm |
19"+ |
46 - 50 |
Time Trial Bike Size chart
Rider Height |
Suggested Triathlon Frame Size |
||
Feet & Inches |
Centimetres |
Frame Size (cm) |
Frame Size |
4'10" - 5'0" |
148cm - 152cm |
47cm - 48cm |
XX-Small |
5'0" - 5'3" |
152cm - 160cm |
49cm - 50cm |
X-Small |
5'3" - 5'6" |
160cm - 168cm |
51cm - 53cm |
Small |
5'6" - 5'9" |
168cm - 175cm |
54cm - 55cm |
Medium |
5'9" - 6'0" |
175cm - 183cm |
56cm - 58cm |
Large |
6'0" - 6'3" |
183cm - 191cm |
58cm - 60cm |
X-Large |
6'3" - 6'6" |
191cm - 198cm |
61cm - 63cm |
XX-Large |
We can find out what bike we need through the bike size chart above. The bike frame size is included in the above chart. How do you measure them? What frame parameter information do we need to know?
4. How are bike frames measured?
Before reading further, notice that most bikes are measured in metric units, but some manufacturers still size them in inches. We highly recommend you measure only in the metric system to have the best consistency. If needed, you can always use a converter to inches.
4.1 Seat tube length
In recent years, manufacturers have tried to simplify how bike frames are measured, mostly going from a size XS to XL. But others may label them the old-fashioned way, with a number going from 48 to 62. This corresponds to the seat tube length of the bike.
You can measure the seat tube length (in cm) from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube. However, there is no consistency between brands and how they measure their bikes; you can ride a 56 from one brand, but this doesn’t mean a 56 from other brands will fit you.
There are two other measurements you’ll need to take into consideration: reach and stack.
4.2 Reach and stack
Reach is the horizontal length measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the headset. Stack is a similar measurement but measured vertically. Perhaps you’ll understand it better with the graphic you can find below:
Reach and stack are two of the most important factors of your bike. Every type of bike has different numbers depending on what type of riding the bike is designed for, of course. For example, a road bike designed for racing in the Giro will have a long reach and low stack, but a gravel bike will be a bit shorter and higher, making it more comfortable for a more casual ride.
Although you can still play around a bit with your stack and reach by adapting the stem and the placement of your spacers on your fork, if you need to put more than 3cm of spacers on your fork or you need a 130mm stem, to feel comfortable, you’ll need to change bike size.
4.3 Other measurements
When looking at a bike chart, much information can be found, but not everything has to do with frame sizing. There is information that tells you how the bike will handle. Yet, you should always look at the headtube length. Certainly, if you own a bike, you can compare your current headtube and have a general idea of your positioning on the bars. Lastly, the seat tube angle will be for the more experienced riders. You want your saddle placed in the center of its rails and not put it on its limit forwards or backward.
When looking for a new bike or frame, these are the measurements you absolutely have to consider.
5.Bike size for kids
For our little riders the correct bike size is even more important! The right bike for your child will provide comfort, safety and gives your child more confidence in its riding skills.
Kid’s bikes are typically measured by age and wheel size. But to have the best fit possible for your child you should always measure their height accurately. As a base rule you need to keep in mind that a child must be able to touch the ground with both feet when seated. You can refer to the kids bike chart to find the right one.
Kids Bike Size Chart
Rider Height |
Suggested size |
|||
Feet & Inches |
Cms |
Inside Leg (min) |
Age Range |
Suggested Wheel |
up to 3" |
up to 90cm |
34cm |
under 2 years |
Balance bike |
3' - 3'5" |
90cm - 105cm |
40cm |
2 - 4 years |
12" |
3'5" - 3'9" |
105cm - 118cm |
46cm |
4 - 7 years |
14-16" |
3'9" - 4'5" |
118cm - 135cm |
53cm |
7 - 10 years |
18-20" |
4'5" - 5' |
135cm - 150cm |
62cm |
10 - 13 years |
24" |
5'+ |
150cm+ |
69cm |
13 years + |
26-27.5" & 700c |
6.Which BMX bike size are suitable for me?
Although most bike sizes can be calculated with the measurements mentioned, BMX’s sizing is slightly different.
A BMX frame’s size is determined by measuring the top tube length of the frame. The top tube (tt) measurement is taken from the center of the seat tube to the center of the head tube. Based on your height, you can find the corresponding bike size. (look for the charts below to find the right BMX size)
BMX SIZE CHART 1
SUGGESTED FRAME SIZE CHART |
||
SIZE |
TOP TUBE |
HEIGHT |
MICRO MINI |
15.25" to 16.50" |
UP TO 4' |
MINI |
16.75" to 17.50" |
4' to 4' 4" |
JUNIOR |
17.75" to 18.50" |
4' 3" to 4' 7" |
EXPERT |
18.75" to 19.50" |
4' 6" to 5' 5" |
PRO |
19.75" to 20.50" |
5' 4" to 5' 8" |
PRO XL |
20.75" to 21.50" |
5' 8" & UP |
BMX SIZE CHART 2
Height (ft&in/cm) |
Top Tube (in) |
Crank Size (mm) |
4'/122 |
15.0 |
150 |
4'1"/124 |
15.0-15.5 |
150-155 |
4'2"/127 |
15.0-16.0 |
150-160 |
4'3"/130 |
15.5-16.0 |
155-160 |
4'4"/132 |
16.0-16.5 |
155-160 |
4'5"/135 |
16.0-16.5 |
155-160 |
4'6"/137 |
16.5-17.0 |
160-165 |
4'7"/140 |
17.0-17.5 |
160-165 |
4'8"/142 |
17.0-17.5 |
160-165 |
4'9"/145 |
17.5-18.0 |
165-170 |
4'10"/147 |
17.5-18.0 |
165-170 |
4'11"/150 |
18.0-18.5 |
165-170 |
5'/152 |
18.5-19.0 |
170-175 |
5'1"/155 |
18.5-19.0 |
170-175 |
5'2"/157 |
19.0-19.5 |
170-175 |
5'3"/160 |
19.5-20.0 |
175-180 |
5'4"/163 |
19.5-20.0 |
175-180 |
5'5"/165 |
20.0-20.5 |
175-180 |
5'6"/168 |
20.0-20.5 |
175-180 |
5'7"/170 |
20.5-21.0 |
175-180 |
5'8"/173 |
21.5-21.5 |
180-185 |
5'9"/175 |
21.5-21.5 |
180-185 |
5'10"/178 |
21.5-22.0 |
180-185 |
5'11"/180 |
22 |
185 |
6'/183 |
22 |
185 |
Besides referring to the bike size chart to find the right bike size, are there other ways?
The most obvious and easiest way to get a great bike fit is to visit your local bike shop, where you can try and have a feel for the bike yourself. After trying out a couple of bikes, you’re certain of leaving the shop without the risk of having a wrong-sized bike.
Ordering online can certainly be a bit trickier, with different manufacturers using different sizing systems. Some use a number-based sizing from 1 to 6, while others use XS to XL sizing. All this can be unclear unless you know what to look for… To give you an idea of your ideal size, we’ve put together some key body measurements to help you. You can refer to the bike size chart data above.
Tips: The sort of bike will affect your bike size. Depending on your riding style, a mountain bike size will differ even more from your road bike. This shows that bike sizing is a personal preference. We can only point out some guidelines for you.
7.How do I choose the right bike size?
- Height
Measuring your height is the most simple and effective way to get an idea of your bike size. Stand straight against a wall and let somebody mark the top of your head. This is the least accurate of all the proposed methods, but it can already give you an idea of your bike size.
As mentioned before, it is the only measurement you need for BMXs.- Inseam
While measuring your height, also measure your inseam, which will determine your standover height. Inseam is the measurement from the floor to your crotch and is even considered a better value to determine bike size over height, although it doesn’t hurt to have both measurements.
You can measure your inseam pretty easily with a book and the help of your partner or a friend:
- Stand with your back against the wall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Put a book between your legs as if it were a bike seat
- Let the second person measure from the floor to the top of the book
I advise you to have at least 2 cm clearance between your top tube and your crotch on a road bike and 4 cm on a mountain bike. So you can hop off your bike quickly in case of an emergency.
- Reach
If your height and inseam still put you in between two sizes, your upper body will select the best-sized bike for you. To determine if you have a long or short reach, you’ll need to calculate your “Ape Index.” This is your armspan minus your height.
- A positive index means that your arm span is greater than your height (e.g., arm span = 201; height = 186. Ape index: 201 -186 = 15). In this case, we suggest you take the larger frame.
- A negative index means your height is greater than your arm span (e.g. arm span = 164; height = 172. Ape index: 164 – 172 = -8) here, you will feel more comfortable on the smaller frame size.
If you’re still unsatisfied with the reach of your bike, it is still possible to make minor adjustments by swapping out the stem for a different size, although this may alter the handling of your bike.
Calculate your bike size with easy math.
One last method you can use is simple mathematics. By now, you’ve measured your height and inseam, and with the help of some formulas, you can also find your ideal bike size:
- Inseam Length (cm) × 0.685 = Hybrid Bike Size (cm)
- Inseam Length (cm) × 0.225 = MTB Bike Size (inches)
- Inseam Length (cm) × 0.665 = Road Bike Size (cm)
1 in = 2.54 cm
1 cm = 0.39 in
Once you get the results do not forget to round up to whole numbers.If you want to choose the suitable road bike size,read the guide.
8.Bike fitting
Of course, all previous methods enable you to find your bike size yourself, but there is also the possibility to get fitted with a professional, although for a serious price.
A bike fit can advise the correct bike size, recommend the best possible saddle, set up your shoe cleats accurately, or provide guidance on the best possible saddle height, setback, or saddle-to-handlebar drop for your riding style.
You can even have more advanced bike fits, including the analysis of your cycling position in motion and your pedaling stroke to establish how you can optimize your position for increased power output or a greater level of comfort on the bike.
9.Online bike size calculator
In this modern age, looking for any information on the World Wide Web is normal. Nowadays, there are loads of tools that will instantly calculate your frame size. Some manufacturers, like Canyon, even integrate a bike size calculator on their website so you can order the correct frame size.
Find something as simple as Amazon’s bike chart and get a perfect fit. For further details, look on their website: Amazon: Bike Buying Guide: Sports & Outdoors.
Or you can even find sites with a bike size calculator. We recommend cyclisthub’s tool as it is easy to use. You just need to put in the necessary measurement and in a blink of an eye your result shows on screen.
You can go to the calculator with this link:
▷Bike Size Chart – 3 Methods to Choose the Right Bike Size
These can not replace a bike fit at your local bike shop or a professional bike fit, but they will get you close, and I’m sure you can find other calculators online with even more options to get the best result possible.
10. Conclusion
Finding the correct bike size is not rocket science; you don’t need to be a genius to understand one of the methods explained in this article. And there is even more online help at your disposal than ever before. But yet again, I can only emphasize that this article is mere guidelines. Every person is different and has different needs and different riding styles. Even so, if you are unsure which size to take, feel free to contact us; we’ll gladly help you.