To know your correct bike size, you first need to know your height. That’s right. But, determining a bike size by your inseam length is even more accurate than by simply using your height. It’s because some people have different body geometry or structures, like long torso with shorter legs. In this case, knowing your leg inseam is really important.
Before getting a bicycle that fits your height, you should first understand the correct size of your body. If you are buying a bike from the store, well then it’s simple. You can try any frame size until it fits you perfectly.
What if you are ordering it online? That’s where your height and inseam come into play.
I assume that you have already known what inseam is and how to measure it (in case you don’t know, scroll down).
Like clothing brands, bike sizes may also vary according to the models and manufacturer’s sizing method. So, don’t ever limit your search to small, medium, or big sizes.
Use the below tables to know your accurate frame size.
Road bike size chart by inseam
Road bike sizing is usually done in centimeter. Manufacturers may simply use descriptive sizes as well.
| HEIGHT | INSEAM (INCH) | INSEAM (CM) | FRAME SIZE (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.10 – 5.1 ft | 25.5″-27″ | 65-69cm | 46-48cm (XX-Small) |
| 5.0 – 5.3 ft | 26.5″-28″ | 67-71cm | 48-50cm (XX-Small/X-Small) |
| 5.2 – 5.5 ft | 27.5″-29″ | 70-74cm | 50-52cm (Small) |
| 5.4 – 5.7 ft | 28.5″-30″ | 72-76cm | 52-54cm (Small) |
| 5.6 – 5.9 ft | 29.5″-31″ | 75-79cm | 54-56cm (Small/Medium) |
| 5.8 – 5.11 ft | 30.5″-32″ | 77-81cm | 56-58cm (Medium) |
| 5.10 – 6.1 ft | 31.5″-33″ | 80-84cm | 58-60cm (Medium) |
| 6.0 – 6.3 ft | 32.5″-34″ | 83-86cm | 60-62cm (Medium/Large) |
| 6.2 – 6.5 ft | 34.5″-36″ | 85-91cm | 62-64cm (Large/X-Large) |
| 6’5 ft+ | 36″+ | 91cm+ | 62-66cm (X-Large/XX-Large) |
City, hybrid & mountain bike size chart by inseam
Size of hybrid and mountain bikes is generally given in inches/descriptive sizes.
| HEIGHT | INSEAM (INCH) | INSEAM (CM) | FRAME SIZE (INCH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.10 – 5.1 ft | 25.5″-27″ | 65-69cm | 13″/14″ (XX-Small) |
| 5.0 – 5.3 ft | 26.5″-28″ | 67-71cm | 14″/15″ (XX-Small/X-Small) |
| 5.2 – 5.5 ft | 27.5″-29″ | 70-74cm | 15″/16″ (Small) |
| 5.4 – 5.7 ft | 28.5″-30″ | 72-76cm | 15″/16″ (Small) |
| 5.6 – 5.9 ft | 29.5″-31″ | 75-79cm | 16″/17″ (Small/Medium) |
| 5.8 – 5.11 ft | 30.5″-32″ | 77-81cm | 17″/18″ (Medium) |
| 5.10 – 6.1 ft | 31.5″-33″ | 80-84cm | 18″/19″(Medium) |
| 6.0 – 6.3 ft | 32.5″-34″ | 83-86cm | 20″/21″ (Medium/Large) |
| 6.3 – 6.5 ft | 34″-36″ | 87-91cm | 21″/22″ (Large/X-Large) |
| 6.5 ft+ | 36″+ | 91cm+ | 22″/22″+ (X-Large/XX-Large) |
How to measure inseam for bikes
Inseam of a bike is the distance from the floor to your crotch.
Steps to measure leg inseam for bicycle:
- Remove your shoes and position your feet 6 to 8 inches (15.24 cm-20.32 cm) apart.
- Measure the length of the inseam (from the crotch to the ground). Take the measurements in both centimeter and inches.
Done. That’s your leg inseam. Easy, right?
Calculating the correct bike size according to leg inseam
The next step is to decide which type of bike you want – a mountain, road, or a hybrid bike.
Get your calculator and use this simple formula to know the appropriate frame size of your bike type.
- For mountain bikes: inseam in CM x 0.66
- For road bikes: inseam in CM x 0.7066
- For hybrid bikes: inseam in CM x 0.685
Still not getting it?
Let me do the math and help you out.
Supposing that my inseam is 80 cm, the respective frame size for different types of bikes will be:
- Mountain bikes: 52.8 cm
- Hybrid bikes: 54.8 cm
- Road bikes: 56.48 cm
Why inseam measurement is important?
The importance of the inseam length with respect to the bike determines the effort you need to put while reaching the pedal or straddling the bike. Proper inseam measurement ensures that your stand-over height of your bicycle is adequate for you. Ideally, there should be 1″- 2″ gap/clearance between your crotch and the top tube.
If you don’t get the right bike size, you may end up with injuries and also changes in body posture. This is where the cycling inseam is so crucial.
For example, if the inseam is not measured properly while purchasing the bike, the possibility of reaching the pedal will be less. It can often lead to discomfort while using the bike.
Leg inseam also determines the kind of motion as well. When inseam length goes wrong, you need to bend your knees or over-stretch your legs to reach the pedal. This in-turn makes it difficult to ride the bike and the change in motion causes body pain.
Your comprehensive grip of the bike depends on the frame size. Cycling a bike that is either short or overly tall might cause a variety of issues and decreases the efficiency and fun of bicycling.
People also ask
Do you measure bike inseam with or without shoes?
Measure it without shoes. Because you will be cycling in various shoes. It is best to remove it when measuring to produce an accurate length. But, if you have a different preference, you can go ahead measuring it with shoes on.
Is inseam most accurate in deciding frame size?
Both height and inseam measurements are important. But, yes, leg inseam is more accurate while estimating the frame size that will be more comfortable to you.
Is bike inseam the same as pant inseam?
No. Cycling inseam differs from your pant inseam. Don’t ever measure your bike inseam based on your jeans size.
Is the inseam the same as the stand-over height of a bicycle?
Technically yes. But, you should choose a bicycle with a stand-over height about 1-2 inches (clearance) shorter than your inseam length. Otherwise, the bike will be too big for you. A stand-over height is the length from the top tube to the ground.
Bottom line
So, you know how important inseam is when it comes to bicycle sizing. While I went to buy my first bike, the sales associate specifically asked me for my inseam length. Being my first time, I was not aware, so he measured it for me – turns out – it is an integral part while selecting the right frame size.
I hope the above bicycle inseam charts help you pick the correct bike size online. By simply knowing your measurements and the bike’s geometry, you can get a bike that comfortably fits your height.
