Finding a proper size bike as per your height can be confusing for the beginners. And, that’s why you are here. Right? Don’t worry! I’ll make it as easy as pie.
A wrong-sized bicycle will kill your cycling experience, performance, confidence, and the joy of riding. Fortunately, most manufacturers provide the frame sizes based on their bicycle models and the types. However, you may still want to go through our general sizing guideline. The reason?
Because there are variety of bikes with different measurements. Also, to know your best fit, you may consider other factors such as, your inside leg length (inseam), standover height, and arm length. Our guide will make you more knowledgeable and hassle-free while you are at the bike store or buying one online.
If you are in a hurry, just scroll down and go through the charts. For novices who like to get more familiar with bicycle measurements, sizing, and its geometry, take a look at the image below –
Notes from the bicycle fitting experts for a newbie –
- What if you are stuck between the same sizes? Size up if you are experienced, athletic, and have longer arms. Size down if you are new, have shorter arms, and prefer a lighter one.
- Not all brands use the same sizing criteria.
- Road and trial bike sizes are mostly stated in centimeters, while mountain bike sizes are given in inches.
- Remember, adult bicycles are measured by the frame, and kid bicycles are sized by the wheel diameter.
- Men and women bicycle sizes are almost same. However, there are some manufacturers which produce specific models for women – like including a basket or having a wider saddle and step-through frame.
- There should be a gap between your crotch and the top tube while standing over it (1″ – 2″ for road bikes and 2″ – 4″ for mountain bikes).
Mountain bike size chart for men & women (in feet & cm)
If you are a female, don’t fall for the marketing gimmick of women specific mountain bikes. There is no difference between men and women’s MTBs. Just pick the one that fits your height and body properly.
| HEIGHT (FEET) | HEIGHT (CM) | FRAME SIZE (INCH) |
|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5′ 2″ | 148 – 158cm | 13″ – 14″ (X Small) |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 158 – 168cm | 15″ – 16″ (Small) |
| 5’6″ – 5’10” | 168 – 178cm | 17″ – 18″ (Medium) |
| 5’10” – 6’1″ | 178 – 185cm | 19″ – 20″ (Large) |
| 6’1″ – 6’4″ | 185 – 193cm | 21″ – 22″ (X Large) |
| 6’4+ | 193cm+ | 23″ – 24″ (XX Large) |
Road bike sizing chart for men (in feet & CM)
| HEIGHT (FEET) | HEIGHT (CM) | FRAME SIZE (CM) |
|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5′ 0″ | 148 – 152cm | 47-48cm (XX Small) |
| 5’0″ – 5’3″ | 152 – 160cm | 49 – 50cm (X Small) |
| 5’3″ – 5’6″ | 160 – 168cm | 51 – 53cm (Small) |
| 5’6″ – 5’9″ | 168 – 175cm | 54 – 55cm (Medium) |
| 5’9″ – 6’0″ | 175 – 183cm | 56 – 58cm (Large) |
| 6’0″ – 6’3″ | 183 – 191cm | 58 – 60cm (X Large) |
| 6’3″+ | 191cm+ | 61-63cm (XX Large) |
Road bike sizing chart for women
There are road bikes designed specifically for women. But, don’t just restrict yourself to buying only a female’s road bicycle. You can confidently pedal on any bike you want, be it a unisex or a men’s one.
| HEIGHT (FEET) | HEIGHT (CM) | FRAME SIZE (CM) |
|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5′ 1″ | 147 – 155cm | 44 – 46cm (XXS) |
| 5’1″ – 5’3″ | 155 – 160cm | 47 – 49cm (XS) |
| 5’3″ – 5’5″ | 160 – 165cm | 50 – 52cm (S) |
| 5’5″ – 5’8″ | 165 – 172cm | 53 – 55cm (M) |
| 5’8″ – 5’10” | 172 – 180cm | 56 – 57cm (L) |
Commuter/hybrid bike size chart for men and women
Hybrid bikes have more relaxed frame geometry and offer great versality. They are best for spinning around for fun, commuting on city roads, touring, and so on.
| HEIGHT (FEET) | HEIGHT (CM) | FRAME SIZE (INCH) | FRAME SIZE (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5′ 1″ | 147 – 155cm | 13″ – 14″ | 47 – 49cm (XS) |
| 5’1″ – 5’5″ | 155 – 165cm | 15″ – 16″ | 50 – 52cm (S) |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 165 – 175cm | 17″ – 18″ | 53 – 54cm (M) |
| 5’9″ – 6’0″ | 175 – 183cm | 19″ – 20″ | 55 – 57cm (L) |
| 6’0″ – 6’3″ | 183 – 191cm | 21″ – 22″ | 58 – 61cm (XL) |
| 6’3″+ | 191cm+ | 23″ – 25″ | 61 – 63cm (XXL) |
Kid’s bicycle size chart
As mentioned above, kids bicycles are measured by wheel size/diameter in inches. I recommend you to consider your child’s inseam for finding the perfect fit bicycle. And, don’t forget to opt for a balance bike. Those bicycles with training wheels are too old-fashioned and a waste of money.
| AGE | HEIGHT (FEET) | INSEAM (INCH) | WHEEL SIZE (INCH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 – 3 | 2’10” – 3’4″ | 14″ – 17″ | 12″ |
| 3 – 4 | 3’1″ – 3’7″ | 16″ – 20″ | 14″ |
| 4 – 5 | 3’7″ – 4’0″ | 18″ – 22″ | 16″ |
| 5 – 8 | 4’0″ – 4’5″ | 22″ – 25″ | 20″ |
| 7 – 11 | 4’5″ – 4’9″ | 24″ – 28″ | 24″ |
| 10+ | 4’9″+ | 25″+ | 26″ |
Congratulations! If you have reached till here by now, you must have already known which size suits you the best.
Like to dig in further? Well, go through the resources below, which I’ve handpicked for you –
- Bicycle size chart by inseam – Complete guide
- Bicycle sizing for kids – Complete guide
- Bikes for overweight person – The list
- Electric bikes for short female – The list
