Biking is not only a fun activity but it can also be a good exercise for the body and mind. However, your choice of bike will play a key role in your comfort and safety levels. You need the right bike type and size to make the most of this activity. A number of factors must be considered when looking into purchasing the right bike: the color, the design, the type, and most importantly, the size. You may have noticed that there is a wide range of bike sizes, and you might be asking yourself, “what bike size do I need?” Worry not because we will give you a thorough explanation about it all.
What Is My Bike Size?
Figuring out precisely your bike size and learning how to size a bike is essential for an enjoyable and safe ride. Your bike size will typically change over the years, as it is mostly dependent on your height.
Knowing your bike size in advance becomes crucial when trying to purchase one without the possibility of trying it in advance. Is this a problem though? Not necessarily. Nowadays the online market is full of great opportunities for bikes. Of course, should you find an interesting option, you can always see if you can find it in a store near you and try it out. However, the internet may offer bikes that may not be easily available to you. In that case, following this bike sizing guide will allow you to figure out the right size for you and take advantage of it all. Read on to find out how this works.
Bike Sizing Guide
A simple guide to bike sizing could be brought down to a few simple recommendations. To begin with, decide on the type of bike you want, then measure your height, and finally, find out the standover height. Read on as we elaborate on these points.
Select the type of bike
Do you commute to work every day riding through the city on mostly paved areas? Do you have to get on the bus or train with your bike? Or, do you usually ride through rough terrain? Maybe you are an adventurous person and love racing on mountain trails on the weekends? There is a type of bike for every purpose, so giving consideration to how you will use the bike the most is crucial to making a decision on the type. You can compare the images of others’ post-cycling experience visualized with collages to catch your vibe and make the right decision.
Measure your height
Once you have decided on the type of bike, you will need to measure your height if you don’t know it already. Knowing the type of bike that you need and your height is the simplest way to finding out your bike size. At this point, you could scroll down this page and refer to the bike size charts that we have provided, focusing specifically on road and mountain bikes. Although this is not the only method to finding out the right frame size, it is the simplest!
Consider the standover height
Now, for a more optimum sizing to allow for a more enjoyable and comfortable ride, you may want to check the standover height. The standover height is the distance between the floor and the top tube of the bike. If you are able to try the bicycle before buying it, you will want to stand over the bike with your feet an inch apart from each other. If there is at least an inch clearance above the tube, then you’re set! If you are purchasing online and are not able to test the bike, the manufacturers usually include the standover height in their specifications. In that case, you only need to take your inseam measurements and compare them with the standover height.
Bike Size Charts
Bike size charts will give you the size of the frame in relation to the height of the rider. This will vary between a man and a woman and depending on the type of bike you prefer. Below you will find the bike size charts according to the type of bike: road bike vs. mountain bike. So have a look to decide on your best fit.
Men’s road bike and mountain bike size chart
| Road bike | Mountain bike | ||
| Rider height | Frame size | Rider height | Frame size |
| 148-152 cm | 47-48 cm (XXS) | 148-158 cm rider | 13-14 inches (XS) |
| 152-160 cm | 49-50 cm (XS) | 158-168 cm | 15-16 inches (S) |
| 160-168 cm | 51-53 cm (S) | 168-178 cm | 17-18 inches (M) |
| 168-175 cm | 54-55 cm (M) | 178-185 cm | 19-20 inches (L) |
| 175-183 cm | 56-58 cm (L) | 185-193 cm | 21-22 inches (XL) |
| 183-191 cm | 58-60 (XL) | 193-198 cm | 23-24 inches (XXL) |
| 191-196 cm | 61-63 (XXL) |
Women’s road bike and mountain bike size chart
| Road bike | Mountain bike | ||
| Rider height | Frame size | Rider height | Frame size |
| 147-155 cm | 44-46 cm (XXS) | 148-158 cm | 13-14 inches (XS) |
| 155-160 cm | 47-49 cm (XS) | 158-168 cm | 15-16 inches (S) |
| 160-165 cm | 50-52 cm (S) | 168-178 cm | 17-18 inches (M) |
| 165-172 cm | 53-55 cm (M) | 178-185 cm | 19+ inches (L) |
| 172-180 cm | 56-57 cm (L) |
Bike size chart for kids
While for adults it is the size of the frame that matters, for kids it is the wheel diameter that will vary according to their age and height.
| Age (years) | Height (cm) | Wheel diameter (inches) |
| First bike | 88 – 105 | Balance |
| 3 – 5 | 98 – 112 | 12 |
| 5 – 7 | 100 – 120 | 16 / 18 |
| 7 – 9 | 120 – 135 | 20 |
| 9 – 11 | 135 – 145 | 24 |
| 11+ | 145+ | 26 |
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to buy online or not, finding the right bike size for yourself or those around you is not a complex task if you follow the guidelines we shared. However, keep in mind that there are many other factors that are important for a comfortable and safe ride, from the height of the saddle and handlebars to the clothing used. Make sure you take into consideration all of these factors before going for a ride. Although at the beginning it may take some time to get used to it, after a while it will just become second nature. Enjoy the ride!
