Like buying anything else, bicycles are also subjected to a list of criteria you should pay attention to. Most people are concerned about the styles, features, and price, completely neglecting one of the most important aspects: size!
Kids’ are different from adults, and women’s models slightly vary from men’s. Your failure to address these variations and tell different sizes apart will result in numerous discomfort issues. Such a distraction might even lead to accidents.
Hence, our expert team has decided to intervene with our inclusive guidelines, which detail everything there is to know about bicycle sizes chart. Dive in for more.
Table of Contents
The General Bike Frame Size Chart
This section will cover the most widespread bike types and provide respective bike sizes by height for each.
1. Road Bike Size Chart
The most common bike model goes to road bicycle, designed to help you travel far and fast on every paved surface. As you could have guessed, their current names are inspired by the main terrain people use them on – the roads.
Road bicycles are wonderful options for racing, touring, event rides, commuting, and fitness riding. Most versions have drop-bar handlebars (curled down towards the bike’s rear) to put experienced riders in aerodynamic positions.
How to make sure you can find the right one? Experts have considered a person’s average height and frame size (measuring the seat tube heights) to yield an inclusive chart. If you do not know how to calculate the frame size, here are two quick, simple steps:
Step 1. Take your shoes off. Stand with the legs 6” to 8” apart (equal 15 to 20 cm). Then measure the distance from your crotch to the floor.
Step 2. After that, apply this formula: Leg inseam measurement x 0,7 = Frame size
The road bike size chart:
| Sizes | Heights | Inseams |
| 47 | 152 to 158cm4’11.8″ to 5’2.2″ | 71 to 75cm28 to 29.5″ |
| 50 | 158 to 1635’2.2″ to 5’4.2″ | 74 to 77cm29.1″ to 30.3″ |
| 52 | 163 to 168cm5’4.2″ to 5’6.1″ | 76 to 79cm29.9″ to 31.1″ |
| 54 | 168 to 174cm5’6.1″ to 5’8.5″ | 78 to 82cm30.7″ to 32.3″ |
| 56 | 174 to 180cm5’8.5″ to 5’10.9″ | 81 to 85cm31.9″ to 33.5″ |
| 58 | 180 to 185cm5’10.9″ to 6’0.8″ | 84 to 87cm33.1″ to 34.3″ |
| 60 | 185 to 190cm6’0.8″ to 6’2.8″ | 86 to 90cm33.9″ to 35.4″ |
| 62 | 190 to 195cm6’2.8″ to 6’4.8″ | 89 to 92cm35 to 36.2″ |
2. Mountain Bike Size Chart
Mountain bicycle types (MTBs) are vehicles produced for off-road riding. There are undeniable similarities between MTBs and other bikes; however, the former incorporate more upgraded features to enhance performance and durability on rough terrains, such as:
- Suspension fork
- Huge knobby tires
- Powerful brakes
- Durable wheels
- Straight and extra-wide handlebar
- Wide-ratio gears
As a result, they are more complex, heavier, and much less efficient when used on smooth surfaces. Indeed, you should only use them for fire roads, single tracks, mountain trails, and other types of unpaved surfaces with steep grades, loose dirt, roots, and rocks.
Again, for those who want to know the right frame size for mountain bikes, apply the formula we introduced above for road bicycles – but this time, replace 0,7 with 0,66:
Leg inseams (cm) x 0,66 = The frame size
Or better yet, simply look at this mountain bike size chart below. You can measure these bikes in inches or through a more understandable hierarchy of Large/Medium/Small.
Note: Newer models might be a bit challenging to assess without assistance from the frame’s stamp or sticker. After all, geometries have undergone so many changes that tube measurements likely give you very little insight.
| Size | Height | Inseams | |
| XS | 13.5 inches | 137 to 155cm4’5.9″ to 5’1.0″ | 64 to 73cm25.2″ to 28.7″ |
| S | 15.5″ inches | 153 to 166.5cm5’0.2″ to 5’5.6″ | 72 to 79.0 cm28.3″ to 31.1″ |
| M | 17.5″ inches | 161.0 to 172cm5’3.4″ to 5’7.7″ | 76 to 81cm29.9″ to 31.9″ |
| M/L | 18.5″ inches | 165.5 to 179cm5’5.2″ to 5’10.5″ | 77 to 84cm30.3″ to 33.1″ |
| L | 19.5″ inches | 177 to 188cm5’9.7″ to 6’2.0″ | 83 to 88cm32.7″ to 34.6″ |
| XL | 21.5″ inches | 186 to 196cm6’1.2″ to 6’5.2″ | 87 to 92cm34.3″ to 36.2″ |
| XXL | 23.0″ inches | 195 to 203cm6’4.8″ to 6’7.9″ | 92 to 95cm36.2″ to 37.4″ |
3. Hybrid Bikes
Hybrids (also known as city bikes) are exactly how they sound – a combination of mountain and road bikes, resulting in a bicycle suitable for all-purpose riding rather than specific terrains. Hence, people tend to use hybrids for commuting goals.
Still, it’s safe to say this type of bike leans a bit more into mountain bikes than road cycles. An average hybrid often enjoys flat handlebars (similar to mountain bikes) instead of the drop bars you often see on road bicycles.
No wonder the hybrid’s braking and shifting components also resemble mountain cycling units, rarely integrating the road bicycles’ shift/brake lever system.
Regarding measurement, these bikes often pick up a Large/Medium/Small hierarchy. Nevertheless, some bike manufacturers still turn to inches as their size denotation.
For those curious about their right frame size, apply: Leg inseams x 0,685 = Frame size
The hybrids’ bike size chart by height and inseams:
| Sizes | Heights | Inseams |
| S | 155 to 165cm5’1.0″to 5’5.0″ | 72 to 78cm28.3″ to 30.7″ |
| M | 165 to 175cm5’5.0″ to 5’8.9″ | 77 to 83cm30.3″ to 32.7″ |
| L | 175 to 186cm5’8.9″ to 6’1.2″ | 82 to 88cm32.3″ to 34.6″ |
| XL | 186 to 197cm6’1.2″ to 6’5.6″ | 87 to 93cm34.3″ to 36.6″ |
| XXL | 197 to 203cm6’5.6″to 6’7.9″ | 92 to 95ccm36.2″ to 37.4″ |
4. Kid Bike Size Chart
Kids’ bikes (also referred to as pedal, run, or balance bikes) are training bicycles to help your child learn the basic lessons of steering and balance. Hence, these vehicles often have no freewheel, derailleurs, gear shifters, gears, chains, drivetrain, or foot pedals.
But once the kids turn eight to ten, they would want something more challenging that allows them to go to school on their own or participate in fun activities like racing, dirt, jumping, or trick riding.
Fortunately, tons of products can satisfy this need, ranging from full-on road bikes and cruisers to mini mountain bicycles (with suspension).
Unlike the previous three adult bikes, bike shops often measure kids’ bikes via their wheel sizes – which, in our opinion, is much easier to comprehend and more straightforward than a bike adult size. 20-inch bikes have 20-inch wheels, 24-inch bikes use 24-inch wheels, etc.
The kids’ chart here should be a great start for every parent, though we recommend having your kid try the sized bike first before you decide to purchase it.
Kids’ Bike Size Chart:
| Wheel Size | Height | Typical Age |
| 12″ | 86 to 102cm2’9.9″ to 3’4.2″ | 2 yrs – 4 yrs |
| 16″ | 99 to 117cm3’3.0″ to 3’10.1″ | 4 yrs – 6 yrs |
| 20″ | 114 to 132cm3’8.9″to 4’4.0″ | 6 yrs – 8 yrs |
| 24″ | 130 to 150cm4’3.2″ to 4’11.1″ | 8 yrs – 12 yrs |
| 26″ | 146 to 160cm4’9.5″ to 5’3.0″ | 12 yrs + |
5. Extra: Women’s Bike Size Chart
The charts we provided above cater to an average person (regardless of gender). Nevertheless, there are certain physical differences in men’s and women’s bodies.
So some women – especially petite ones or those wishing to go professional – might prefer measurements that better tailor their sizes and heights.
You can simply use the previous tables as bike size charts for men. In the case of women, please have a quick look at these:
Women Road Bikes
| Rider Height | Suitable Frame Size | ||
| Feet and Inches | Centimeters | Size | Centimeters |
| 4′ 10″ to 5′ 1″ | 147 to 155 | XXS | 44 /45 / 46 |
| 5′ 1″ to 5′ 3″ | 155 to 160 | XS | 47 / 48 / 49 |
| 5′ 3″ to 5′ 5″ | 160 to 165 | S | 50 / 51 / 52 |
| 5′ 5″ to 5′ 8″ | 165 to 172 | M | 53 / 54 / 55 |
| 5′ 8″ to 5′ 10″ | 172 to 180 | L | 56 to 57 |
Women Mountain Bikes
| Rider Height | Suitable Frame Size | ||
| Feet and Inches | Centimeters | Size | Inches |
| 4′ 10″ to 5′ 2″ | 148 to 158 | XS | 13 / 14 |
| 5′ 2″ to 5 ‘6″ | 158 to 168 | S | 15 / 16 |
| 5′ ‘6″ to 5’ 10″ | 168 to 178 | M | 17 / 18 |
| 5′ 10″ to 6′ 1″ | 178 to 185 | L | 19 / 20 |
| 6′ 1″ to 6′ 4″ | 185 to 193 | XL | 21 to 22 |
| 6 ‘4″ to 6’ 6″ | 193 to 198 | XXL | 23 to 24 |
Bikes for Small Young Girls
| Rider Age and Height | Suitable Size | ||
| Age | Inches | Centi | Wheel Size |
| 2 to 3 years | 2′ 9″ to 3′ 1″ | 85 to 90 | 10″ wheel |
| 2 to 4 years | 2′ 10″ to 3′ 4″ | 85 to 100 | 12″ wheel |
| 5 to 7 years | 3′ 4″ to 4′ | 100 to 120 | 16″ wheel |
| 7 to 9 years | 4′ to 4′ 5″ | 120 to 135 | 20″ wheel |
| 9 to 11 years | 4′ 5″ to 4′ 9″ | 135 to 145 | 24″ wheel |
| 11+ years | 4′ 9″+ | 145+ | 26″ wheel |
Extra Measures to Ensure You Got The Right Bike Size
- Take Some Ride. Fun test rides are the most critical measuring technique. After all, everyone’s various fits and preferences will impact how they perceive a bike. Ensure the tests are long enough; that way, you can experience the bike’s real feel over variable terrains.
- Check That The Seat Heights and Positions Are Adjustable. The bike’s seat position should allow your leg to pull straight (or at least nearly straight) during pedaling. Riders are expected to touch the ground easily with their toe points.
- Check That The Saddles Are Clear of Top Tubes. Road bikes should be about 1” clear, and mountain bikes 3”. If the saddles can reach your hips, you are good to go.
See more: How To Measure Bike Wheel Size?
Aside from Size, What Else Should I Pay Attention to When Buying Bikes?
- Brands: Read customer reviews to have an overview of how they perform. Avoid turning to less popular brands – unless you have tried their products and decided they are good.
- Budgets: Assess your financial limit. Generous-budget customers can allow themselves more choices, while those whose condition is a bit tight should make a list of priorities, deciding which criterion they should keep and which is good to go.
- Purpose: Do you want to participate in long-hour mountain trips on weekends? Mountain bikes are your best bet. Or is a smooth ride to school your current goal? Aim for road bikes or hybrids.
You can also learn more about the differences between mountain and road bicycles here.
- Accessories: Modern/high-end bicycles offer numerous additional accessories, such as water bottle cages, repair kits, bike locks, etc. Do your research well!
FAQs
1. What Is A 26-Inch Bicycle? Should I Buy A 26-inch Bike for What Size Person?
It means its wheels are measured about 26 inches across. These bikes are suited to riders at least 5′ tall.
2. Can Adults Ride Kids’ Bikes?
Yes, if his body size is petite enough. Still, try out the bike to make sure!
3. Can Women Ride Men’s Mountain Bikes?
Yes. After all, bikes are technically unisex. But if you are not confident, feel free to check the separate size chart tailored for women (already introduced above).
4. Which Month Should I Buy Bikes?
Fall months are the best time to purchase a new bike – since sales seasons tend to occur around these periods.
Conclusion
Our post has discussed and lent you a full overview of bike size for height – accompanied by an extra separate section aimed at women only. All four popular types of bikes are covered, ensuring you can find what you want regardless of your riding purpose.
Aside from the sizes, other critical elements like brands, features, and prices should also be in your mind. Ask yourself detailed questions about them to assess your needs and preferences, which you can base on to decide the best well-designed bike!
Good luck with your riding, and feel free to ask us for more help if desired.
