Table of Contents ▼ ▲

Which bike size you need

Why Bike Size Matters

adjust bike saddle
See adjusting the saddle section

selle de vélo ajustée à la bonne hauteur
There should be at least 2cm or 3/4 inch between the frame and your crotch

There are some quick methods explained below to determine approximately what size of bike you need. Bike sizing charts are also found below so you can determine in advance if a bike is a potential fit depending on your height and bike type. However, people having different leg to body ratio, the only way to know for sure is to try the bike and adjust the seat height.

Important! the information below applies to older bikes only. Newer men's and ladies' bikes have a lower frame with a longer seat post. On older men's bike the top horizontal tube is really horizontal. Newer bikes have different frame geometry, the top tube is not completely horizontal but lower toward the saddle.

hybrid bike city bike hybrid bike city bike
On older men's bike the top horizontal tube is really horizontal.

Measuring Bike Frame

Comment mesurer un cadre de vélo

The bike size you need depends on the type of bike

 

Quick methods without measuring tape and bike sizing charts

Short riders under 5ft 2in

Women 5ft 8in and taller

Tall riders 6 ft and above

Bike Sizing Charts

Important! the information below applies to older bikes only. On older men's bike the top horizontal tube is really horizontal. Newer bikes have different frame geometry, the top tube is not completely horizontal but lower toward the saddle. Newer men's and ladies' bikes have a lower frame with a longer seat post.

Road Bike Size

Hybrid Bike Size

Frame Size (?)
Older Road Bikes and Hybrid Bikes
Rider's Height*
18" - 46 cm 4' 5" to 4' 8"
135 to 143 cm
19" - 48 cm 4' 8" to 4' 11"
141 to 149 cm
20" - 51 cm 4' 11" to 5' 2"
150 to 158 cm
21" - 53.5 cm 5' 2" to 5' 5"
158 to 166 cm
22" - 56 cm 5' 5" to 5' 8"
165 to 173 cm
23" - 58.5 cm 5' 8" to 5' 11 "
173 to 181 cm
24" - 61 cm 5' 11" to 6' 2 "
180 to 188 cm
25" - 63.5 cm 6' 2" and over
188cm and over
*The only way to know for sure is to try the bike and adjust the seat height.

Table 1: Bike frame size for older road bikes and hybrid bikes

City Bike Size

Older City Bike
Frame Size
(?)
Rider's Height*
18" - 46 cm 4' 5" to 5' 0"
19" - 48 cm 4' 8" to 5' 3"
20" - 51 cm 5' 0 " to 5' 5"
21" - 53.5 cm 5' 2" to 5' 8"
22" - 56 cm 5' 5" to 5' 11"
23" - 58.5 cm 5' 8" to 6' 2"
*The only way to know for sure is to try the bike and adjust the seat height.

Table 2: Bike frame size for older city bikes

Mountain Bike Size

Mountain Bike
with 26" wheels
Frame Size
(?)
Rider's Height*
14" - 35.5 cm 4' 8" to 5'1"
142 to 155 cm
15" - 38 cm 4'9" to 5' 4"
145 to 163 cm
16" - 40.5 cm 4' 11" to 5' 7"
150 to 170 cm
17" - 43 cm 5' 2" to 5' 10"
157 to 178 cm
18" - 46cm 5' 5" to 6' 1"
165 to 185 cm
19" - 48cm 5' 7" to 6' 4"
170 to 193 cm
20" - 51cm 5' 10" to 6' 6"
178 to 198 cm
21" - 53cm 6' 1" to 6'7"
185 to 201 cm
22" - 56cm 6' 3" to 6' 7"
191 to 201 cm
*The only way to know for sure is to try the bike and adjust the seat height.
Table 3: Bike frame sizes for mountain bikes with 26in wheels.
Download mountain bike sizing chart from ebicycles.com for more accurate data.

 

BMX's Size

Folding Bike Size

Kid's bike and tricycle size

Inseam
Wheel Size
less than 16 in (40 cm) 12 in
16 to 20 in (40-50 cm) 14 in
20 to 22½ in (50-57 cm) 16 in
22½ to 26 in (57-66 cm) 20 in
26 to 28 in (66-71 cm) 24 in

Table 4: Kid's Bike Sizes

Exercise Bike Size

Adult Tricycle Size

Tandem Bike Size

Delivery Bike Size

Recumbent bike and Trike Size