When it comes to cycling, one of the most important factors to consider is bike size. That’s because your bike frame size plays a major role in how comfortable you are while riding and also how efficient your pedaling motion will be.
But with all the different types and sizes of bikes available today, finding the right frame size can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve created this handy bike size chart – to help you find the perfect frame size for your needs.
Different Types of Bikes
There are many different kinds of bikes out there, and it can be difficult to decide which type fits your needs best.
The three main categories of bicycles are road, mountain, and hybrid.
Road bikes tend to be heavier and stronger than mountain bikes, while mountain bikes are lighter and easier to ride.
Hybrid bikes combine the characteristics of both road and mountain bikes.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are designed for long-distance riding over paved surfaces. They typically weigh around 30kg and can speed up to 50km/h.
Road bike frames often feature disc brakes, mudguards, fenders, and racks.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are lightweight and agile, allowing riders to climb steep hills without getting tired. Mountain bikes usually weigh less than 20kg and reach speeds of 35km/h.
Mountain bikes are generally built with smaller wheel sizes and shorter gearing than road bikes. Most mountain bikes use suspension forks and rear shocks.
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes combine the features of road and mountain bikes. These bikes have the same advantages as road bikes but also offer the agility of mountain bikes.
Hybrid bikes are available in all sizes and weights.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Bicycle Frame
The road bike geometry is one of the most critical aspects of building a great ride.
Knowing how to read a frame’s measurements can make the difference between having a comfortable ride and feeling like you’re riding a brick wall.
Here are some key numbers to know about the frame of a road bike.
Top Tube Length
This is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket shell to the top of the seat post clamp.
The top tube length is measured from the centerline of the BB shell to the top of where the seatpost clamp attaches to the steerer tube.
Head Tube Angle
This is the angle that the head tube makes with the ground.
A steeper head tube angle gives you a longer reach and, therefore, better handling, while a flatter head tube angle allows for more trail clearance and stability.
Stack Height
Stack height is the distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the headset cups.
Longer stack heights give you greater leverage and increased power transfer, while shorter stacks mean less weight over the front end and easier climbs.
Bottom Bracket Drop
The bottom bracket drop measures the distance from the centerline of your crank arm to the center of the bottom brackets. If you want to go fast, keep your chain close to the centerline of the crankset.
But if you prefer climbing and descending, a lower bottom bracket position will allow you to put more pressure on the pedals.
The bottom bracket drop measures the distance from the centerline of your crank arm to the center of the bottom brackets.
If you want to go fast, keep your chain close to the centerline of the crankset.
But if you prefer climbing and descending, a lower bottom bracket position will allow you to put more pressure on the pedals.
Reach
Reach is the distance from the saddle to the handlebars. Larger reaches require more space under the bars, making it harder to turn the wrists and control the bike.
Smaller reaches provide more room for turning and feel more natural.
Wheelbase
Wheelbase refers to the distance between the centers of the rear axle and front axles’ centers.
Generally speaking, a wider wheelbase provides a smoother ride, while a narrower wheelbase offers more maneuverability and traction.
Bicycle Frames: Traditional, Semi-Compact, Compact
When choosing between different types of frames, there are three main geometry options: Traditional, Semi-Compact, and Compact.
Traditional Frames
A traditional frame has a top tube that runs horizontally across the bike.
There is less space when standing over the bike in a bike with a traditional frame.
Traditional frames used to be popular in the past, just as you would probably assume.
Compact or semi-compact frame bike designs are becoming increasingly popular on new bicycles.
Compact Frames
These frames are similar to traditional ones, except they have a slimmer design. They are usually built around a single pivot point at the bottom bracket.
This means there is less flex in the frame than in a traditional frame.
Semi-Compact Frames
These are somewhere in between traditional and compact frames. They are still fairly wide but not as wide as a traditional frame.
How To Choose Your Bike Frame Size
You should choose the proper frame size based on your body type, experience level, and intended use.
If you are an experienced rider who wants to improve their performance, then you should buy a larger frame. You’ll need more room to move around and pedal comfortably.
You may want to start with a smaller frame if you are a beginner. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of riding and forget about safety.
If you’re looking for something comfortable to cruise around town, a smaller frame might be best.
Calculating The Bike Frame Size Chart Using Height
Let’s look at an easy-to-follow bike frame size chart by height. The chart considers the rider’s height and the bike’s frame size.
Certain heights compliment certain frames.
| Rider Height | Bike Height |
| 5’3” to 5’7” | 15 to 16 inches |
| 5’7” to 5’11” | 16 to 17 inches |
| 6’0” to 6’2” | 17 to 19 inches |
| 6’2” to 6’4” | 19 to 21 inches |
| 6’4” or taller | 21 inches plus |
The typical bicycle frame size chart ranges from 150cm to 190cm.
A person with a height of 5ft 3in (158cm) will find it easier to ride a smaller-sized bike, whereas someone with a height of 6ft 2in (183cm) will find it harder to ride a larger-sized bike.
If you are unsure about what size bike you require, please use our online sizing tool to determine your perfect fit.
Calculating Bike Frame Size Chart by Using Math
Using math can help you figure out which size bike you need. Here is how to calculate your bike frame size using math.
1. Determine the type of bike
If you have a road bike – x 0.70;
For mountain bikes – x 0.685; and
For city bikes – x 0.685
2. Measuring the leg inseam
Measure the length of your inseam. For example, if you wear 32-inch pants, measure the distance from the crotch seam to the floor.
3. Calculations
Road bike – 0.70 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
Mountain bike – 0.685 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
City bike – 0.685 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
Example
Road bikes are traditionally sized by measuring the distance from the top tube to the center of where the bottom bracket cups rest. This measurement is called the “seat tube.”
However, that is not the only way road bikes are measured.
There are many different ways to measure a bicycle frame.
Here is how it works: You take the measurements of the bike you want to buy. Then you compare those measurements to the chart to determine what size you need.
Road Bike Frame Size Chart
| Frame Size | Rider Height |
| Small (S) | 5’4” to 5’7” |
| Medium (M) | 5’7” to 5’10” |
| Large (L) | 5’10” to 6’0” |
Similarly, here is the mountain bike frame size chart
Mountain Bike Frame Size Chart
| Frame Size | Rider Height |
| Small (S) | 5’6” to 5’10” |
| Medium (M) | 5’11” to 6’1” |
| Large (L) | 6’2” to 6’4” |
Try Before You Buy
Many bike brands and bike shops offer demo bikes in-store or at events to give customers a chance to try riding a bike without committing to buying.
These are usually offered during busy times like holiday shopping, but many local stores and bike shops host regular days throughout the year.
Demo bike rides aren’t just for show; they’re a great opportunity to find out how well the bike fits, what adjustments are needed, and whether it feels comfortable to ride.
Demos are especially useful if you don’t live near a store where you can try a bike out.
If you do live close to a shop, though, don’t hesitate to ask them to set up a demo day for you. They’ll likely be happy to accommodate your request.
Asking questions and speaking to knowledgeable staff members is another good idea.
At the very least, they can help you make sure that the bike you want is actually compatible with your needs.
For example, if you plan to take long road trips, you might want to inquire about the bike’s comfort level on rough roads.
Pay Attention to What Your Body Says
The best way to find out if your current cycling position is causing problems is to listen to your body. If you feel like something doesn’t quite fit, it probably isn’t.
You might even notice numbness, tingling, or discomfort in certain areas.
These symptoms could indicate that you have a wrong-sized bike and that you need to take some time to adjust your seat height, handlebar height and width, body position, and reach.
If you’ve made adjustments and still aren’t feeling comfortable, it might be time to talk to a professional about getting fitted for a custom frame.
A good fit can mean the difference between comfort and pain, and being able to ride comfortably is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect bike size is easier than you might think. There are three main factors to consider when choosing a bike frame size: height, leg length, and seat tube angle.
Once you have these measurements, you can use the chart mentioned in the blog to find the ideal bike frame size for you.
