How to Choose a Bike Size? Useful Tips for the Buyers

On the question of: “how to choose a bike size?” specialists give strict answers — use the measuring centimeter, ascertain the size of your body and compare results with the parameters of the bicycle. So, let’s find out — what do we need to measure exactly?

Take Into Account the Frame Size and Form

how to choose a bike size
Not everyone knows about it, but one of the most important things about choosing the pedal cycle — is the bike frame size. Depending on the frame shape and size, in majority, we can define what bike type we see in the shop window. In modern markets, displayed for the sale following types of bikes:

  1. Road type — created mostly for commuter and fitness riders; having large frame with all sides the same length and one a top bar/tube, that is parallel to the road. If you want to get rid of overweight, and planning to do it with the help of the bicycle — choosee one of the road-type.
  2. Mountain cycles — have a special construction with specific lower center of gravity for a better balance on the complicated road. The frame is more compact, than in other bikes, and has top tube angling down. So, if you are an adult, and not sure in your own possibilities as a rider, or conversely you are good in it, and ride on the difficult roads — you would better buy a mountain bicycle.
  3. Cruiser bikes — have unusual frames with the shape of S or a curve. Such construction of the bike helps a rider to sit practically upright during the riding. To buy such bikes you have to be one of the city people, who like ride in a short distance along the streets.
  4. Kids cycles — it is surprising, but the bikes for the kids created by the same principle as mountain bicycles. It means that the form of the frame in such constructions is made for keeping a rider`s balance as much as possible. The size of such cycles are defined not according not to the frame length, but with the size of the wheels.

Bike Size Chart

RIDER HEIGHT LEG INSEAM SUGGESTED FRAME
Feet/Inches Centimeters Inches Centimeters Inches Size
4`10”-5`1” 148-158 cm 24-29” 61-73 cm 14” XS
5`1″-5`5″ 158-168 cm 25-30” 63-76 cm 15” S
5`5″-5`9″ 168-178 cm 26-31” 66-78 cm 16” M
5`9″-6`0″ 178-185 cm 27`-32` 68-81 cm 17″ L
6`0″-6`3″ 185-193 cm 28`-33` 71-83 cm 18″ XL
6`1″-6`6″ 193-198 cm 29`-34` 73-86 cm 19″ XXL

How to Choose a Proper Bike Size, Using the Measure of the Distance From the Seat to the Pedals?

Place your feet shoulder width apart, and measure the distance from the inside of your foot up to the point, where your legs passed into your waist. Also, you can get these measurements using your jeans. After all the measurements, measure the distance between pedals and seat of the bike you want to buy. The obtained measurements have to be the same with the jeans measures. Only in this case you will enjoy riding the bike, and your legs and back will not be tired too fast.

Described methods are created mostly for people, who buy cycle in Internet. If you are going to the real market, you can just try to sit on the bike, place one leg on the pedal (in the lowest position), and look at the leg. If your leg is slightly bent at the knee — the size of the bike is great for you, if the leg is straight — go and look for another choice.

Your height / Bike Size bike frame size
5’3″ – 5’7″ = 15 – 17 in
5’7″ – 5’11” = 17 – 19 in
6’0″ – 6’2″ = 19 – 21 in
6’2″ – 6’4″ = 21 – 23 in
6’4″ and taller = 23+ in

Don’t forget, that you can to adjust the seat height to fit your body. It is quite possible that the man who tested this bicycle before you, had another length of the legs, then you. If the seat is placed too low, even proper size of the frame will seem for you uncomfortable.

When you will be in the shop don’t forget, that road bikes frames are measured, as a rule, in centimeters, and the mountain-types — in inches.

How to Choose a Proper Bike Size (bike size chart)

Online Bike Fit Calculator — the Fastest way to Choose Cycle Size

So if you don’t know, what bike size you need, here are the tips.

bike frame size

Our bike size calculator will help you to calculate quickly and without problems the proper bike size specially for you. On our online resource everyone can do it and for free. Just fill the categories of the given online calculator with measurements of your body, namely of the following parts:

  • arm;
  • trunk;
  • thigh;
  • forearm;
  • lower leg;
  • sternal notch;
  • total height;

When necessary data will be filled into the bike size calculator, our web-site will give you detailed description of the cycle parameters that are proper for you. You will get to know fit style of the bike, the length of the top tube, seat tube, stem and not only this. We give our customers general advice on choosing the right size. Also, on the screen will appear a bike size chart.

Methods of choosing a bike, described in this article — are just a small part of the many different ways of picking the right cycle. But exactly these methods are used by modern people more often. So good luck with the shopping!

4.8/5 - (23 votes)
Ralph Martin

When you have to make a choice, you need to understand the choices you make. Make informed choices

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How to Choose a Bike Size? Useful Tips for the Buyers