Imagine you are all excited to purchase your first-ever bike. You get the bike. However, it is not the perfect size for you. Now what? If I tell you that you can prevent yourself from such a situation, you must believe me. Wanna know how? Continue reading.
Now if you think that different genders and age groups require different bike frames, you are right. Also, if you get the wrong handlebars or seats, there is room for adjustment. You can raise or lower it according to your preference. But, once you purchase the wrong bike size, there is no going back.
Have you ever thought “what size bike frame do I need?” Why even land yourself in such a position? When you can instead go through this guide and find out your perfect fit.
Why Do You Need Perfect Bike Frame Size?
You may ask this question. Don’t worry. It is normal. Here is why you need to get the perfect bike frame size:
- Better handling and control
- More comfortable ride
- Prevent back pain and improper leg extensions
- Fast and more efficient ride
- Enjoyable riding experience
What Size Bike Frame Do I Need?
It cannot be answered in a single sentence. For this, you’ll need bike size frame charts and the steps to measure the frame size of your chosen bike. In addition, you’ll need to check your height and inseam. This way you can get the bike frame needed for your body. All these points are going to be discussed in detail next.
Down below you will find the suggested bike size frame chart for different bike types. Let’s get started without wasting any time:
What Size Frame Do You Need for Hybrid Bike?
If you wish to purchase a hybrid bike, have a look at the following hybrid bike frame size chart:
| Height of Rider (ft) | Inseam Measurement (Centimetres) | Suggested Frame Size (Letters) | Suggested Frame Size (cm) |
| 4’7″ – 4’10” | 65 – 70 cm | XXS | 47 – 48 |
| 4’10” – 5’1” | 69 – 73 cm | XS | 49 – 50 |
| 5’1″ – 5’5” | 72 – 78 cm | S | 51 – 52 – 53 |
| 5’5″ – 5’9” | 77 – 83 cm | M | 54 – 55 |
| 5’9″ – 6’1” | 82 – 88 cm | L | 56 – 57 – 58 |
| 6’1″ – 6’6” | 87 – 93 cm | XL | 58 – 59 – 60 |
| 6’6″ – 6’8” | 92 – 95 cm | XXL | 61 – 62 – 63 |
What Size Frame Do You Need for a Mountain Bike?
If you are planning a mountain bike purchase, do check out the mountain bike frame size chart below:
| Height of Rider (ft) | Inseam Measurement (Centimetres) | Recommended Frame Size (Letters) | Recommended Frame Size (Inches) |
| 4’5″ – 4’9” | 64 – 68 cm | XXS | 11 – 12 |
| 4’9″ – 5’1” | 69 – 73 cm | XS | 13 – 14 |
| 5’1″ – 5’5” | 74 – 78 cm | S | 15 – 16 |
| 5’5″ – 5’9” | 79 – 83 cm | M | 17 – 18 |
| 5’8″ – 5’11” | 81 – 86 cm | L | 19 – 20 |
| 5’10” – 6’2” | 84 – 89 cm | XL | 21 – 22 |
| 6’2″ – 6’5” | 89 – 91 cm | XXL | 23 – 24 |
What Size Frame Do You Need for a Road Bike?
If you want to go with a mountain bike, do check out the road bike frame size chart below:
| Height of Rider (ft) | Inseam Measurement (Centimetres) | Recommended Frame Size (Letters) | Recommended Frame Size (Centimetres) |
| 4′ 10″ – 5 ‘0” | 65 – 71 cm | XXS | 47 – 48 |
| 5′ 0 “- 5′ 3” | 71 – 75 cm | XS | 49 – 50 |
| 5′ 3″ – 5′ 6” | 76 – 79 cm | S | 51 – 52 – 53 |
| 5 6″ – 5′ 9” | 78 – 82 cm | M | 54 – 55 |
| 5′ 9″ – 6′ 0” | 81 – 85 cm | L | 56 – 57 – 58 |
| 6′ 0″ – 6′ 3” | 86 – 90 cm | XL | 58 – 59 – 60 |
Wait, even if the above-provided charts are not what you need and you are looking for a bike for your kid. Stay with me, as I will provide you with that, too.
What Size Frame for Kids’ Bike?
Before looking at the chart, keep one thing in mind. Manufacturers measure kids’ bikes by their wheel size and not the frame size. Learn more about “How to Measure Bike Wheel Size in Inches?“.
Here is the frame size chart for the kids’ bike below:
| Kid’s Age (Years) | Kid’s Height (Centimetres) | Inseam Measurement (Centimetres) | Recommended Wheel Size |
| 2 – 5 years | 85 – 110 cm | 38 – 45 cm | Run bikes |
| 2 – 4 years | 85 – 100 cm | 38 – 45 cm | 12″ wheel diameter |
| 5 – 7 years | 100 – 120 cm | 40 – 56 cm | 16″ wheel diameter |
| 7 – 9 years | 120 – 135 cm | 48 – 63 cm | 20″ wheel diameter |
| 9 – 11 years | 135 – 145 cm | 58 – 71 cm | 24″ wheel diameter |
| 11+ years | 145+ cm | 63+ cm | 26″ wheel diameter |
How to Measure the Bike Frame Size?
You can measure the frame size by:
1. Measuring your Height
You can do it by standing against a wall. Mark the point on the wall exactly above your head or get help from someone to do it for you. Then take a measurement tape. Measure the distance from the bottom of the wall up to the mark you have made. Take this measurement in inches or centimetres.
2. Measuring your Inside Leg or Inseam
For this measurement, again stand against a wall. Make sure that your feet are about shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight. Next, you’ll place a book in your inseam, holding it against the wall. Pull the book firmly into your inseam.
Click the measurement tape onto the floor and make sure it is kept straight. Measure from the floor to the top of the spine of the book. Get this measurement in inches or centimetres too. Repeat the process at least three times to get an accurate measurement.
3. Style of Riding
Different riding types require different bike frames. Yes, you heard it right. If you prefer off-road riding, you’ll need a mountain bike. In this case, you’ll need a size smaller than you would normally take. A mountain bike will have bigger tyres, a tougher frame, and suspension forks.
For a cross-country biker, a size larger than what you would normally take is better. For commuting or recreational riding, a hybrid bike is the perfect one. If you want to use it on the road, then a road bike is for you. It has skinnier tyres for speed.
That’s not it. You would not want to miss out on more information which I am going to provide down below. Do read it before going.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size is a medium bike frame?
To begin with, a medium bike frame is different for different bike types. For a hybrid and road bike, a medium size has a 54-55 cm frame. For a mountain bike, medium size has a 17-18 inches frame.
2. What size is a large bike frame?
A large bike frame also varies from bike to bike. Generally, the large bike frame of a hybrid and road bike is about 56-58 centimetres. While a mountain bike’s large frame is about 19-20 inches.
3. What size frame do I need for a road bike?
If you need the right size frame for you, you need to check certain things. First, you need to measure your height either in feet or in centimetres. Next, you need to measure the inside of your leg or inseam in centimetres or inches. After you get these measurements, refer to the size chart of your chosen brand. Choose the size frame suggested for your height and inseam.
4. What size frame do I need for a mountain bike?
It is difficult to tell the correct size frame for someone. For this, you need height and inseam measurements. So, you need to get both these measurements and refer to the size chart of your selected mountain bike. This way you will know which size frame is suitable for you. For more detailed information, check the size charts for different bikes provided above.
Conclusion:
You could directly go to a bike shop to get your bike frame fit. But, if you want to do the same from the comfort of your home, consider this blog as your guide. Also, note that this is a general guide. Different manufacturers have different bike-size frames. So, you need to be careful when going for the right bike-size frame. Likewise, there is no such thing as the wrong bike size frame. It all depends on the personal preference and comfort level of an individual.