With your new bicycle, everything should fit optimally so that you can fully enjoy the hours in the saddle. The most important factor for unclouded cycling fun is undoubtedly the correct frame size. If the frame is too big or too small, cycling will no longer be fun in the long run, and your new bicycle will quickly lose its attractiveness. That’s why we explain here how you can easily determine the perfect frame size for your new bicycle.
Selecting the correct bicycle frame size according to your height
An important measure in determining the correct frame size is your height. Many bicycle manufacturers provide the appropriate frame size in correlation with body height, making it easier for you to choose. However, if your height is exactly between two frame sizes, there are further ways to determine the optimal frame size more precisely.
The inseam length is an important factor for determining the correct bicycle frame height.
Selecting the correct bicycle frame size according to your inseam length
An especially important value when choosing the correct frame size is your inseam length. It is significantly more accurate in determining the appropriate frame size than other parameters, such as body height. To measure your own inseam length, all you need is a book and a tape measure or ruler. Stand straight against a wall and place the book between your legs. Slide it upwards until you feel a strong resistance in the crotch, similar to lightly sitting on it. Try to align the book horizontally and measure from the floor to the top edge of the book. This value is your inseam length for determining your frame size. It is best to wear the shoes you will be cycling in to ensure the value fits optimally.
The different frame sizes for road bikes, mountain bikes, and city bikes
With your height and inseam length, you have the right values to select your appropriate frame size. However, size recommendations or specifications differ depending on the bicycle category or intended use and manufacturer.
For example, you can choose frame sizes from 45 to 62 centimeters for a road bike. This specification describes the distance from the bottom bracket of the bike to the seat clamp. Sometimes frame sizes are also given in inches. For a mountain bike, for instance, you can choose frame sizes between 15 and 20 inches.
The following overview will help you select the right frame size in the individual bicycle categories.
Frame sizes for dropbar bikes (road bike, gravel bike, cyclocross bike)
|
Height in centimeters/Inseam |
Recommended frame size in centimeters |
|
155-160 / 70-72 |
46-48 |
|
160-165 / 73-75 |
47-49 |
|
165-170 / 76-78 |
48-50 |
|
170-175 / 79-81 |
50-52 |
|
175-180 / 82-84 |
52-55 |
|
180-185 / 84-86 |
55-57 |
|
185-190 / 86-90 |
57-60 |
|
190-195 / 90-92 |
60-62 |
Frame sizes for mountain bikes (Hardtail, Fully)
|
Body height in centimeters/inseam |
Recommended frame size in inches/cm |
|
155-160 / 70-72 |
15/38-40 |
|
160-165 / 73-75 |
16/41-42 |
|
165-170 / 76-78 |
17/42-43 |
|
170-175 / 79-81 |
18/45 |
|
175-180 / 82-84 |
18/46 |
|
180-185 / 84-86 |
19/47 |
|
185-190 / 86-90 |
19/48 |
|
190-195 / 90-92 |
20/88-90 |
Bike sizes for city bikes, trekking bikes, urban and fitness bikes
|
Body height in centimeters/inseam |
Recommended frame size in centimeters |
|
155-160 / 70-72 |
43-45 |
|
160-165 / 73-75 |
45-46 |
|
165-170 / 76-78 |
47-49 |
|
170-175 / 79-81 |
49-51 |
|
175-180 / 82-84 |
51-52 |
|
180-185 / 84-86 |
52-54 |
|
185-190 / 86-90 |
54-56 |
|
190-195 / 90-92 |
56-58 |
Bike sizes for fixies and singlespeed bikes
|
Body height in centimeters/inseam |
Recommended frame size in centimeters |
|
155-160 / 70-72 |
46-48 |
|
160-165 / 73-75 |
47-49 |
|
165-170 / 76-78 |
48-50 |
|
170-175 / 79-81 |
50-52 |
|
175-180 / 82-84 |
52-55 |
|
180-185 / 84-86 |
55-57 |
|
185-190 / 86-90 |
57-60 |
|
190-195 / 90-92 |
60-62 |
Finding the right size for children's bikes
Children's bikes are a special case when choosing the right bike frame size. Here, the size of the wheels is determined based on the age of the children and their body height. The frame size itself does not matter in the selection. However, since children grow at different rates, it is advisable to be cautious when buying based on age and to determine the children's bike size according to body height, which is the safer way.
|
Bike size |
Child's age |
Body height |
Inseam |
|
14-inch wheels |
from 3 years |
98-120 cm |
38-50 cm |
|
16 inch wheels |
from 4 years |
102-125 cm |
42-54 cm |
|
18 inch wheels |
from 5 years |
110-130 cm |
48-58 cm |
|
20 inch wheels |
from 6 years |
120-142 cm |
52-65 cm |
|
24 inch wheels |
from 7 years |
130-150 cm |
57-72 cm |
|
26 inch wheels |
from 9 years |
from 150 cm |
from approx. 66 cm |
Specifications of the bicycle frame size in clothing sizes XS to XXL
Sometimes you can also choose the frame height not by frame size in numbers, but based on clothing sizes. As a rough guide: you can use your clothing size for the frame size. That means if you always buy your T-shirts and pants in size M, the frame size M might also be the right one for you.
For a more precise determination, however, you should either use a size calculator or examine the image with the frame geometry (in the image gallery of each bike in the shop) for the seat tube length (in English Seat-Tube-Length). There you can find our specifications from the tables in centimeters.
Selecting the right bike size when you are between two frame sizes
A problem in choosing the right frame size can occur if you are exactly between two sizes. For example, you are 176 centimeters tall and have an inseam of 80 centimeters. The frame size 55 cm on a road bike would be almost a bit too large, but the next smaller one at 53 cm is almost too small. In this and all other cases, the general rule of thumb is: A smaller frame can be more easily adjusted with components, such as the stem or handlebars, than a larger frame. Additionally, it depends on your body proportions. If you have a longer torso and shorter legs, choose the larger frame. Conversely, choose the smaller one.
Adjusting the frame size of your bike with various components
The right frame size alone is not a guarantee that you will feel comfortable on your new bike. Besides the frame size, the geometry, i.e., the different angles and tube lengths of the frame, also plays an important role. So it can certainly happen that you don't feel one hundred percent comfortable despite a suitable frame size.
There are different ways to adjust your bike
If this is the case, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to get rid of your new bike. In principle, you can adjust your frame size even more precisely to your proportions by changing the stem, handlebars, and seat post. For example, if you are sitting too stretched out, a seat post without setback and a shorter stem can provide more comfort.
🔧 Bike parts for size adjustment 🛞
Handlebars | Stem | Spacer | Seatpost
Some handlebars provide a more comfortable seating position with appropriate backsweep, upsweep, and rise (curves in all possible directions). With these tools, you can not only adjust the frame size to a certain extent but also optimally adapt your bicycle to you individually. If you want to get the maximum comfort and efficiency, you can also go for a professional bike fitting, where all components are optimally adjusted to your body. In all larger cities, there are specialized bike fitters who can help you achieve more comfort and better performance on the bike.
👍 Read more for fine-tuning the bicycle frame size
Handlebar conversion | Adjusting handlebars
