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 right 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 appeal. That's why we explain here how you can easily determine the perfect frame size for your new bicycle.
Selecting the right bicycle frame size based on your height
An important measure in determining the right frame size is your height. Many bicycle manufacturers provide the appropriate frame size in correlation with height, making it easier for you to choose. However, if your height is exactly between two frame sizes, there are other ways to determine the optimal frame size more precisely.
The inseam is an important factor in determining the correct bicycle frame height.
Selecting the right bicycle frame size based on your inseam length
A particularly important value when choosing the right frame size is your inseam length. It is much more accurate in determining the appropriate frame size than other parameters, such as height. To measure your own inseam length, you only need a book and a ruler or tape measure. Stand straight with your back against a wall and place the book between your legs. Push it vertically upwards until you feel a strong resistance in the crotch, roughly as if you were 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's best to wear the shoes you will be cycling in when measuring, so 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 vary 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. In this case, the specification describes the distance from the bike's bottom bracket to the seat clamp. Sometimes frame sizes are also given in inches. For a mountain bike, for example, you can choose frame sizes between 15 and 20 inches.
The following overview should 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 length |
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 length |
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 |
Bicycle sizes for city bikes, trekking bikes, urban and fitness bikes
|
Body height in centimeters / Inseam length |
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 |
Bicycle sizes for fixies and singlespeed bikes
|
Body height in centimeters / Inseam length |
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 bicycles
Children's bicycles are a special case when choosing the right bicycle 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 play a role in the selection. However, since children grow at different rates, caution is advised when buying based on age. Determining the children's bicycle size according to body height is the safer way.
|
Bicycle size |
Age of the child |
Body height |
Inseam length |
|
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 bicycle frame size in clothing sizes XS to XXL
Sometimes you can choose the frame height not in numerical frame sizes, 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 could 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 with choosing the right frame size can arise 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 for a road bike would be almost a bit too large, but the next smaller one at 53 cm would be 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.
Correcting 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. In addition to 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 do not feel one hundred percent comfortable despite a suitable frame size.
There are different ways to adjust your bike
If this is the case, it does not necessarily mean that you have to get rid of your new bike. In principle, you can further adjust your frame size 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.
🔧 Bicycle 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 aids, you can not only correct the frame size to a certain extent but also optimally adjust your bike 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 special 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
