With your new bike, 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 bike will quickly lose its appeal. That's why we explain here how you can easily determine the perfect frame size for your new bike.
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 the selection easier for you. 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 or inside leg length. It is significantly more accurate in determining the suitable frame size than other parameters such as height. To measure your own inseam length, you only need a book and a measuring tape or ruler. Stand with your back straight against a wall and place the book between your legs. Slide it vertically 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's best to wear the shoes you also use for cycling 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 suitable frame size. However, size recommendations or specifications vary depending on the bicycle category, purpose, and manufacturer.
For example, with a road bike, you can choose frame sizes from 45 to 62 centimeters. This 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 instance, you can choose frame sizes between 15 and 20 inches.
The following overview should help you choose 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 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. Since children grow at different rates, caution is advised when buying according to age; determining the children's bike size by body height is the safer way.
|
Bike size |
Age of the child |
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 bike frame sizes in clothing sizes XS to XXL
Sometimes you can choose the frame height not by size 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 could also be the right one for you.
For a more precise determination, 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) according to the seat tube length. There you can find our specifications from the tables in centimeters.
Selecting the right bike size if 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 racing bike would be almost a bit too large, while 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 like the stem or handlebars than a larger frame. Additionally, it depends on your body proportions. If you have a longer torso and shorter legs, go for the larger frame. Conversely, choose the smaller one.
Adjusting the frame size of your bike with various components
The right frame size alone is no 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 may well happen that you do not feel completely comfortable despite a suitable frame size.
There are different ways to adjust your bike
If this is the case, it does not 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 | Seat Post
Some handlebars provide a more comfortable seating position with the 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 adapt your bike individually to you. If you want to get the maximum in comfort and effectiveness, you can also go for a professional bike fitting, where all components are optimally adjusted to the 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 bike frame size
Handlebar Conversion | Adjusting Handlebars
