{"id":43340,"date":"2022-11-16T19:00:43","date_gmt":"2022-11-16T18:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=704447"},"modified":"2022-11-16T19:20:14","modified_gmt":"2022-11-16T18:20:14","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-bike-sizes-road-mtb-gravel-and-hybrid-sizes-explained","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/the-ultimate-guide-to-bike-sizes-road-mtb-gravel-and-hybrid-sizes-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to bike sizes: road, MTB, gravel and hybrid sizes explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Paul Norman\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 16 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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One of the most important things to get right when choosing a new bike is the frame size.<\/p>\n

Although there\u2019s a lot you can adjust on a bike so that it fits better, if you start off with a frame that\u2019s too small or too large for you, you may be placed awkwardly and uncomfortable as you ride.<\/p>\n

That can result in aches and pains when cycling<\/a> and your bike not handling as it should, both of which can have a negative impact on your enjoyment.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, here\u2019s everything you need to know about bike sizes \u2013 be it a mountain bike, road bike, hybrid bike, women\u2019s-specific bike or child\u2019s bike.<\/p>\n

How are bike sizes measured?<\/h2>\n
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Sizing conventions can vary between one type of bike and another, and between one brand and another.<\/span><\/figcaption> Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Bike sizes are measured in a number of different ways and, confusingly, there\u2019s little consistency between bike types<\/a> or between brands.<\/p>\n

Road bike sizes are typically measured in centimetres, based on the length of the seat tube (from the bottom bracket<\/a> to the top tube), although as we\u2019ll see the actual seat tube length will vary dependent on the frame geometry.<\/p>\n

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A bike frame\u2019s size is often determined by the length of the seat tube, which runs from the bottom bracket to the top tube.<\/span><\/figcaption> Simon Bromley \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On the other hand, mountain bike frame sizes are typically measured in inches, because they originated in the US.<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t compare mountain bike frame sizes directly to road bike frame sizes \u2013 not just because they\u2019re in different units of measurement, but also because the frames on mountain bikes<\/a> usually have much shorter seat tubes than those found on road bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To get around the difficulty of measuring frame sizes, some brands use T-shirt sizing (e.g. S, M, L) for all their bikes, based principally on rider height.<\/p>\n

But again, this measure isn\u2019t consistent between brands. Indeed, brands that sell both road and mountain bikes may use a different sizing convention between the two.<\/p>\n

Children\u2019s bikes<\/a> use different sizes again, often based either on a child\u2019s age or the bike\u2019s wheel size.<\/p>\n

How to find your bike\u2019s size<\/h3>\n

If you have a current bike, you can look at the frame size sticker on it to find what size it is. This will often be located on the seat tube, but might be in a more discreet location, such as under the bottom-bracket area.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s a recently sold model, you should be able to find a geometry chart for your frame on your bike brand\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you can measure your frame size yourself, as we explain in this piece on how to measure a bike frame<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div> <\/section>

How do I know what size bike I need?<\/h2>\n
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More accurate ways of measuring your height are available.<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

There are a number of ways to find your correct bike size.<\/p>\n

1) Rider height and inside leg<\/h3>\n

The quickest is often to look on a brand\u2019s site.<\/p>\n

Usually, there will be a size chart with recommended bike sizes for different rider heights, so it\u2019s comparatively easy to see where you fit.<\/p>\n

Some brands will have an interactive size guide, where you input your height and often other details, such as inside leg length, to find your recommended size.<\/p>\n

However, don\u2019t take a brand\u2019s size guide as gospel \u2013 it\u2019s a guide, after all, and one person\u2019s dimensions and requirements can vary from another, even if they are the same height.<\/p>\n

Equally, if you are between sizes, you will need to decide whether to size up or size down. More on that to come.<\/p>\n

2) Go to your local bike shop<\/h3>\n

Next up, if you\u2019re buying a bike<\/a> from a physical shop, you can ask them what size you need. Sometimes you\u2019ll just get eyeballed and the assistant will put you on a bike to see if you fit.<\/p>\n

However, bike shops are getting more sophisticated, so you might get a proper sizing where the shop staff will measure you and determine more precisely what size bike you need.<\/p>\n

Find a good local bike shop that takes the time to ensure you\u2019re buying the right size bike.<\/p>\n

3) Bike fit<\/h3>\n

Finally, some shops will offer you a discounted or free bike fit<\/a> as part of your purchase. This is the most sophisticated option, not just to make sure you get a frame that fits, but to have your contact points set correctly so you\u2019ll be comfortable and efficient when riding.<\/p>\n

You may be advised to swap out components such as the stock saddle for something that better suits your sit bone anatomy or to opt for a non-standard bar width or stem length<\/a>, for example.<\/p>\n

A bike fit will also help you to determine key setup measurements, such as saddle height, which are crucial to finding a comfortable and efficient riding position. We\u2019ll cover this in more detail later.<\/p>\n

What if I\u2019m between sizes?<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s normally an overlap between frame sizes, so you\u2019ll often have a choice of two sizes.<\/p>\n

If you sit between two frame sizes, the normal advice is to take the smaller of the two options. There\u2019s a lot you can adjust easily on bikes, such as saddle height<\/a> and handlebar height<\/a>, to fine-tune the fit.<\/p>\n

However, seek further advice from the bike brand or your local shop, if you\u2019re unsure.<\/p>\n

Bike size chart<\/h2>\n
<\/colgroup>
Height<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
From<\/td>To<\/td>T-shirt frame size<\/td>Frame size (cm)<\/td>Frame size (in)<\/td> <\/tr>
143cm (4ft 8in)<\/td>155cm (5ft 1in)<\/td>XXS<\/td>44cm<\/td>13in (33cm)<\/td> <\/tr>
155cm (5ft 1in)<\/td>163cm (5ft 4in)<\/td>XS<\/td>48cm<\/td>15in (38cm)<\/td> <\/tr>
163cm (5ft 4in)<\/td>170cm (5ft 7in)<\/td>S<\/td>51cm<\/td>16in (41cm)<\/td> <\/tr>
170cm (5ft 7in)<\/td>178cm (5ft 10in)<\/td>M<\/td>54cm<\/td>18in (46cm)<\/td> <\/tr>
178cm (5ft 10in)<\/td>183cm (6ft)<\/td>L<\/td>56cm<\/td>19in (48cm)<\/td> <\/tr>
183cm (6ft)<\/td>191cm (6ft 3in)<\/td>XL<\/td>58cm<\/td>20in (51cm)<\/td> <\/tr>
191cm (6ft 3in)<\/td>196cm (6ft 5in)<\/td>XXL<\/td>60cm<\/td>21in (53cm)<\/td> <\/tr>
196cm (6ft 5in)<\/td>205cm (6ft 9in)<\/td>XXXL<\/td>62cm<\/td>22in (56cm)<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>