What Bicycle Size Should I Get According to My Body Measurement?

Choosing the right bike size is extremely important for your comfort and safety for preventing injuries from consecutive riding. If the bike you are riding or want to ride is not the correct size for your body, you won’t feel comfortable on the bike. This may lead to injury and, ultimately, you hate riding.

There are multiple things to keep in mind when choosing a bike size which we will discuss step by step that will help you to choose the right bike size.

Measuring your inseam is the most common method when choosing the right size bike. It will help you to locate the correct height bike for you.

Simply put, you measure your crotch from the ground to find the inseam length. But when you do that, take your shoes off, giving you the correct measurement.

To make the measurement simple,

Take a thick book or wood.
Put it between your crotch and stand in front of a wall.
Take a pencil and put a mark along the height of the book/wood you are holding between your crotch.
Now measure from the ground to the mark, and you get your inseam length.

Different Types of Bicycles and Their Sizes

A specific bike type needs to be chosen because not all bikes are made with the same size guideline. For example, a road bike frame size and a mountain bike frame size differ because their frame geometry is different.

Hence, you might be willing to buy a mountain bike, road bike, commuter bike, or BMX. You have to look at their specific geometry and sizing guide to determine your right size.

Here we are giving you a rough bike size chart for different types of bikes. But remember, different company bike sizing may differ. So check the manufacturer’s sizing guide when ordering your bike.

Road Bike Size Chart

Here is a general road bike size chart based on rider height.

Rider Height	Road Bike Frame Size
4’10” – 5’10”	44 cm- 46 cm (XXS)
5’0” – 5’3”	47cm – 49 cm (XS)
5’3” – 5’6”	50 cm – 52 cm (S)
5’6″ – 5’9″	53 cm – 55 cm (M)
5’9” – 6’0”	56 cm – 58 cm (L)
6’0” – 6’3”	58 cm – 60 cm (XL)
6’3” – 6’6”	61 cm – 63 cm (XXL)

Mountain Bike Size Chart

Here is a general mountain bike size chart based on rider height.

Rider Height	Mountain Bike frame Size
4’10” – 5’2”	13 inch – 14 inches (XS)
5’2” – 5’6”	14 inch – 16 inches (S)
5’6” – 5’10”	16 inch – 18 inches (M)
5’10” – 6’1″	18 inch – 20 inches (L)
6’1″ – 6’4”	20 inch – 21 inches (XL)
6’4” – 6’6”	21 inch – 22 inches (XXL)

Hybrid Bike Size Chart

Hybrid bicycles can vary in their sizing depending on the specific type of hybrid and the manufacturer. However, as a general guideline, you can use the following hybrid bike size chart based on rider height:

Rider Height	Hybrid Bike Frame Size
4’10” – 5’0”	13 inch – 14 inches (XS)
5’0” – 5’3”	14 inch – 15 inches (XS/S)
5’3” – 5’6”	15 inch – 16 inches (S)
5’6″ – 5’9″	16 inch – 17 inches (S/M)
5’9″ – 6’0”	17 inch – 18 inches (M)
6’0” – 6’3”	18 inch – 19 inches (M/L)
6’3” – 6’6”	19 inch – 21 inches (L)

Factors To Consider When Choosing Different Bike Size

Now, let’s talk about the main factors to consider when choosing a different bike size.

Choose Bike Size According to the Rider’s Height

You can choose bike size according to the rider’s height. You should not choose a bike that is too small or too big, which can be uncomfortable and unsafe to ride.

Measure the Inseam

Measuring the inseam will allow us to choose a bike with proper standover clearance. That is why you should check both your inseam size and your total height from the manufacturer’s website for the bike of your choice.

Check Your Riding Type

Check your riding type and choose the right bike for you. For example, you can commute with a road bike and a hybrid bike. But a road bike usually has more aggressive geometry, so it is better to choose a hybrid bike to commute for better comfort.

If you want to train and commute with the same bike, the road bike is also a great option. If you plan to ride long distances, you may want a slightly larger bike to provide a more comfortable and stable ride.

But if you are going to do fast riding or racing, you can buy a shorter bike with extreme geometry for performance. So it varies depending on what you intend to do with your bike.

Bike Geometry

Bike geometry influences choosing the bike size. Some bikes have long top tubes; some have short ones. It can affect the overall fit of the bike. So you must check with manufacturer suggestions when choosing the specific bike model.

Body Flexibility

Your body flexibility also plays a huge role in bike sizing. If you have limited flexibility, you may need a bike with a shorter reach to the handlebars or a more upright riding position.

Adjusting the Bicycle Fit

After choosing the bicycle you want to ride, you should adjust your bike a little, which is called bike fit. It will help to dial your position on the bike, which will help you to ride your bike longer and faster and make you more comfortable.

Here are some tips on how to adjust your bike fit.

Adjusting the Seat Height

Make sure the seat is at the right height. We can ensure that with a couple of methods. One is the inseam we calculated earlier.

Multiply your inseam with 0.883 or deduct 10 cm from your inseam now; this is the seat height measurement from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle alongside the seat tube.

Inseam X 0.883 or Inseam – 10 cm = Saddle height

Adjust the Saddle Position

The saddle should be level and centered. You can adjust the position by moving the saddle forward or backward or by adjusting the angle.

You should not run your saddle angle upward, which can make your crotch region numb. You should run your saddle level or 1 to 2 degrees nose down.

Adjust the Handlebar Height

If the handlebars are too low, it can cause discomfort in your back, neck, or shoulders. You can adjust the height by raising or lowering the stem or by using spacers.

Adjust the Reach

The distance between the saddle and the handlebars is called the reach. You can adjust the reach by changing the stem length or adjusting the saddle’s position.

Adjust the Brake Levers and Shifters

Adjust the position of the brake levers and shifters so that they are easy to reach and operate comfortably.

Adjust the Cleats

If you use clipless pedals, ensure the cleats are positioned correctly on the bottom of your shoes. Proper positioning can prevent knee pain and increase power transfer.

Just put the cleat under your ball of the foot or slightly back from the ball of the foot. Keep the cleat straight and in the middle. If you feel uncomfortable, then you can put the cleat slightly inward or outward, depending on where your feet want to move.

Test Ride

Once you adjust your bike fit, take it for a test ride to see how it feels. You may need to make further adjustments to fine-tune your bike fit.

Frequently Asked Question

How to Easily Adjust Saddle Height?

Inseam calculation is accurate but may seem complicated for easily adjusting your saddle height. Sit on your saddle and put the heel of your foot on the pedal. Adjust your saddle height until your leg is locked and straight.

When you pedal now, there will be a slight bend on your knee. That’s what we want for proper saddle height.

A 26-Inch Bike Is Good for What Height?

A 26-inch bike is the smallest wheel available for an adult mountain bike. It is best fitted for people whose height range between 4 ft 10 inch to 5 ft 7 inch

How Do You Know If a Bike Is Too Big for You?

Riders should check the stand-over height of the bike and their inseam length. Bike’s standover height should be 1-2 inches lower than your inseam. That way, the top tube will not touch your sensitive area when you stand over it.

Conclusion

When choosing the bike size for you, you should take all the points into consideration mentioned above. If possible, go to your nearest bike shop and try out a couple of bikes of your size. See which one feels natural.

If you do not have this option, then this guide will help you to choose the right-size bike properly. Take notes from here and match them with the manufacturer sizing guide and get your dream bike.