Selecting the correct size bike is critical to having a comfortable and pleasant riding experience. If you ever wondered “How am I supposed to know How big of a bike do I need? you’re not alone. This is actually one of the most common questions new cyclists have, in their hunt to buy a new bike. Whether you intend to ride for fitness, commuting, or just for the pleasure of being outdoors, the right size bike can make a huge difference in your performance, comfort, and safety. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to figure out the right fit in terms of height, inseam, type of bike you are looking to buy, and how you’ll be riding it.
How Bike Size Matters: An Overview
Prior to getting into the particulars, it’s vital to understand why bike size is important. A bicycle that is too large or too small can lead to discomfort, increase the chances of injury, and reduce your overall riding efficiency. A properly fit bike, by contrast, should ensure that you’re positioned correctly, washing away strain from your body and letting you ride longer.
Getting the Right Size Bike – Why it Matters:
- Comfort: When a bike is fitted properly, you will be able to enjoy the ride without putting your body through strain. This helps avoid strain on your back, shoulders and wrists.
- Control: You can better control your bike when it fits right, whether you’re being aggressive through tricky terrain or at high speeds.
- Performance: A properly fitting bike allows you to pedal in a more powerful and efficient manner, thus decreasing fatigue on long rides.
- Safety: A correctly sized bike allows you to easily reach the handlebars and brakes, an important consideration for safety, particularly in emergencies.
How Big of a Bike Do I Need? Determining the Right Size
Whether you’re searching for how big of a bike you need, these are a few differentiating factors to consider: your height, your inseam length, the type of bike you’re currently seeking, and lastly, your riding style. As the proper sizing scales vary by bike type (road bikes, mountain bike, hybrid bikes, etc.) Here’s how to narrow it down.
Measure Your Height & Inseam Length
To find out how much bike you need, step one is measuring your height and inseam. Most bike types need these measurements to determine proper frame size.
- Height: Stand with your back against a wall. Measure your complete height using a tape measure. If someone can take the measurement for you, that will make it more accurate.
- Inseam: Place your feet 6–8 inches apart as you stand. Keeping the tape measure straight, measure from the floor to the bottom of your crotch area. This measurement is especially critical for both road and mountain bikes.
Use a Bike Size Chart
Find a bike size chart and check it out once you have got your height and inseam measurements. The vast majority of manufacturers and retailers supply these charts to help you determine the best frame size based on your measurements. Here is a guideline for popular kinds of bikes:
Road Bikes:
FRAMING SIZE (inches): Road bikes are often grouped according to the frame’s length, which measures from the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube.
Height Range |
Recommended Bike Size |
|
5’0″ to 5’4″ |
49-52 cm |
|
5’4″ to 5’8″ |
52-54 cm |
|
5’8″ to 6’0″ |
54-56 cm |
|
6’0″ to 6’2″ |
56-58 cm |
| 6’2″ to 6’4″ |
58-60 cm |
|
6’4″ and above |
60+ cm |
Mountain Bikes:
Frame Size (in inches): Mountain bikes are typically sized based on frame length, but the sizes vary somewhat different from road bikes.
Height |
Bike Size |
|
5’0” to 5’4” |
Small (14-16 inches) |
|
5’4” to 5’8” |
Medium (16–18 inches) |
| 5′8″ to 6′0″ |
Large (18–20 inches) |
| 6’0″ − 6’4″ |
X-Large (20 −22 in.) |
| 6′4” and over |
XX-Large (22+ inches) |
Hybrid Bikes:
Frame Size (in. Hybrid bikes usually have the same size guidelines as a road bike but offer a slightly relaxed geometry for a comfortable ride.
Height Range |
Bike Frame Size |
|
5’0″ to 5’4″ |
14-16 inches |
|
5’4″ to 5’8″ |
16-18 inches |
| 5’8″ to 6’0 |
18-20 inches |
| 6’0″ to 6’2″ |
20-22 inches |
Think About What Type of Bike You’re Buying
Bikes come in various types and their geometries will affect, to a greater or lesser extent, the sizing. And while you’re at it, you’ll need to think about the kind of bike you want to determine your ideal fit.
- Road bikes: Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency on asphalt. Road bike geometry is also more aggressive: The handlebars will be lower, where the seat will be higher. For road bikes, it’s important to get the right size frame so you can reach the handlebars comfortably, but also ride in good posture.
- Mountain Bikes: Off-road adventures are what mountain bikes are made for, and a more relaxed geometry with higher handlebars and a shorter bike frame reflects this. That makes mountain bikes more stable and more controllable when riding over uneven ground. Mountain sizing is often a bit more free than road sizing, but you’ll also want to reference your height along with your inseam for comfort.
- Both Road, Mountain and Hybrid: Hybrid bikes offer a balance of features between both road and mountain bikes. They are more upright and well-suited for both street and off-road rides. When it comes to hybrid bike sizing, it is generally more similar to road bike sizing but in a more upright riding position.
Test Ride the Bike
After you figure out what size bike you need, you’ll want to try one out. Even if you’ve abided by all the recommendations, the best way to see if a bike fits you correctly is to ride it. When test riding a bike, consider the following:
- Reach: Your arms should be slightly bent in the handlebars. You should be able to touch them comfortably, without overextending or straining.
- NOTE: All taken measurements used to guide the bike size, please remember that every rider comes in different shape and sizes. You want at least 1-2 inches of clearance between the top tube of the frame and your crotch.
- Seat Position: When you sit down on the bike, your legs should be almost fully outstretched when the lowest point of the pedal reaches the floor but your feet should still be able to touch the ground at a stop.
Professional Fitting
If you are still not sure about the proper bike size, or you want to tell that everything is optimally fit and comfort of performance, you can have a professional bike fitting. Most bike shops will do a fitting for you, where they take several measurements and adjust the bike to fit your body. If you intend to use your bike for long-distance riding or competitive cycling, then a professional fitting is all the more important.
Wrap Up: How Big of a Bike Do I Need?
So to summarize, the $25,000 question is: How big of a bike do I need? One that can be answered fairly easily with any measurement, and has a lot to do with what kind of bike you’re looking for. By taking your height and inseam and referring to the proper bike size charts, you can whittle down the options. Always test ride your bike and get some professional fitting advice if required for best results. Whether you cycle for fun, fitness or transportation, getting the size of bike right will help ensure a comfortable, safe and enjoyable ride.