When people are looking to get up off the couch, lose weight, and get into shape, biking is a great way to do it.
Cycling builds both strength and endurance as people work their legs and their core while also giving their heart a workout.
For those who are looking to begin biking, or even for those who are established cyclists, it is vital to make sure that everyone rides the right bike for them.
There are lots of different factors that need to be considered including the size of the wheel, the height of the seat, the terrain that the bike will traverse, and the right helmet.
On the other hand, one of the most overlooked factors is the height of the bike for the rider.
Why does the height of the bike matter?
What are some of the ways that people can decide which sized bike is right for them?
The first step in becoming a better cyclist is having the right equipment.
Multiple Methods to Calculate the Height of a Bike: The Chart
It is important to find the right bike for height; however, with so many people ordering bikes online, it is more important than ever to know how to find the right bike without seeing it in person.
One of the tried and true methods of finding the right bike is to simply take the individual’s height and equate this to the bike.
The chart is as follows:
- For people between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet three inches, the bike height should be between 13 and 15 inches tall
- For those between 5 feet three inches and 5 feet seven inches, purchase a bike between 15 and 16 inches tall
- Individuals between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 11 inches should look for a bike between 16 and 17 inches tall
- People between 6 feet tall and 6 feet 2 inches tall need a bike between 17 and 19 inches in height
- Those between 6 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 4 inches should look for a bike between 19 and 21 inches in height
- Riders over 6 feet 4 inches tall should purchase a bike that is 21 inches or higher
As long as people know how tall they are, this is a pretty easy method to follow.
Of course, there are some downsides to using this method.
The most obvious issue is that people are proportioned differently.
People who are equal in height could still have legs that vary in length.
This means that, even though they are the same height, they are going to be more comfortable with bikes of different size.
The team over at RB Inc have some sizing charts that you can look at here, or use our charts below.
Men’s Road Bike Size Chart
| Rider height | Suggested frame size | ||
| Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Centimeters | Size |
| 4’10”-5’0″ | 148-152 cm | 47-48 cm | XXS |
| 5’0″-5’3″ | 152-160 cm | 49-50 cm | XS |
| 5’3″-5’6″ | 160-168 cm | 51-52-53 cm | S |
| 5’6″-5’9″ | 168-175 cm | 54-55 cm | M |
| 5’9″-6’0″ | 175-183 cm | 56-57-58 cm | L |
| 6’0″-6’3″ | 183-191 cm | 58-59-60 cm | XL |
| 6’3″-6’6″ | 191-198 cm | 61-62-63 cm | XXL |
Women’s Road Bike Size Chart
| Rider height | Suggested frame size | ||
| Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Centimeters | Size |
| 4’10”-5’0″ | 148-152 cm | 44 cm | XXS |
| 5’0″-5’3″ | 152-160 cm | 48 cm | XS |
| 5’3″-5’6″ | 160-168 cm | 51 cm | S |
| 5’6″-5’9″ | 168-175 cm | 54 cm | M |
Mountain Bike Size Chart
| Rider height | Leg inseam | Suggested frame size | |||
| Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Inches | Centimeters | Inches | Size |
| 4’10”-5’1″ | 148-158 cm | 24-29″ | 61-73 cm | < 14″ | XS |
| 5’1″-5’5″ | 158-168 cm | 25-30″ | 63-76 cm | 15″ / 16″ | S |
| 5’5″-5’9″ | 168-178 cm | 26-31″ | 66-78 cm | 16″ / 17″ | M |
| 5’9″-6’0″ | 178-185 cm | 27″-32″ | 68-81 cm | 17″ / 18″ | L |
| 6’0″-6’3″ | 185-193 cm | 28″-33″ | 71-83 cm | 18″ / 19″ | XL |
| 6’1″-6’6″ | 193-198 cm | 29″-34″ | 73-86 cm | 19″ + | XXL |
Hybrid Bike Size Chart
| Rider height | Leg inseam | Suggested frame size | |||
| Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Inches | Centimeters | Inches | Size |
| 4’10”-5’1″ | 147-155 cm | 24-29″ | 61-73 cm | < 14″ | XS |
| 5’1″-5’5″ | 155-165 cm | 25-30″ | 63-76 cm | 15″ / 16″ | S |
| 5’5″-5’9″ | 165-175 cm | 26-31″ | 66-78 cm | 17″ / 18″ | M |
| 5’9″-6’0″ | 175-183 cm | 27″-32″ | 68-81 cm | 19″ / 20″ | L |
| 6’0″-6’3″ | 183-191 cm | 28″-33″ | 71-83 cm | 21″ / 22″ | XL |
| 6’1″-6’6″ | 191-198 cm | 29″-34″ | 73-86 cm | 23″ + | XXL |
Calculating the Desired Height of the Bike
For those who ride on a regular basis, it might be better to invest in a bike whose height has been calculated more precisely.
This method is done using both the height of the rider and the length of the legs.
In order to do this, use the following steps:
- First, take off the shoes and stand with the legs about two to three inches apart
- While still in this position, measure the distance between the inseam of the pants and the floor
- Using this measurement, the proper size for different bikes can be calculated
Use the following formulas to find the right bike size for the right terrain:
- For a bike in the city, multiply the inseam height by 0.685
- For a mountain bike, multiply the inseam height by 0.66
- If someone is looking for a road bike, multiply the inseam height by 0.7
Because different bikes handle different terrain better, people who ride regularly might realize that they prefer bikes of different sizes for different terrain.
It might be a good idea to have different bikes in the garage for different purposes.
Trusting the Professionals
Some people may not be comfortable purchasing a bike online without seeing it in person first.
This is understandable and acceptable.
For this reason, anyone who has doubts about whether or not they are getting the right bike for their purposes should visit a local store and ask a professional for help.
The professional might take a few measurements and then offer up a few suggestions.
Ultimately, some people may need to ride the bike around the parking lot before deciding which one is right for their needs.
Do not hesitate to ask to test-ride the bike before making a purchase.
Most stores are more than willing to let this happen. Just be sure to put on a helmet first!
The Fine-Tuning of the Bike: The Seat
Most people are going to feel comfortable riding range of bike sizes; however, it is still vital to make sure that people feel as comfortable as possible while riding.
If the height is not correct, people could be applying extra stress to their core, back, and knees, which can wear them out quickly.
In order to prevent this from happening, it is important for everyone to adjust the height of the seat as well.
It can be a challenge to loosen the seat, adjust the height, and tighten it again.
Because of this, do not hesitate to ask a professional for help.
When people ride in a bike that has the proper seat height, they will probably find that they can ride further and faster than ever before.
Better yet, this will help preserve the muscles for the next day’s ride as well!
Take a few minutes to adjust the seat to the right height.
In the end, there are many ways that people can improve their biking.
In addition to adding miles and speed, it is important to make sure that everyone has the right equipment as well.
This means investing in the right clothing, the right helmet, and the right bike.
Make sure not to overlook the height of the bike.
Riding too short of a bike could place too much stress on the knees as they bend more while pedaling.
If the bike is too tall, people could wind up stressing their core and their back as they strain to reach the pedals.
Finally, do not forget about the height of the seat as well.
Make sure to adjust the height of the seat after deciding on a bike.
Ultimately, those who have questions or concerns about finding the right sized bike for their height should meet with a professional to have the bike sized.
Who knows, maybe some people are interested in investing in a custom-made bike as well!
Improve the quality of the ride with the proper bike.