Bike Size Calculator: How To Find Your Perfect Bike Size?

Nothing makes for a great cycling experience than finding the right bike.  A bike that fits your body measurements, goals, and dreams takes your comfort to the next level.  But, finding a perfect match is sometimes a nightmare for beginners. 

What should be the frame size?  What about the inseam length?  What size bike do I need?  What if I get my bike size wrong?  If questions like these flood your mind, we have a solution. A good bike-size calculator! 

Bike Size Calculator

With our bike size calculator, you can easily calculate the right bike size in less than 15 minutes.  Simply choose the type of bike you’re using, input your height and inseam measurements and let us do the magic. 

We will recommend a few bike sizes for you to consider.  So, you can find the perfect fit according to the bike frame size.  Also, look at the bike size chart below for further information. 

Here’s what you need to do. 

Step 1: Know Your Bike Type

The first step is to choose a suitable bike type.  To facilitate you in making this decision below is a short description of four popular types of bikes. 

1.  Road Bikes

Road bikes are designed for smooth surfaces only.  They are general city bikes for regular bike lands and paved streets.  Thanks to their narrow tires, they’re much lighter than other bike types. 

2.  Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are a hot trend these days.  These bikes are a type of Road bike, but they can also handle varied terrain and tipsy-turvy roads.  Gravel bikes are ideal for touring, racing, and everyday commuting. 

3.  Mountain Bikes

If you are biking through off-road terrain and mountainous region, consider going for a mountain bike.  These bikes have wide tires, flat handlebars, and suspension for better grip. 

4.  Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are a hybrid of mountain and racing bikes.  They are usually low maintenance and depending on the model, you can use them for recreational purposes, commuting, or everyday rides. 

Sure, there are some other bike types as well that we omitted – foldable, BMX, etc.  However, these four types are more than enough for a beginner.  Once you have narrowed down the bike type you want, next comes the measurement part. 

Step 2: Take Your Measurements 

Now, to find your perfect match, you have to take three types of measurements.  These are: 

1.  Measurements While Standing Up

These measurements include inseam, sternal notch, and height.  Wear your cycling clothes, remove your shoes, stand up against a wall and take the following measurements:

Inseam – Put a ruler or a book between your legs.  This is your crotch level.  Now measure the distance of the floor from the top of the book (or ruler). 

Measure a few times to ensure you’re not making any mistakes.  Don’t use your jean’s inseam measurement as it’s at least 2 inches shorter than your actual inseam.  

Sternal Notch – Sternal Notch is the bony “V” shape located at the base of your neck.  It lies between your collar bones.  Measure distance from the top of your sternal notch to the ground. 

Height – Set a book or a ruler on top of your head.  Mark the wall at the point it rests on your head.  Measure the distance of this point to the ground.  This is your actual height. 

2.  Measurements Of Your Arms

Next, you need to find the length of your arms.  Here’s how you can do so easily: 

Hold any cylindrical object like a pencil in your fist.  Now extend your arm to the front, palm down, so that it becomes parallel to the floor.  Make sure you’re not hunching up your shoulders. 

Now measure the distance from the side of your ribcage to the side of the pencil.  Do this process with both of your arms, and then calculate the average. 

3.  Measurements While Sitting Down

Finally, you have to find your leg and torso measurements.  To do so, sit on a chair.  Ensure your back is straight, and your pelvis is touching the back of the chair. 

Your femur should be parallel to the ground and your tibia perpendicular.  Now, grab a level for the following measurements. 

Legs – For measuring legs, press the side of your knees.  Slowly slide your thumb down the outside of your leg until you catch a bony protrusion. 

It will be under the base of your knee caps (outside the lower legs).  Mark this point with the level and measure its distance from the floor. 

Torso – Locate your AC joint (aka acromioclavicular joint).  It’s a kind of bony bump on top of your shoulders.  Place the level on your AC, making sure it stays level. 

Now measure the bottom of the level to the top of your chair.  Repeat this process for your body’s both sides.  Average the two measurements for a more accurate number. 

Step 3:  Calculate Bike Frame Size

The final step is to calculate the frame size of your bike.  It’s the measurement between the middle of the bike’s bottom bracket to the junction of the seat and its top tube. 

However, the top tube isn’t always horizontal – for instance, if you have a compact frame bike.  You have to measure from an imaginary horizontal top tube in that scenario.  Not to forget, some bike manufacturers take measurements from the middle of the top tube and not the top. 

Moreover, some bikes come with bottom brackets at different height levels.  So, you can have two same frame-size bikes, but with different standover heights. 

You can also calculate your bike’s frame size by following another more straightforward method.  Simply measure the inseam in centimeters. 

Once you have this figure, multiply it by 0.665 for road bikes, 0.575 for mountain bikes, and 0.645 for trekking bikes.  Usually, the mountain bike frames are smaller than road bike frames. 

To convert these figures into inches, just divide each by 2.54.  Easy peasy!  Also, this bike size calculator is ideal for both men and women.

General Tips To Get The Right Size Bike

Remember, your bike should fit you and not the other way around.  Sometimes a frame is designed to suit different people.  Therefore, once you get the right frame, ensure everything else fits your body. 

Next, adjust the seat post height as per your needs.  There should be a slight bend to your knee as you pedal.  This position ensures optimum power output with minimum effort and prevents knee problems in the long run.  The only disadvantage is that you cannot reach the ground with your feet. 

After that, think about your stem’s position, size, cranks, handlebars, and saddle position.  Your options are limitless if you can afford to swap different bike parts.  It can really transform your bike and biking experience. 

Final Thoughts

With all the measurements in hand, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a suitable bike.  We always recommend getting a professional fit. 

It can be a bit expensive, but if you are taking it up as a hobby, the comfort can be worth every money spent.  Your next option is to go and ride a few times to get the hang of your bike. 

You can adjust different parts if you experience any discomfort.  This method is generally a more suitable option for amateur cyclists.  Good luck and happy riding! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What If I Got My Bike Size Wrong? 

In that case, try to send your bike back to the seller.  In case that’s not possible, you can try to compensate by: 

• Moving your saddle slightly to the front or rear end of the bike
• Changing your body’s position by getting a little shorter or longer stem
• Getting a longer seat post

How To Size A Kids Bike? 

People often wonder what bike size my child needs.  Well, bike fit differs for children. 

In addition, bike sizes are also expressed differently for children.  It’s usually determined by wheel size and not by frame size.  Below is a general estimate of what bike size will suit your child. 

Note: The standover and Seatpost height can vary among manufacturers. 

For What Height A 26 Inches Bike Is A Good Fit? 

It depends on many factors.  However, generally speaking, 26 inches bikes work well for children and adults who are approximately 5 to 6 feet tall. 

For What Height A 28 Inches Bike Is A Good Fit? 

Again, it depends on many factors like physical attributes, weight, etc.  However, 28 inches bikes are suitable for people who are at least 6’0” to 6’3”