Bicycle frame sizes, wheels according to height - how to choose the size? Selection of bike size Selection of Merida bike by height

They used to think that all people were the same, and bicycles should be the same. But then it turned out that all people are different, and bicycles should be different. Or at least different sizes. In this article we will talk about such an important part of a bicycle as its frame, and also discuss the dimensions and tell you how to choose the right size of a bicycle frame according to a person’s height.

Let's start with the fact that different manufacturers indicate frame sizes in different units of measurement. These can be inches, centimeters or conventional units. In the tables below, we have compared all possible values ​​with a person’s height, so that you can easily choose the correct bike size for your height.

Choosing the size of mountain and city bikes

Frame Size (inches) Your height (centimeters) Frame size (centimeters) Frame size (cu)
13" 130 - 145 33 XS (XSmall)
14" 135 - 155 35,6 XS (XSmall)
15" 145 - 160 38,1 S (Small)
16" 150 - 165 40,6 S (Small)
17" 156 - 170 43,2 M (Meduim)
18" 167 - 178 45,7 M (Meduim)
19" 172 - 180 48,3 L (Large)
20" 178 - 185 50,8 L (Large)
21" 180 - 190 53,3 XL (XLarge)
22" 185 - 195 55,9 XL (XLarge)
23" 190 - 200 58,4 XXL (XLarge)
24" 195 - 210 61 XXL (XLarge)

The exception is folding bicycles, because... They are available in one size and are designed to fit the average person between 155 and 185 centimeters tall.

Choosing the size of road and road bikes

Frame size (centimeters) Your height (centimeters) Frame size (cu) Frame tube length (seat/upper)
49 - 51 cm. 157 - 163 XS 42 / 52 cm.
51 - 54 cm. 163 - 170 S 44 / 53.5 cm.
55 - 57 cm. 170 - 178 M 50 / 55.5 cm.
57 - 59 cm. 178 - 183 M/L 53.5 / 57 cm.
58 - 60 cm. 183 - 190 L 55.5 / 58.5 cm.
61 - 63 cm. 190 - 198 XL 58.5 / 61 cm.

When choosing a bike for training or participating in competitions, the accurately selected frame size is important, as it directly affects the result.

Choosing the size of children's bicycles

As for choosing the size of a children's or teenager's bike, the principles here are slightly different. Such bicycles are selected according to wheel diameter.

What else should you pay attention to when choosing a frame size?

Riding style: you probably noticed that there is always a “size range”, so with the same height you can buy a bike of one or another size. So, the choice here is influenced more by the cyclist’s riding style, and not just by his height. For active and extreme riding, it is better to choose a slightly smaller frame size from the two options, because... a larger margin of centimeters above the frame will give you confidence, and the bike will be more maneuverable. For quiet trips around the city and parks, you can choose a slightly larger frame.

Body type and weight: Another factor influencing the choice of frame size is the cyclist's body type. If you have a thin or average build, you can purchase a larger size bike. If you are large and weigh a lot, it is better to take a frame one size smaller - it will be more comfortable to sit down, easier to get off and steer.

Additional adjustments: If the frame is a little out of size for you, or you're someone special, you can always adjust your position by adjusting the saddle height and stem angle.

How to measure your bike frame size yourself.
The size of the bicycle frame is determined by the distance from the top cut of the seat tube to the center of the bottom bracket assembly (Fig. 1). Accordingly, when you change the size of the seat tube, all other dimensions of the bicycle change proportionally. If you need to know the size of a bicycle frame in inches, you can convert the resulting numerical value into inches using the calculation 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.

Why is it important to choose the right bike size?
The correctly selected frame size affects not only the comfort, but also the safety of your riding. If you ride the wrong size bike, you could be injured in an extreme situation such as sudden braking. You should also not choose a size that is too small, as you will end up with an incorrect fit, which will put undue stress on your knee joints, which can also lead to further injury.

What should you look for when choosing a bicycle frame size based on your height? This is the main question, because its correct size is the most important factor that must be taken into account (in addition to others) when purchasing this type of vehicle.

Why is it important?

Size is a characteristic that affects the overall dimensions of the frame. As this parameter increases, a proportional change in the length of all pipes occurs. The correct size ensures riding comfort, and the cyclist avoids back and knee pain that occurs when choosing the wrong frame size. In addition, it becomes much easier to drive the vehicle and the risk of a figure eight, which you will then have to experience when traveling on uneven roads, is reduced.

Before choosing a bicycle frame based on your height, you need to accurately measure your body length. To do this, perform the following procedure:

  • the cyclist stands barefoot against the wall, pressing his heels close to it;
  • knees must be straightened;
  • a mark must be made at head level;
  • Use a tape measure to measure the distance to the floor level.

When answering the question: “how to choose a bicycle frame according to your height,” you should also consider the following factors:


Choice

For each, regardless of whether it is or, there are recommendations on how to choose the size of a bicycle frame according to height. The table shows them clearly.

Important! When choosing a bicycle frame by height, it is worth remembering that there are the following designations for its size: inches, conventional units (XS - XL), as well as centimeters.

Mountain, urban and hybrid

How to choose a mountain bike frame size based on your height? To select a hardtail, you can use the table below, but exceptions are possible: Gary Fisher models have a longer frame than other brands.

A comfortable city or hybrid bike may have a seatpost, which will not allow the saddle to be lowered close to the frame. Therefore, in the case of transitional height (1.77 m or 1.63 m), it is necessary to lean towards the smaller size. This will help you quickly understand which frame to choose for your bike.

Height, m Frame
Inches Centimeters Conventional units
1,30 - 1,45 13" 33 XS
1,35 - 1,55 14" 35,6 XS
1,45 - 1,60 15" 38,1 S
1,50 - 1,65 16" 40,6 S
1,56 - 1,70 17″ 43,2 M
1,67 - 1,78 18" 45,7 M
1,72 - 1,80 19" 48,3 L
1,78 - 1,85 20" 50,8 L
1,80 - 1,90 21″ 53,3 XL
1,85 - 1,95 22″ 55,9 XL
1,90 - 2,00 23″ 58,4 XXL
1,95 - 2,10 24″ 61 XXL

Road and highway

When choosing a road or road bike frame, you can rely on the following table.

Height, m Frame
Inches Centimeters Conventional units
1,57 - 1,63 49 - 51 XS 42/52
1,63 - 1,70 51 - 54 S 44/53,5
1,70 - 1,78 55 - 57 M 50/55,5
1,78 - 1,83 57 - 59 M/L 53,5/58,5
1,83 - 1,90 58 - 60 L 55,5/58,5
1,90 - 1,98 61 - 63 XL 58,5/61

Folding

Which frame to choose for a folding bike? Most folding models are made in a universal size, which corresponds to the proportions: bicycle frame and height. The table will tell you which model to give preference to.

Model Height, m
Author Simplex 1,50 - 1,95
Shulz Easy 1,50 - 1,85
Shulz Goa 3 1,55 - 1,85
Shulz Goa 8 1,75 - 1,95
Giant Expressway 1 and 2 1,55 - 1,85
Giant Halfway 1,60 - 1,80
Giant Subway 1,60 - 1,80
Strida Mini 1,40 - 1,60
Strida LX, 5.2, SX, SD 1,53 - 1,93

BMX

The size of such models refers to the length of the top tube of the frame. To correctly select a BMX bike frame by height, use the table.

Height, m Frame, inches
1,40 - 1,50 19.5″
1,50 - 1,70 20.0″
1,70 - 1,80 20.5″
1,80 - 1,90 21.0″

If you need to understand how comfortable it will be to use such a bicycle, then it is best to try to ride one of the models.

Children's

Children's models must be selected not only by height, but also by the age of the cyclist. For now There is a lot of controversy regarding the choice of children's frame. The table is based on manufacturers' classifications, as well as the average height of children under 15 years of age.

Age, years Height, m Wheel diameter, inches
1 - 3 0,75 - 0,95 < 12″
3 - 4 0,95 - 1,01 12"
4 - 6 1,01 - 1,15 16"
6 - 9 1,15 - 1,28 20"
9 - 13 1,26 - 1,55 24″

Video

If you still have any questions about how to select a bicycle frame based on your height, just watch the video.

You will also find a lot of useful information in this video.

Ordering bicycles online is becoming increasingly popular. Don't worry about trying the bike on in person first. This approach is very overrated! City bicycles and cruisers often have no height restrictions at all and are positioned for cyclists with an average height of 155-180 (women) or 165-190 (men).

To select a sports bike, there are many good methods to choose the right one, below we will look at the one we use ourselves. The size of the bike is measured from the beginning of the seat to the bottom bracket, as in the image below.

Remove your shoes and stand with your feet approximately 15-20 cm apart (shoulder-width apart). Measure the height from the ground to the crotch. Decide on the type of bike you need: mountain bike, city bike or road bike. Now you can take a calculator and calculate the size you need:

City bike - leg (cm) x 0.685 = your frame size

Mountain Bike - Leg (cm) x 0.66 = Your Frame Size

Road Bike - Leg (cm) x 0.70 = Your Frame Size

For example, if your leg is 76 cm long, then the correct size for a mountain bike is 50 cm or 20 inches, a road bike is 53 cm, and a city bike is 52 cm.

For generalization and convenience, below is a table that can be used when selecting a mountain bike.

Cyclist height (cm) Leg length(cm) Recommended Frame Size
145-158 60-73 13”/14” XS 33-36
155-172 63-76 15”/16” S 34-40
168-182 66-78 17”/18” M 43-47
178-190 68-81 19”/20” L 48-52
185-200 71-83 21”/22” XL 55-58
200-210 73-86 23”/24” XXL 59-62

This table is most relevant when choosing a cross-country mountain bike without rear suspension. When choosing a bike with a rear shock absorber, the geometry may differ depending on the purpose of the frame. In this case, it is best to check the information on the manufacturer’s website. At the same time, the size of a modern bicycle will be the same for a mountain bike with a wheel diameter of 26”, including fat bikes, and for a mountain bike with a wheel diameter of 27.5”, and for a bicycle with wheels 29”.

Hybrids, road bikes, cyclocross bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes and track bikes have different geometry, which is why the size chart for them is different. On average, the size values ​​of different brands and directions can be combined into one table:

When choosing a sports bike, the height of the saddle extended from the seat tube is important. Even a couple of centimeters of difference in saddle height can affect pedaling power by up to 50%.

Folding city bicycles rarely have a gradation in height, but usually have wide adjustment of the position of the saddle and handlebars; below is a table of height recommendations for various brands that produce folding bicycles, which can be bought in the Velodrive online store:

Unlike adult bicycles, whose frame size changes depending on the height of the cyclist, children's bicycles are measured by wheel size. You can read more about choosing a children's bike at the end of the article, but you can average it out in one table:

Problems when choosing the wrong bike size and solutions to them There are elements of a bicycle that you also need to pay attention to when choosing a size: the stem, handlebars and seatpost and the position of the saddle in it.


If you've already bought a bike that's too big, you can adjust the riding position a bit by replacing the stem with a shorter one or moving the saddle in the "rails" to a position closer to the handlebars.


If you choose a frame that is too small, the problem can be corrected by installing a longer stem with a wider handlebar or replacing the seatpost with a longer one with a backward bend.

Choosing the right size and approximate age

Choosing the right bike size for a child may seem like a simple task, but parents often don't consider other factors other than age. As you'll see from the recommendations we've made below, many of the sizes overlap by age and depend more on the height, not to mention the confidence and abilities of each individual child.

Many people choose a bike for growth, but it is important to consider that as the size of the bike’s wheels increases, so does its weight. In addition, a taller and lighter bike will have a higher center of gravity, making it more difficult to balance and maneuver. As a result, if you choose a bike that is too large for your child, then riding may simply not be fun. Use the age and height recommendations below as a guide and remember that the best way to know if a bike is the right size is to try the bike on in person and let your child ride it.

It is also important to note that unlike adult bicycles, in which the frame size changes depending on the height of the cyclist, children's bicycles are measured by wheel size.

Ages from 18 months / balance bikes (cross bikes, balance bikes)


Balance bikes are designed for children aged 18 months and older to teach balance, fine motor skills and good habits. These bicycles have no pedals and are propelled by a child pushing himself with his feet. These bikes are the easiest way to learn how to maintain balance, and they themselves are the lightest of children’s bikes. There are balance bikes with wheel diameters ranging from 10 to 20 inches. Wheels can be plastic with EVA tires or inflatable rubber. The former are much lighter, but have good grip only on hard or compacted surfaces. If you plan to ride outside the city, it is better to choose a balance bike with inflatable wheels.

Ages 2 – 4 years / Wheel size 12 inches


Bicycles with 12-inch wheels are usually a child's first bicycle with pedals. Designed for ages 2 to 4 years or height 85 to 105 cm. Since this is often a first bike, it's best to look for a simplified design without components that might complicate the riding experience, such as multiple gears, a lever rear handbrake or front suspension.

Feeling comfortable is crucial for their very first bike, so make sure the fit is correct and your child is happy with the appearance of the bike. The frame can usually be made of steel or aluminum. Aluminum is lighter and not susceptible to rust, but it is also significantly more expensive.

Often such a bicycle is equipped with side balancer wheels. Sometimes the kit comes with a brake with a handle on the steering wheel, but children at this age usually do not have enough finger strength to brake.

Ages 2 - 5 / wheel size 14in


Bicycles with 14" wheels are not much different from bicycles with 12" wheels. A bicycle of this size is suitable for a height of 95-110 cm. Large wheels provide better stability, smoother ride and increased speed. Not all brands produce bicycles with a diameter of 14 inches, so the choice of tires and spare tubes for such bicycles is much lower.

Ages 4 - 6 / wheel size 16 inches


This bike can be the next step either after a bicycle with a wheel diameter of 12 or 14 inches, or right after a balance bike. Wheels with a diameter of 16 inches are suitable for heights of 100-115 cm or ages from 4 to 6 years.

The frame of such a bicycle can be made of steel or aluminum. Aluminum is lighter and less susceptible to rust, but is more expensive. Many bicycles of this size are equipped with only a rear coaster brake for the sake of simplicity. Sometimes included with a front manual brake, but some bikes have both brakes with handlebar handles. Children at this age have enough strength to use these types of brakes, but before purchasing, we recommend making sure that the brake lever is specifically designed for small hands.

Ages 4 - 6 / wheel size 18 inches


Just as a 14" bike is an alternative to a 12" bike, an 18" bike is an alternative to a 16" bike. A bicycle with 18-inch wheels corresponds to a height of 100 to 120 cm and an age of 4 to 6 years.

Ages 7 - 9 / wheel size 20 inches


20 inches is the most popular size for children's bikes on the market. It is also at this stage that children usually begin to really get a feel for the bike and understand the feeling of freedom of riding it. This bike is suitable for a height of 115-135 cm or for those aged seven to nine years.

Already at this stage, bicycles begin to be clearly classified into disciplines, such as mountain bike or MTB, road bike and extreme bike or BMX.

Children's mountain bikes may contain the same technologies as adult sports bikes: rear suspension, a large number of gears, disc brakes. However, rear suspension adds a significant portion of the bike's weight and reduces its durability, or the bike will cost similar to a good adult sports bike. The front suspension provides shock absorption and more control on difficult terrain, so is only needed on difficult terrain. Therefore, for city driving, we recommend considering options without suspension. In a city with such a flat topography as St. Petersburg, a large number of speeds is also not necessary, because this greatly complicates the design of the bicycle and affects its durability. Road bikes with 20" wheels usually have narrower wheels with flat tread. Comfortable models are equipped with full-size rigid fenders, a wide saddle and a footrest. Sports road bikes sometimes even have handlebars included and a large number of speeds.

Children's BMX bikes are a popular option as they have plenty of durability and often have a simple but colorful design. Another big plus is that if a teenager likes BMX as a sport, he will be able to ride his first BMX for quite a long time, because adult bicycles have the same wheel diameter and similar geometry.

Ages 9 - 11 / Wheel size 24 inches


24" bikes are often the last step towards an adult-sized bike and are suitable for those aged between nine and eleven years old or 130-145cm tall.

Like 20-inch bikes, there are distinctive features for mountain, BMX and road models. 24" mountain bikes have more speeds and more suspension travel compared to 20" mountain bikes. Also, mountain bikes with 24” wheels can often be equipped with disc or rim brakes with handlebar handles.

24-inch road bikes increase their gear range to 21 and 24 speed, have slick tires for higher speeds and lightweight frames if your child has racing ambitions.

Age 11+ / wheel size 26 inches


26-inch bikes are suitable for children aged eleven and above and those taller than 145cm.

Previously, bicycles with this wheel diameter were considered only for adults, but with the increase in the diameter for adults to 27.5-29 inches, it became clear that children can also ride bicycles with 26 wheels, but with a small frame.

The most difficult thing in buying a bicycle is to correctly calculate the appropriate height for it; recreational riding or regular training were as comfortable and useful as possible for a long time.

Despite the generally accepted table of size and height ratios, different manufacturers often change the indicators on individual models. If you like a bike with a frame size of 20 inches, then it will be important to find out what height indicators are considered the most optimal for it.

Briefly about the size

Frame height is measured from the axis of the pedal assembly to the top of the seat post and usually ranges from 13 to 24 inches.

A 20-inch frame is a height of 50-52 cm, which falls into the generally accepted “L” (large) or “large” category. At the same time, there are two versions of the bicycle: regular (with wheels no higher than 26 inches) and non-standard (with wheels from 27.5 inches).

Suitable size

The optimal height for a twenty-inch frame is the range from 170 to 190 cm. However, for different models the indicators may shift:

  • Mountain bikes in most cases are ideally suited to the proposed size, with the rare exception of products made to order with an extended frame. There is also a slight discrepancy between the Gary Fisher brand vehicles.
  • Urban models are distinguished by the possible presence of a seat shock absorber, which increases the size of the bicycle. Therefore, you need to choose a vehicle two sizes smaller: then 20 inches will suit a height of 185-195 cm.
  • Hybrid models, like city ones, are additionally equipped with shock-absorbing pins, which makes the “L” bike suitable for people taller than 185 cm. However, if shock absorption is not provided, then the indicators are checked against the universal optimal ratio given above.
  • Road and highway structures also have some features, including the presence of “Compact” geometry and the corresponding slight extension of the frame part. These include the Giant Compact Road brand. For twenty-inch models of this type, the cyclist’s height should be between 163-170 cm.
  • A BMX bicycle is selected strictly individually, so it is recommended that you first test the bike you like. Approximately, a 20-inch frame is suitable for athletes with a height of 145 to 170 cm, but the values ​​​​are very blurred and you should not rely entirely on them.

It is also necessary to take into account the diameter of the wheel rim, which can lengthen the fit of the bicycle:

  • up to 26 inches – 170 cm;
  • at 27.5 inches - 180 cm;
  • up to 29 inches - 190 cm.

In addition, you should also consider your body type. The 20-inch size is suitable for overweight people above 190 cm and for thin athletes less than 170 cm.

How to “try on” a frame

Growth rates can vary significantly between different manufacturers and model types, so it is important to test the vehicle immediately before or during purchase.

  1. Take your usual starting position so that the frame is between your legs and your back touches the seat.
  2. Measure the distance from the top tube to the groin area.
  3. The ideal distance is considered to be within 5-15 cm (for models with a strongly inclined fit, the value may decrease by 3-7 cm).
  4. Set the height of the saddle and handlebars to your own parameters;
  5. Sit fully with your feet on the pedals.
  6. Evaluate the convenience and comfort of a bicycle and ride around the sales area.
  7. Remember that first impressions are not deceiving.

A well-chosen size is always a comfortable and healthy ride, without back and knee pain, fatigue and unnecessary stress. If a twenty-inch bicycle is purchased only for short walks around the city, then you can use approximate values, but for sports, training and regular activities, paying attention to the ratio of frame size and height is vital.

Bicycle frame size (size) is the height and length of the frame, size (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, etc.) in inches, centimeters (44, 45, 46, 47, etc. .) or conventional units (XS, S, M, L, XL) in the table “choose a frame - for what height?”. More often the vertical (seat) tube is measured, sometimes the length of the top tube (from the handlebar to the saddle). We will help you choose a bike frame of your size for your height!

When choosing a bike, start with the wheel size and frame size. Different types of frames provide different (vertical, inclined, recumbent) landing positions and several sizes of bicycle frames for different sizes.

The bicycle frame in the model range is manufactured in several sizes: mountain bikes in 3 - 5 standard sizes, road bikes in 2 or 3 sizes, and folding bikes in one universal size.

The frame of a children's bicycle is sized for a certain wheel diameter: it is easier to determine how to choose a children's bicycle by the size of the wheel ()

How to choose a bicycle frame size based on your height?

A table of bicycle frame sizes is needed to select according to height. The size is usually marked on the top of the seat tube, under the saddle. For conventional models (mountain, road), it is enough to measure the length of the seat tube from the pedal bracket to the end of the top tube in centimeters.
Frame size, inches Height, cm Frame height, cm Designation Note
12 125 - 140 30 XXS (XXSmall) Ultra-small
13 130 - 150 33 XS (XSmall) Very small
14 135 - 155 35 XS (Small) Very small
15 140 - 160 38 S (Small) Small
16 150 - 165 40 S (Small) Small
17 155 - 175 43 M (Medium) Average
18 160 - 180 45 M (Medium) Average
19 165 - 182 48 L (Large) Big
20 170 - 185 50 L (Large) Big
21 180 - 190 53 XL (ExtraLarge) Very big
22 185 - 195 55 XL (ExtraLarge) Very big
23 190 - 200 58 XXL (XXLarge) Extra large
24 195 - 210 61 XXL (XXLarge) Extra large

Frame size selection table is valid for a regular mountain bike with a wheel size no larger than 26 inches. When installing wheels with a wheel size of 27.5, 28, 29 inches on a bicycle, the table of Stels bicycle frame sizes by height is suitable:
Height, cm Wheel size, inches Frame size, inches
140 24 14-15 (wheel 24)
145 24, 26
  • 15-16 (wheel 24)
  • 14-15 (wheel 26)
150 26, 27,5
  • 16-17 (wheel 26)
  • 15.16 (wheel 27.5)
160
  • 17-19 (wheel 26)
  • 16-17 (wheel 27.5)
  • 16 (wheel 29)
170
  • 19-20 (wheel 26)
  • 18-19 (wheel 27.5)
  • 16-18 (wheel 29)
180
  • 20-21 (wheel 26)
  • 19-20 (wheel 27.5)
  • 18-19 (wheel 29)
190
  • 22-23 (wheel 26)
  • 21-22 (wheel 27.5)
  • 20-21 (wheel 29)
200
  • 21-24 (individually)

The size of the frame according to height should be chosen based on the size of the wheel: larger wheel - smaller size. The popular Stealth Navigator 500 series bike is available in three wheel diameters and 3-4 frame sizes. Let's see, for a height of 175-180 cm, which frame is suitable for height (table).

Bicycle wheel sizes

Bicycle wheel size is the diameter of the wheel rim without taking into account the tire size. It is measured in inches (20.24, 26, 28, 29), less often in centimeters (50, 60, 65, 70, 73). The height of a bicycle tire is determined by the profile height in inches. For example, the outer wheel size of a regular 26" wheel and a 24" wheel with wide tires are almost the same. For bicycles with a regular tire width, the following is given: wheel size chart bicycle.

How to choose the size of a bicycle wheel (diameter) according to your height?

Height, cm Wheel size (mountain, road, road) Wheel size (folding)
80 12 -
90 14 -
100 16 -
110 18 -
120 20 -
130 20-24 20
140 24 20
150 26 20,24
160 26, 27,5 20,24
170 26, 27,5, 28, 29 20, 24, 26
180 26, 27,5, 28, 29 24, 26, 28
190 27,5, 28, 29 26, 28

The table shows popular bicycle wheel sizes and heights for adult and children's bicycles. Large bicycles in the same wheel size are available in several sizes. The table shows the average values; you can choose the wheel diameter individually based on your height.

When riding around the city, it is better to choose a bicycle with an average wheel size of 24 or 26 inches. When driving on highways, asphalt roads and rough terrain, you need to choose wheels of 26, 28, 29 inches. Large bicycle wheels reduce energy consumption when moving at high speeds and transmit less vibration to the handlebars and saddle.
Recommendation: If your height is about 150 cm or less, limit your bike selection to 24-inch wheel sizes for city riding and 26-inch wheel sizes for riding on asphalt and dirt roads.
Bicycles with a 20-inch wheel size are easy to store and transport, but less convenient when riding. With a large frame size (16 inches and above - models for adults), when driving, such models with small wheels are less stable on uneven roads.
The position of the center of mass and the distribution of the cyclist's weight depends on the size of the bicycle wheels and the design of the frame. During movement, there is a constant transfer of the cyclist's weight between the handlebars, saddle and pedals. On bicycles with contact pedals (clips or tour clips), the force of the foot is applied to both pedals simultaneously. To reduce fatigue and stress on the knee joint, a smaller frame size or a specially designed frame is selected. On a regular frame bike, the handlebar height, shape and stem may need to be adjusted. The height and width of the bike seat is selected individually.

A quick way to choose your bike frame size

  • 15 inch frame: height 145-165 cm;
  • frame 16 inches: height 150-170 cm;
  • frame 17 inches: height 155-175 cm;
  • frame 18 inches: height 160-180 cm;
  • frame 19 inches: height 170 - 185 cm;
  • frame 20 inches: height 175 - 190 cm;
  • frame 21 inches: height 180 - 195 cm;
  • frame 22 inches: from 190 cm and above.

How to select and choose a bike according to a child’s height?

Child's height age, years Children's wheel size Teenage Folding
80-85 2 12 - -
90-95 3 14 - -
100-105 4 16 - -
110-115 5 18 - -
120-125 6 20 - -
130-135 7 20 24 20
140-145 8-9 - 24, 26 20, 24
150-155 10-12 - 24, 26 20, 24, 26

The table of bicycle sizes by height for children shows how to choose a model based on age. Boys and girls' heights can differ significantly: use this table to select the wheel size and carefully read the description for each model. For example, for a height of 125-130 cm, the easiest to handle will be a children's bicycle with a wheel size of 18 inches; when buying a new one, you need to choose a wheel size of 20 in a regular frame size or a wheel diameter of 24 inches with a lowered frame.

How to choose a bike based on height and weight?

To choose a bike by height and weight (depending on body type and physical shape), find the ratio of wheel size, frame and weight in the table. With a lot of weight, it will be difficult to move on a mountain frame geometry (large forward lean with weight transferred to the handlebars). Opt for rugged road or city models with rigid front forks. A large sprung saddle and an upright riding position are better. When weighing over 140-150 kg, reinforced (with an increased number of spokes) road and touring bicycles are useful. We will help you with the individual selection of a model!

The correct ratio of bicycle frame and height

Correct riding position and health benefits are only possible with the correct selection of the bicycle frame. The low load on the spine and knee-elbow joints will allow you to cycle at any age.
Avoid mistakes when choosing the right size. You can't take a bike for growth! At the current cost of budget models, it would be wise to choose a bike with the most suitable frame size and wheel diameter as your height changes.