Bicycle size selection. Choosing a bike by height (choosing a bicycle frame size) Merida frame size by height

Frame not tall. Velodrive.ru has some good thoughts on this. Everything is up to us :)

Choosing the right frame size is one of the most important considerations when buying a new bike. This parameter is closely related to many others: the type of bike, riding style, personal preferences, etc.

In specialized bicycle shops, you can rely on trained sales assistants in this matter. However, knowledge of correct selection Bicycle sizes can be useful for anyone. Further below, there will be approximate tables for matching frame size to height.

Consider choosing a frame size for the most popular types of bicycles designed for all-round riding. It can be either a mountain bike or a hybrid or all-terrain bike. The vast majority of such bicycles are on the roads and in stores. Highly specialized bikes (downhill, trial, freeride, etc.) have their own size selection criteria and, as a rule, are bought by people who know what they need such a device for.

Today almost everything bicycle frames available in a range of sizes. They can be from two or three for simple pleasure bikes, up to ten or more for road racing machines of classical geometry. Dimension marking can be either digital (in inches or centimeters) or alphabetic. As a rule, the size is "tied" to the height of the seat tube of the frame, which is measured from the center of the bottom bracket axle to the top cut of the seat tube. Some companies measure the height of the seat tube differently, so the same marking on bicycles from different companies (and sometimes even on different lines of machines from the same company) may differ. In addition, differences in frame sizes are not due only to different heights of the seat tube: almost all dimensions, tube angles, and often design solutions of individual frame elements change. In addition, depending on the purpose, the frames can also have different geometry from each other, even from the same manufacturer. Riders generally choose a frame based on the effective length of the top tube (the so-called ETT value) and parameters in general, and size is looked at last. But for the vast majority of cyclists, it is best to focus on the size of the frame.

This brief digression into the shaky world of bicycle frame dimensions is not given to confuse novice cyclists - but to explain that there are no absolutely clear criteria in the spirit of "for a height of 170 cm you need a frame of such and such a size, and nothing else." Moreover, for a particular person, bicycles of noticeably different sizes may be suitable - depending on the company and model line. Therefore, the following correspondences of human height and frame size have fairly large "tolerances". Nevertheless, they will allow you to understand what you need to focus on and, in most cases, successfully choose the right size bike for yourself.

Here is a simple practical way to choose the frame size:
Stand over the bike frame with your back touching the saddle. In this position, the distance between the top tube of the frame and the crotch should be approximately 50-150 mm (for bikes of small sizes, this distance will be less due to the strong slope of the top tube of the frame). Also, the distance may be less in the case of certain proportions of the human body (in particular, with relatively short legs). Ask the sales assistant to hold the handlebars and adjust the height of the saddle, sit on the bike, put your feet on the pedals. Enjoy the comfortable fit, you can even pedal back to better understand the feeling of driving the chosen car. Such a blitz fitting is very useful.

Bicycle frame size(size) - a parameter that affects the length and height of the frame, i.e. to its overall size. With the increase or decrease in the size of the bicycle frame, the upper, lower, and seat tubes change proportionally.

By choosing the right bicycle size, you will ensure your daily comfortable ride without back and knee pain. When buying a bike for sports or competitions, right choice Frame size matters even more.

There are 3 types of designations: "(inches), conventional units (XS, S, M, L, XL) and centimeters (cm). The size range for a particular bike model is usually either even or odd.

MOUNTAIN, CITY AND HYBRID BIKES SIZING

Below is the most popular table suitable for most bike selections. Sizes have been worked out on the basis of the great sales experience of the dreambikes.ru store, and also compared with many size tables of bicycle manufacturers.

Frame size, inches Your height, see Frame size, cm. Frame size, conditional units Designation
13" 130 — 145 33 XS (XSmall) Minimum
14" 135 — 155 35,6 XS (XSmall) Minimum
15" 145 — 160 38,1 S (Small) Small
16" 150 — 165 40,6 S (Small) Small
17″ 156 — 170 43,2 M (Meduim) Average
18" 167 — 178 45,7 M (Meduim) Average
19" 172 — 180 48,3 L (Large) Big
20" 178 — 185 50,8 L (Large) Big
21″ 180 — 190 53,3 XL (XLarge) Very big
22″ 185 — 195 55,9 XL (XLarge) Very big
23″ 190 — 200 58,4 XXL (XLarge) Maximum
24″ 195 — 210 61 XXL (XLarge) Maximum

Alpine Notes: When choosing hardtails, you can safely use this table. There are rare exceptions, for example, Gary Fisher brand bikes are longer in base than most bikes from other manufacturers. Keep this in mind if you are going to go for walks more than exercise. Double-suspension frames often come in only 2-3 sizes.

Notes to urban: comfortable models. If you have a transitional height, for example 178 or 165 cm, pay attention to the presence of a shock-absorbing seatpost. It does not allow you to lower the saddle all the way into the frame, as can be done on all mountain bikes. Therefore, with a height of 177 cm, it is better to take a bike with an 18″ frame than with a 20″ one, and with a height of 165 cm, it will be more convenient to ride on a 16″ frame than on an 18″ one. Cruisers: Keep it simple when choosing a cruiser size—these models only have one or two. Cruisers are usually designed for the average woman (155 - 180 cm) and a man (170 - 190 cm). If you have any doubts, ask your questions to us.

Notes on hybrids: same as comfort ones (about shock absorbing seatposts).

SIZING ROAD, ROAD BIKES (INCLUDING GIANT COMPACT ROAD™)

To select road bikes, I suggest using a table taken from the original Giant bike catalog 2011 - 2012. All road and road bikes come with Compact Road geometry.

frame size
(regular geometry)
Height
cyclist
frame size
(Giant Compact Road™ Geometry)
Frame tube length
(seat/top)
49 - 51 cm. 157 - 163 cm. XS 42 / 52 cm.
51 - 54 cm. 163 - 170 cm. S 44 / 53.5 cm.
55 - 57 cm. 170 - 178 cm. M 50 / 55.5 cm.
57 - 59 cm. 178 - 183 cm. M/L 53.5 / 57 cm.
58 - 60 cm. 183 - 190 cm. L 55.5 / 58.5 cm.
61 - 63 cm. 190 - 198 cm. XL 58.5 / 61 cm.

SIZING FOLDING BIKES (AUTHOR, GIANT, SHULZ, STRIDA, ETC.)

Most folding bikes are available in one size. It is designed for an average person with a height of 155 to 185 cm. Based on sales experience, we can make recommendations for specific models. If your height is from 183 cm and above, we recommend the Shulz Goa 8 V-brake, Shulz Goa 8 Disc, Author Simplex models.

bike model Optimal Growth
Author Simplex 150 - 195 cm.
Shulz Easy 150 - 185 cm.
Shulz Goa 3 155 - 185 cm.
Shulz Goa 8 175 - 195 cm.
Giant Expressway 1 and 2 155 - 185 cm.
Giant Halfway 160 - 180 cm.
Giant Subway 160 - 180 cm.
Strida Mini 140 - 160 cm.
Strida LX, 5.2, SX, SD 153 - 193 cm.

CHILDREN'S BIKES SIZE

All children's bicycles are divided, first of all, based on age and height. Now there is a lot of confusion on the Internet in terms of indicators between the size of bicycles and the age of children.

Growth indicators and their correspondence to the size of bicycle wheels are not taken from the ceiling. In preparing this table, the classifications of the manufacturers of children's bicycles themselves were studied, as well as growth tables for children from 1 year to 15 years. If your child is growing slower or faster than the averages shown in the chart, you can buy a smaller or bigger bike respectively. There is nothing wrong with that.

SIZING BMX BIKES

The size of these stunt bikes is the length of the top tube of the frame (top tube, TT). Also measured in inches. The choice of BMX is a very individual and subjective matter. Some people like to ride on short frames, some on long ones. To determine exactly how it will be convenient for you, it is best to take a BMX ride from friends or acquaintances. In the case of the Giant BMX, the following situation can be traced: models with a lower cost are equipped with frames with a smaller size (assuming that teenagers mainly buy inexpensive models). In other cases, we suggest using the table (the accuracy of the information is not guaranteed!).

Your height frame size
140 - 150 cm. 19.5″
150 - 170 cm. 20.0″
170 - 180 cm. 20.5″
180 - 190 cm. 21.0″

What else should you pay attention to when choosing between two suitable bike sizes?

Suggested riding style: for active and extreme skiing of the two options, it is better to choose the smaller one - b O More headroom above the frame will give you confidence, and the bike will be more nimble. For quiet trips around the city and parks, you can take the frame "back to back".

Body type: with a thin or normal physique, feel free to choose b O a larger bike size. If you are fat, it is better to take a size smaller - it will be easier to get on, off and steer.

Useful adjustments: you can always adjust your position by adjusting the saddle height and stem tilt (not available on all models). On mountain bikes, the stem is most often non-adjustable, a safety standard used on bikes designed for active riding. In this case, you can buy a longer / short / high / low stem - this is a completely normal practice.

Finally, a video on how the legendary Soulcraft bike frames are made

  1. Measure your crotch height. Should be measured by inside legs. The best and most accurate way to measure the height of the perineum is with a level and tape measure. If you don't have a level, you can use a book and the like. Stand barefoot on a flat surface and hold a level (or book) horizontally between your legs. Gently slide the book forward a little and measure from the top of the level (book) to the ground. It will be better if one of your friends or relatives will help you with this. The resulting value in centimeters corresponds to the height of your crotch.
  2. Now you can determine the required frame size:

    The actual frame size should be selected by subtracting a certain value from the theoretical size. Typically, it is about 5 cm (2 inches). When choosing a size, you should proceed from the fact that the bike for sports application will be slightly smaller than a bike for a quiet ride. In any case, when choosing a bike, you should sit on it and determine whether it is comfortable for you - or not.

    • For a road bike: multiply the crotch height by a factor of 0.665. The resulting value will show the theoretical size of the frame in centimeters. For a triathlon bike, 3 cm must be subtracted from the calculated value.
    • For mountain biking: multiply your crotch height by a factor of 0.226. The value you get will show the theoretical frame size in inches. To get the size in centimeters, the resulting value must be multiplied by 2.54.
    • For touring and trekking bikes: multiply the crotch height by a factor of 0.66. The value you get will be equal to the theoretical frame size in centimeters. Multiplying the crotch height by 0.259 gives you the frame size in inches.
  3. Determining the size of the frame according to the height of the cyclist is reduced to the selection of the required size in accordance with the following tables. But keep in mind that the method of determining the size of the size of the height of the crotch is more accurate.

Bicycle frame dimensions

Size selection for road bike frames*:

Size selection for mountain bike frames*:

Everything seems to be fine - the color is right, and the mechanics work perfectly, but you get tired quickly, and skating turns into torture in an hour or two. All clear. The bike is incorrectly sized. To avoid disappointment like this, you need to know what veloram sizes are and how they fit your height.

Without theory - nowhere

When buying a bike in a shop, you will most likely be offered assistance in choosing the right frame for your height. But you will feel much more confident if you yourself know all the subtleties of this issue. We will not touch on rare and exotic types of bikes today, but consider the main, most popular - sizes for mountain bike, highway, children's.

Almost all bike frames come in a variety of sizes. And each manufacturer classifies them differently. Almost every. Each bike model has at least 3-4 sizes and, accordingly, different markings. Frames are marked by height in alphabetical and digital form. The defining parameter for the frame of any bicycle is height. It is measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the end of the tube and can be specified in either inches or centimeters.

The length of the seat tube, of course, is not the only indicator that characterizes the size of a bicycle, but the main one. The geometry of the frame is also determined by the angles of inclination of the pipes at the joints, the length of these pipes and their relative position. Therefore, it is impossible to say unequivocally that such and such a number is suitable for a particular person, but such and such is not suitable.

The tables that we will definitely give can and should be used. But this is not a panacea for all ills. In addition to the size of the frame in terms of height, there is a difference in, which should not be forgotten either. Lots of frame options different length top tube, which greatly affects landing and unloading shoulder joints, elbows, hands. The length also greatly affects the fit and has a lot of adjustments. Wheelbase is critical when riding in different conditions, fork angle affects handling and stability - there's a lot to count, so let's start simple.

Frame sizing

There is a tradition all over the world to mark all bicycle frames with letters, numbers and their combinations. Consider the main types of frame markings from different manufacturers.

There are a total of 6 frame sizes according to seat tube height:

  • XS is the smallest bike size for the smallest riders;
  • S - small;
  • M - the average version of the frames, the most common;
  • L - slightly above average;
  • XL - large;
  • XXL - well, very large.

And here the confusion begins, because each size corresponds to two options in numerical terms. This equivalent is conditional and serves to approximate the correspondence of your physical data with the data of a particular frame. And here is this table:

If anyone is interested, the data in this table is calculated using the formula for selecting an adult bike. According to your parameters, where "d" is the length of your legs, and "D" is the size of the frame. Now we will try to determine by the formula: D \u003d d * 0.56 / 2.54. The formula uses two coefficients - 0.56 is the ratio of leg length to height, and 2.54 is the conversion of inches to centimeters. Such arithmetic.

Since all people are different in size and the same ratio of legs and height cannot be found, this number is also very approximate.

But there are cases when the overall dimensions of two frames at once correspond to your data. Do not buy the same two great at once. What to do in this case? Think.

  • If I'm planning an active cycling lifestyle, I'll choose a smaller bike size because the smaller bike is easier to handle and weighs less.
  • If I am full, then it will be difficult for me to climb a high frame.
  • If I am thin and skinny, then I need to choose a slightly larger frame to seem more weighty and not be blown away by the wind. Quite seriously.
  • If I have already bought a bike, and it does not suit me in size, although everything converges according to the tables, then I probably forgot about the presence of saddle and handlebar adjustments, which in most cases have a very wide range. In addition, I always have the opportunity to change the handlebar stem or seat tube.
  • If my hands are up to my knees, then I will take a bigger bike. In which case, you can always reduce the adjustment.

You can also find markings for both a bicycle for a child and for a women's bicycle. Let's pay some attention to them.

Sizes of children's bicycles

Manufacturer when it releases children bicycle, knows that the baby is growing very quickly. And so he makes some dimensional correction and tries to make the frame in such a way that the range of adjustments is as wide as possible. However, it should be taken into account not so much the dimensions of the frame as the dimensions of the bicycle. The controllability is great and depends on this parameter. maximum speed. You should not measure the baby with a caliper, you still don’t know how he will grow up in six months or even a couple of months, so you need to choose a children’s bike with some margin.

Here is an approximate size chart for children's bikes.

Child height (cm) Child's age Tire diameter (inches)
75 – 95 1 – 3 Up to 12
95 – 101 3 – 4 12
101 – 115 4 – 6 16
115 – 128 6 – 9 20
126 – 155 9 – 13 24

Road Bike Sizes

The features of road bikes are conducive to long trips on asphalt. Often very distant. Therefore, it will take a long time to drive, which requires especially careful selection of the dimensions of both the frame and wheels, etc. In the table below we give recommended sizes for road bikes.

Choosing a bike by weight

In this case, unfortunately, we cannot summarize the data in a table, otherwise it would be huge. We can make a recommendation. If your weight does not exceed 100 kg - ride any suitable bike of adequate quality and forget about weight restrictions. If your weight exceeds 100 kg, then you need to pick up a bike with reinforced wheels and a good, expensive carriage, with good expensive bearings.

Why is it important? With the right frame selection, you will move faster with less energy, and with the wrong size, you may experience discomfort in the back, knees, and problems with the control of the bike in general, which will affect your safety.

Sizes usually start at 13" and go up to 24". The size step can be from 0.5" to 2". There are three types of bicycle size designations:

So, let's pick a cut!

Why can these tables be trusted?

We have collected everything recommendations in Russian and foreign internet, data from manufacturers, mixed it with real experience of our team and friends and as a result, weighted recommendations were made for all classes of bicycles for all people. Of course, all the data has already been verified on a variety of sales.

Mountain, two-suspension, hybrid, city, urban bikes, as well as fatbikes.

Most big class bicycles, common features frames - therefore one table.

Height, cm Frame size, inches Frame size, cm size
130-145 13" 33 XS
134-155 14" 35,6 XS
145-160 15" 38,1 S
150-165 16" 40,6 S
156-170 17" 43,2 M
167-177 18" 45,7 M
172-180 19" 48,3 L
178-185 20" 50,8 L
180-190 21" 53,3 XL
185-195 22" 55,9 XL
190-200 23" 58,4 XXL
195-210+ 24" 61 XXL

Road, cyclocross and track bikes.

One of the most important parameters here is the length of the top tube. In road models, the main indicator is ETT (effective top tube length). ETT is the length of an imaginary line that runs parallel to the ground from the top of the head tube to where it meets the seat post. In most cases, you should use it.

Height, cm Frame size, cm size
157-163 49-51 XS
163-170 50-54 S
170-178 54-56 M
178-183 56-58 M/L
183-190 57-59 L
190-198 60-63 XL

Children's bicycles

Child's age, years Height, cm Wheel diameter, inches
1-3 74-95 <12"
3-4 95-101 12"
4-6 101-114 16"
6-9 115-128 20"
9-13 126-156 24"

Cruisers and folding bikes.

In most cases, they have only one size and are designed for average growth.

Women Men
154-180 cm 171-191 cm

bmx.

Height in BMX is the length of the top tube measured in inches (from the center of the head tube to the center of the seat tube). For a beginner rider, you can choose a size based on the table below. For a more experienced rider, it makes sense to build on experience and preferences.

Height, cm Size, inch
up to 149 20
150-159 20.2
160-169 20.5
170-179 20.7
180-189 21
190 + 21.2

Bicycles for dirt jumping, street, pump and slalom/4x.

Most manufacturers design dirt/street frames around 12-14" sizes, pump and slalom usually up to 16". In most cases, this segment will have a maximum of three sizes, and maybe only one. Height plays a smaller role here, and your preferences and riding experience play a big role. General practice - the larger the frame - the more stable it is, the smaller - the easier it is to rotate (360, tail-whip and other tricks).

Height, cm Size
Up to 175 S
From 175 L

Wheel size for dirt and street riding. 24 wheels were fashionable at one point, but now they are ridden much less. In general, they are good for people under 180 cm tall. In any case, you can do any trick on any wheels. 24s are more responsive and sharp in handling, but slightly less stable and vice versa.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Features&Facts.

  • With a normal build, choose a size where your height is in the middle of the recommended range. If you are on its upper edge, then you should not take a larger size, since the next size will already be designed for a taller person;
  • If you know that you have long arms or legs, be sure to take this into account when choosing a size;
  • If you are fat, you can choose a slightly smaller size - it will be easier to get off and climb;
  • For people weighing over 90 kg, you can also buy ordinary mountain bikes, if you do not intend to ride extreme. However, there are models that have a greater margin of safety, due to stronger components and material in the frame.
  • The height of the top tube depends on your style of riding - if it's a sport, then usually it is higher, if it's a comfortable fit, then choose a slightly lower tube;
  • Once again: the smaller the frame, the more maneuverable it is, the longer it is, the more stable at speed;
  • Another method for determining the size: you need to measure your height from the groin to the floor and multiply the resulting measurement in centimeters by a coefficient. The result of the calculation is the size in centimeters. To convert the result to inches, just divide the value by 2.54.
  • 0.665 for a road bike (for triathlon, frames 3.5-5 cm lower are usually chosen;
  • 0.63 for hybrid;
  • 0.57 for a mountain bike. ​

​​Ergonomics and fit adjustments/adjustments.

  • Saddle height. Your leg should be slightly bent in the lower position of the pedal;
  • Saddle nose slope. The main thing is that you do not feel discomfort when driving;
  • Moving the saddle along the seatpost frame forward or backward (if you feel that the center of gravity of the body is shifted to one side);
  • The position of the brake and shift levers - it is better to put them in a position where they will be an extension of your hand and landing;
  • Replacing the stem with a longer or shorter one, as well as a lower or higher one (if the landing is too low or elongated);
  • Replacing the seatpost with a model with a shift back.

Great choice!


When choosing a bike, the most important thing is to correctly determine “your” frame height. For a certain height of a person, it is necessary to choose a certain height of the bicycle frame.

What is the frame height of a bike?

Frame size affects:

  • The transmission of force when pedaling a bicycle. The leg should be almost straight with the pedal at its lowest point.
  • Safety. There must be room above the top tube of the frame when standing with a full foot on the ground. In the event of an emergency jumping off the bike, this will avoid hitting the crotch against the frame.
  • Back position. The back should be straight, there is no need to specifically stretch to the steering wheel.
  • Bicycle maneuverability. The larger the frame, the less maneuverable the bike.

How to choose a bike frame height

The height of the frame is determined by the length of the tube located from the bottom bracket to the seatpost.

There are several ways to select the frame size.

Method #1: By Height

You need to know your height and choose the size from the tables below.

The choice will not be 100% correct, because the length of the arms, legs and body proportions are not taken into account. But for the initial understanding of its size is suitable.

Method # 2: According to the length of the leg

More correct than method 1, because takes into account the parameters of a particular person.

It is necessary to measure the length of the inner thigh from the heel (floor) to the crotch.

To do it right:

  1. Get up against the wall. Heels and buttocks touch the wall, knees are straightened.
  2. Measure the length of the leg from the floor to the crotch.

The resulting number must be multiplied by the coefficient:

  • Mountain (MTB), hardtails, full suspension– leg length in cm * 0.57 = frame size in cm.
  • Road and cyclocross– leg length in cm * 0.66 = frame size in cm.
  • Trekking bikes– leg length in cm * 0.63 = frame size in cm.

Example: with a leg length of 79 cm, the estimated height of the mountain bike frame will be - 79 * 0.57 \u003d 45.03 cm, rounded up to 45.

To convert frame height in cm to inches, divide by 2.54. For the example above - 45 / 2.54 \u003d 17.71 inches.

Method #3: Trying on

Understanding your estimated frame size, it is advisable to try on the bike and feel the fit on a particular model. Because the length of the top tube, stem length, handlebar camber and bar angle may vary.

It is far from always possible to correct the position of the body by simply adjusting the bike without replacing parts. In this case, it makes sense to look at a different model and even brand of bike, because. different manufacturers have different frame geometry.

You can try on a bike without knowing your height, leg length and the desired frame size. The main thing is to understand what the correct body position on the bike should be:

  • The leg in the lower position of the pedal is slightly bent, it is not necessary to reach for the pedal. When pedaling, the hips do not swing.
  • The back is straight with an inclination forward, but it is not necessary to reach the steering wheel strenuously.
  • There is a distance from the top tube of the frame to the crotch when standing on the ground with a full foot.

Table of frame sizes for mountain and city bikes

The table is best suited for hardtails. When choosing a double suspension, see the values ​​\u200b\u200bof a specific model.

The size value for mountain bikes will be the same for models with 26″, 27.5″ and 29″ wheels.

Discounts on mountain and city bikes: velodrive.ru, velosklad.ru, vamvelosiped.ru

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

Road and Road Bike Size Chart

Discounts on road and road bikes: velodrive.ru, velosklad.ru, vamvelosiped.ru

your height (cm)Frame size (cm)Frame size (c.u.)
157 - 163 49 - 51 XS
163 - 170 51 - 54 S
170 - 178 55 - 57 M
178 - 183 57 - 59 M/L
183 - 190 58 - 60 L
190 - 198 61 - 63 XL

Children's bike size chart

Children's bicycles are measured by wheel diameter and are selected according to the child's height and wheel size.

Discounts on children's bikes: velodrive.ru, velosklad.ru, vamvelosiped.ru

Child's ageHeight (cm)Wheel diameter (inches)
1 - 3 Up to 95Up to 12"
2 - 4 85 - 105 12"
3 - 5 95 - 110 14"
4 - 6 100 - 115 16"
5 - 8 100 - 120 18"
7 - 9 115 - 135 20"
9 - 11 130 - 145 24"
From 10From 14026"


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