What Ebike Size Do You Need? A Few Tips To Help You
Ordering e-bikes online is becoming increasingly popular, but with that comes the question of what size bike you need. Below are a few tips to help you ensure you get the right-sized bike so that you can enjoy your new purchase to the fullest. We'll also give some recommendations on bike sizing based on rider height. Let's get started.
Easy Method: Bike Size Chart by Height
Height is an important factor in finding the right sized bike. You can use a bike size chart to determine which size bike will be best for you based on your height. Find your height on the chart and match it up with the corresponding bike size. Also, remember that you may need to adjust the bike size based on your riding style and preferences.
Math Method: Calculate Your Bike Size:
If you want to be more precise about finding the right bike size, you can use a math formula to calculate it.
Type Of Bike: Decide which type of bike you are looking for. The most common types are road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, and hybrid bikes.
- Road bikes – x 0.70
- Mountain bikes – x 0.685
- City bike – x 0.685
Measure Your Leg Inseam: After you have decided on the type of bike, you will need to measure your leg inseam. Simply remove your shoes and stand with your legs about 15-22 cm apart. Then, measure the length from the ground to your crotch.
Calculate: Once you have measured your leg inseam, you can use the following formulas to calculate the right frame size.
- Road bike – 0.70 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
- Mountain bike – 0.685 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
- City bike – 0.685 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
Chart Method: Bike Size Charts
Using a bike size chart is probably the most straightforward method to determine which bike frame size is right for you. Whether you’re shopping for a road bike, mountain bike, or kids' bike, you can easily find a chart that will help you determine the right size.
Remember that these charts are only a starting point – it’s still important to test ride a few bikes before making your final purchase. And keep in mind that as you gain more experience riding, you may want to upgrade to a different-sized bike.
1. Road Bike Size Chart
A road bike size chart is a great starting point when looking for a new road bike. Find your height in the chart below, and you’ll see the recommended frame size. Also, check out our road bike sizing guide for more tips.
Frame Size |
Height |
XXS (44) |
4’8” to 5’1” (142-155 cm) |
XS (48) |
5’1” to 5’4” (155-163 cm) |
S (51) |
5’4” to 5’7” (163-170 cm) |
M (54) |
5’7” to 5’10” (170-178 cm) |
L (56) |
5’10” to 6’0” (178-182 cm) |
XL (58) |
6’0” to 6’3” (182-190 cm) |
XXL (60) |
6’3” to 6’5” (190-196 cm) |
XXXL (62) |
6’5” to 6’9” (196-206 cm) |
2. Mountain Bike Size Chart
A mountain bike size chart is a great way to find the right-sized mountain bike quickly. With height being the most important factor, you can use this chart to find the perfect mountain bike for your needs. Mountain bikes come in a wide range of sizes, so choosing the right one for your height and riding style is important.
Height |
Frame Size |
4’10” to 5’2” |
13” to 14” |
5’2” to 5’6” |
15” to 16” |
5’6” to 5’10” |
17” to 18” |
5’10” to 6’1” |
19” to 20” |
6’1” to 6’4” |
21” to 22” |
6’4” to 6’6” |
23” to 24” |
3. Women’s Mountain Bike Size Chart
The same height-based sizing applies for women, but you may want to size down from the unisex/men’s bike size. For example, if you are 5’4″ tall, you would generally fit on a men’s bike that is sized for someone 5’5″-5’9″. But because women tend to have shorter upper bodies, narrower shoulders, and long legs in proportion to their height than men do, it’s usually more comfortable for women to ride bikes that are sized specifically for them.
Also, women’s bikes tend to have shorter top tubes than men’s, so you may want to size down even if you are on the borderline of two sizes.
Height |
Frame |
4’10” to 5’2” |
13” to 14” |
5’2” to 5’6” |
15” to 16” |
5’7” to 5’9” |
17” to 18” |
5’10” to 6’1” |
10” + |
4. Hybrid Bike Size Chart
Using the same height measurements, you can find the perfect size for a hybrid bike using our chart. Whether you want a bike for commuting or leisure, our hybrid bike size chart will help you find the right fit. It is best to choose the larger size for a more comfortable ride if you are between two sizes. Hybrid bikes are designed for both road and trail riding, so they are versatile and can be ridden on many different types of terrain.
Height |
Frame |
4’10” to 5’2” |
13” to 14” |
5’2” to 5’6” |
15” to 16” |
5’6” to 5’10” |
17” to 18” |
6’1” to 6’4” |
19” to 20” |
6’4” to 6’6” |
23” to 24” |
5. Bike Size Chart for Kids
For kids, the size of the bike depends on their height and age. The best way to find the right size is to consult a bike sizing chart. When measuring a kids’ bike, you’ll want to pay attention to the wheel size and the seat height. The wheel size is the diameter of the wheels and is usually measured in inches. The seat height is measured from the ground to the top of the seat and should be adjustable to be raised or lowered as needed.
Height |
Age |
Bike Wheel Size |
3’1” to 3’3” (90-100 cm) |
3 to 4 |
12” |
3’3” to 3’7” (100-110 cm) |
4 to 5 |
14” |
3’7” to 4’0” (110-120 cm) |
5 to 8 |
16” to 18” |
4’0” to 4’5” (120-135 cm) |
7 to 9 |
20” |
4’5” to 4’9” (135-145 cm) |
8 to 11 |
24” |
Important Factors To Consider
When trying to determine what bike size you need, you should consider a few important factors.
1. Frame Importance
The frame makes up the largest portion of the overall bike size with most bikes. The frame size will determine how easy it is to control the bike and how comfortable you are while riding. If you have a smaller frame, you may feel cramped on a larger bike and vice versa.
2. Wheel Size
Wheel size is another important factor to consider when determining bike size. Generally, mountain bikes and road bikes will have different-sized wheels. Mountain bikes typically have larger wheels to help navigate rough terrain, while road bikes usually have smaller wheels for speed and agility.
3. Seat Height
Your seat height also affects how comfortable you are on your bike. If your seat is too high, you may feel uncomfortable or even fall off. Conversely, you may have difficulty pedaling if your seat is too low. The best way to find the right seat height is to take your bike to a professional and have them help you adjust it.
Conclusion
With all of the above being said, what bike size do you need? Well, that depends on a few factors, like height and inseam length. However, by following the general tips laid out above, you should be able to find a bike that's a comfortable fit for you. And once you find that perfect bike, get out there and pedal.
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