How Are Bike Frames Measured?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Adult bikes are measured by their frame size. Most manufacturers now measure the frame

from the centre of the crank axle, to the top of the seat tube

. Most road bikes are measured in centimetres (cm), whereas mountain bikes are generally measured using inches (in).

What size is a 17 inch bike frame?

Rider Height feet & inches Rider Height cm Frame size inches
5’1′′ – 5’6′′


155 – 168cm

17 inch
5’6′′ – 5’11” 168 – 180cm 19 inch

What does a 26 inch bike mean?

And what does it mean when they say “26 inches”? A 26 inch mountain bike means that

the wheels have an internal diameter of 26 inches

. This measurement is commonly used in reference to mountain bike. For example, a man who stands 5’8′′ would be best suited for a 26-inch frame.

Is a 26 inch bike for adults?


26-inch bikes suit adults who are 4’10-5’7′′ tall

. Interestingly, the bike size is also perfect for kids who are 4’10 or taller. In most cases, these kids are in their teenage years, 13 years or older. But before you can get a 26-inch bike or any other, you’ve to consider your height or inseam length or both.

What is a 20 inch bike frame?

Rider Height Suggested Mountain Frame Size Feet & Inches Centimetres Frame Size (inches) 5’2′′ – 5’6′′ 158cm – 168cm 15′′ – 16′′ 5’6′′ – 5′ 10′′ 168cm – 178cm 17′′ – 18′′
5’10” – 6’1′′


178cm – 185cm

19′′ – 20′′

What size is a 20 inch bike frame?

Height Bike Size Mountain Bike Size * 5’10” – 6’0” 178 – 183 cm L 19” (48cm) 6’0” – 6’3” 183 – 191 cm

XL

20” (51 cm)
6’3” – 6’5” 191 – 196 cm XXL 21” (53 cm) 6’5” – 6’9” 196 – 205 cm XXXL 22” (56 cm)

What size is 21 inch frame?

HEIGHT FRAME SIZE
5’5′′ to 5’7′′

20 to 21 inch
5’7′′ to 5’9′′ 21 to 22 inch 5’9′′ to 5’11” 22 to 23 inch 5’11” to 6’1′′ 23 to 24 inch

Is 27 inch bike for what size person?

Your Height / Inseam Bike Size 5′ to 5’4′′ under 27′′ inseam XS (extra small) 49 cm bike
5’4′′ to 5’8′′ with 27′′ to 29′′ inseam


S (small) 49 cm to 54 cm bike
5’8′′ to 5’10” with 29′′ to 31′′ inseam M (medium) 52 cm to 56 cm bike 5′′10′′ to 6′ with 31′′ to 33′′ inseam L (large) 54 cm to 58 cm bike

Is 29 inch bike good for what height?

If you are under 5’6” tall, a 26-inch mountain bike is still likely to be a better fit.

If you’re 5’6′ or taller

, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you. Riders more than 6′ tall can rejoice: You’ll definitely enjoy a more natural riding position with the size and frame geometry of a 29er.

Can a woman ride a 26 inch bike?


Very petite women may want a 26′′ wheels but most will be best served by a 27.5′′ or 29′′ wheel

. These two wheel sizes are becoming more common on modern mountain bikes, so if you are buying a bike new, it’s likely to have 27.5 or 29 inch wheels.

Is a 24 inch bike good for what height?

Wheel Size Age Height 14′′ 2 – 4 years 37 – 44′′ 16′′ 4 – 6 years 41 – 48′′ 20′′ 5 – 8 years 45 – 54′′ 24′′ 8 – 11 years 49′′ – 59′′

What size bike should a 5’2 woman ride?

Women’s hybrid bikes Rider height Suggested frame size Feet and inches Centimetres Inches 4ft 10in – 5ft 2in 148 – 158cm 13 – 14in 5ft 2in – 5ft 6in

158 – 168cm


15 – 16in

What size bike frame do I need for my height?

Rider Height Suggested Road Bike Size Feet & Inches Centimetres Frame Size (cm)
5’6′′ – 5’9′′


168cm – 175cm


Medium (54cm – 55cm)
5’9′′ – 6’0′′ 175cm – 183cm Large (56cm – 58cm) 6’0′′ – 6’3′′ 183cm – 191cm X-Large (58cm – 60cm)

Is 18 inch frame large?


An 18-inch frame will fit a range of people with adjustments to the handlebars and seat

. Since the precise and comfortable fit of a bicycle depends on the brand of the bike and your individual proportions, be prepared to try a bike on for size before you purchase it.

What height does an 18 inch bike fit?

Riders Height In Feet & Inches Mainly Off Road Use Frame Size Required Mainly On Road Use Frame Size Required
5 feet 4 to 5 feet 8

16 to 18 inches 17 to 19 inches
5 feet 8 to 6 feet 0 18 to 20 inches 19 to 21 inches 6 feet 0 to 6 feet 2 20 to 22 inches 21 to 23 inches

What size bike is a 19 inch frame?

Generally 19′′ is the equivalent of a

Large frame

, and will fit someone around 6 feet tall.

What age is 26 inch bike for?

Wheel Size Age (Years) Height (cm) 16 Inch / 18 Inch 5 – 7 112 – 127 20 Inch 6 – 9 117 – 136 24 Inch 8 – 11 127 – 145 26 Inch

9 – 12

138 – 154

What is an 18 bike frame?

Rider Height Suggested Frame Size Feet and Inches Centimeters Inches 5′ 2′′ – 5 ‘6′′ 158 – 168 15 – 16
5′ ‘6′′ – 5’ 10′′

168 – 178 17 – 18
5′ 10′′ – 6′ 1′′ 178 – 185 19 – 20

How is a 26 inch bike measured?

The 26 in a 26 inch bike refers to the

wheel size

, so that measurement isn’t always the best way to judge how big a bike is. Some youth bikes are measured by this wheel size, but more commonly you’ll find 26-inch wheels on a variety of adult frame sizes.

Is 24-inch bike good for adults?


Generally, a 24-inch bike is designed for people less than 5’4′′

, though this is not a hard and fast rule. If you are 5’4′′ or taller you may find yourself having trouble riding one as your body will be much longer than the bike. Your height and weight will determine how much you can comfortably handle on this bike.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.