How Are Bikes Measured?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Back to top. Adult 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).

How do you determine bike size?


Bicycles are measured by the length of the seat tube, from the centre of the bottom bracket to the seat tube

. However, this might vary slightly from one manufacturer to another as some frames are measured from the middle of the top tube.

What does 12 inch bike mean?

Kids bikes are “sized” by the diameter of their wheels.


The tiniest pedal bikes

start with 12-inch wheels while bigger bikes go all the way up to 24-inch wheels. When your kiddo is ready for 26-inch, they are generally ready for an adult size ride, although some bike manufacturers make smaller “youth” size 26′′ bikes.

How is a 26 bike measured?

Once you are into 26′′ wheel bicycles (road bikes typically have have 700c, 27′′ or 28′′ wheels), then size is only determined by Frame Size. The size of the frame is measured from the top of the frame at the point where the seat post is inserted, down to the centre of the axle carrying the pedal arms (bottom bracket).

Can a 6 foot man ride a 26-inch bike?

But when it comes to adults who are taller than 5'7′′, a 26-inch bike will be slightly smaller. In such a case, adults who are 5'5′′-6'0′′ should get a 27.5-inch bike, while

those taller than 6 feet should get a 29-inch bike

. Overall, adults can ride bikes with a wheel diameter that is between 26 inches and 29 inches.

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.

What height is a 28 inch bike for?

This bicycle is suitable for adults having a height range of

6 feet or above

. The 28-inch bicycle is also called 29er which is mostly the mountain bike suitable for mountain biking due to large-sized wheels that are highly stable with high velocity having greater control and durability.

What height is a 24 inch bike for?

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.

What age is 20 inch bike for?

Wheel Size Age (Years) Height (Inch) 16 Inch / 18 Inch 5 – 7 3′ 8′′ – 4′ 2′′ 20 Inch

6 – 9

3′ 10′′ – 4′ 6′′
24 Inch 8 – 11 4′ 2′′ – 4′ 9′′ 26 Inch 9 – 12 4′ 6′′ – 5′ 0′′

Is 20 inch bike for adults?

Smaller bikes fit neatly into the category of children's cycles, while larger two-wheelers are designed for older children, teenagers, and adults.

Not so with the 20-inchers

. This strange size category includes bicycles for riders of virtually every size and persuasion.

What size is a 20 inch bike?

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′′

How tall is a 27.5 bike?

What height is a 27.5 bike for? Mountain bikes with 27.5 inch wheels are suitable for

adults of all heights

. These bikes offer nimbler handling than 29 inch wheeled MTBs. Sometimes they are only available in smaller frame sizes and some shorter riders prefer the fit of a bike with 27.5 inch wheels.

What is a good size bike for a 6 foot man?

Mountain bikes use standard measurement, and a 6-foot tall man will fall somewhere

between 18 and 20 inches

, depending on your inseam measurement. If you're between sizes, it's best to size up, since you can make up the differences with a higher seat and longer stem.

Is a 26 inch mountain bike for adults?

A 26-inch bike

works well for people who are 4'10-5'7, or 147 cm to 170 cm

. Also, it works well for people whose leg inseam is 25-30 inches, or 63-76 cm. However, the frame size may need adjustment depending on your height.

How do you measure for an adult bike?

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).

Can a woman ride a 24 inch bike?

Conclusion.

A woman can ride a 24-inch bike when she meets the weight limits and her height is compatible with the bike

. If you are finding it hard to get an adult bike, then opting for a 24-inch kid's bike can be a loophole for you.

What size bicycle is right for my height?

Height Bike Size
5'7” to 5'11” (170-180 cm)


16 to 17 inches
6'0” to 6'2” (180-188 cm) 17 to 19 inches 6'2” to 6'4” (188-193 cm) 19 to 21 inches 6'4” or taller (193+ cm) 21 plus inches

Can you put 29 inch wheels on a 27.5-inch bike?


Yes, you can do it

. The diameter of a 29′′ wheel & tire is slightly larger than a 27.5+ wheel & tire. The 29′′ setup will raise your bottom bracket height.

Can I put 27.5 wheels on a 29 bike?

Condensed Answer:

If the bike and the wheelset are designed for disc brakes, a 27.5” wheel will fit on a 29” frame and fork

. Since 27.5” wheels are smaller, their diameter will change the geometry of the bicycle in a manner that the rider may not appreciate.

Can you put 26 inch wheels on a 29 inch bike?

Condensed Answer: Technically,

it's possible to install 26′′ wheels on a 29′′ bike if both are designed for disc brakes

. However, 26′′ wheels will cause drastic changes to the bike's geometry (e.g., dangerously low bottom bracket) to the point where the conversion becomes pointless and dangerous.

Do bikes come in 28 inches?


Most 28-inch wheels are steel and though uncommon in the U.S., they are still common on roadsters in Asia and the Netherlands

. However, wheels with identical diameters to some 28-inch wheels, the 29-inch mountain bike wheel and 700C road wheel, are typically aluminum.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.