How Is Frame Size Measured?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most manufacturers now measure the frame

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

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

What does a 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.

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.

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.

What does 24 inch bike mean?

A 24-inch bike means

a bike with a wheel size of approximately 24 inches

. A 24-inch bike has a wheel size that is smaller than the standard 26-inch 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.

How tall should you be for a 29 inch bike?

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 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 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

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 does a 5'10 woman need?

Rider Height Suggested Women's Road Frame Size Feet & Inches Centimetres Frame Size (cm) 5'3′′ – 5'5′′ 160cm – 165cm Small (50cm – 52cm) 5'5′′ – 5'8′′ 165cm – 172cm Medium (53cm – 55cm) 5'8′′ – 5'10” 172cm – 180cm

Large (56cm – 57cm)

What size bike does a 5'5 woman need?

The women that are 5 feet, 5'1′′ range, it's a personal preference between a

24′′ or a 26′′

. And then also, if you have shorter arms or shorter legs, that's gonna depend, too. Shorter arms or shorter legs, if you're 5 foot or 5'1′′, I'd recommend a 24′′.

How tall should you be for a 24 inch bike?

In general, a 24-inch bike is designed for people of

4-foot 6 inch height to 5.7 inches

in height (which is like 140.208cms to 173.736 cms). That is to say, taller people can ride this bike with comfort. If the Rider height is around 6 feet, then you better invest in a bike with more space and larger tires.

Can a short woman ride a 24 inch bike?


Women of the height 5.4” and below will be able to ride a 24-inch bike

. This is due to the fact that the frame is appropriate height that can hold the length of their legs which will enable them to find it convenient to peddle.

What frame size is a 24 inch bike?

HEIGHT FRAME SIZE 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
6'1′′ & over 24 to 25 inch

Can an adult 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 age is 16-inch frame bike for?

Suitable for

4-6 years of age

: 16-inch wheels

Much like 14 inch wheeled bikes, one of the key design factors for these bikes is that they are both durable and lightweight – 4 to 6-year-olds can push out some power. 16-inch wheel bikes usually have aluminium or steel frames, v-brakes, and a single speed drivetrain.

How tall should you be to ride a 20-inch bike?

Rider Age or Height Suggested Size 5 – 7 years 3′ 4′′ – 4′ 0′′ 16′′ wheel diameter 7 – 9 years

4′ 0′′ – 4′ 5′′

20′′ wheel diameter
9 – 11 years 4′ 5′′ – 4′ 9′′ 24′′ wheel diameter 11+ years 4′ 9′′+ 26′′ wheel diameter

How do you measure a 20 inch bike frame?

Are all 20 inch bikes the same size?


Bikes with the same wheel size can vary drastically in overall size

. As a result, your child may fit on a 16-inch bike with one brand, but a 20-inch bike with another. There are even bike brands that offer small and large bikes within the same wheel size.

What does inches mean on a bike?

Frame Size

Bike frames are commonly measured in centimetres or inches representing

the length of the seat tube

. For example, a manufacturer may measure the seat tube length of a bike as 51cm, and then describe it is a small frame.

What size is a 29 inch bike frame?

Your Height Your Inseam Length Bike Frame Size 4'11” – 5'3′′ 25′′ – 27′′ 13 – 15 inches 5'3′′ – 5'7′′ 27′′ – 29′′

15 to 17 inches
5'7′′ – 5-11′′ 29′′ – 31′′ 17 to 19 inches 5'11” – 6'2′′ 31′′ – 33′′ 19 to 21 inches

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


You can put the 29 inch wheels on a modified full suspension 26 inch bike frame

. For that, you will just need to be specialized and comfortable in basic bike modifications.

Can a woman ride a 29 inch bike?

Fortunately, the bike industry always finds a way to expand our horizons, and has been able to adjust bike geometries to accommodate 29-inch wheels on full-suspension bikes for all sizes of riders.

More and more women have been ditching their 27.5-inch wheels for a new 29-inch wheel mountain bike!

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.