How to choose a bike size is a critical decision for a happy, comfortable ride. Here’s how to answer the age-old question: “What size of bike do I need?”
Whether you’re getting ready for your next Backroads Bike Trip or Multi-Adventure Tour or deciding to upgrade to a new bike, knowing how to choose the right bike size is critical for a happy, comfortable ride. Let us answer the age-old question: “What bike size is right for me?”
Knowing how to measure yourself for a bike can be the difference between developing a new favorite pastime and writing off cycling for good. Usually, your local bike outfitter has the know-how and bike sizing chart to point you to the bike you need, but there are a few personal preferences you’ll need to consider and communicate first:
- What type of bike are you looking to ride? Will it be mountain, road, hybrid or perhaps a cruiser?
- How tall are you?
- What’s your riding style? Do you prefer to ride more aggressively with greater maneuverability, or do you prefer a flatter and more leisurely ride?
The answers to these questions are essential to knowing how to choose a bike size that’s right for you. (Whether you measure yourself for a bike or decide to use the help of a bike outfitter, you should still consider these questions!)
After you’ve got your answers, it’s time to take some measurements.
Bike Sizing and Measurements
Traditionally, bikes are measured by the length of the seat tube in inches or centimeters. However, due to varying measurement methods by different bike brands, this measurement alone isn't always reliable enough to determine the right bike size. This is why stand-over height and ape index should be the two determining bike size factors when measuring yourself for a bike.
Stand-over Height
Stand-over height is the distance from the ground to the middle of the top tube.
If you find yourself wondering what size frame you need for a mountain or road bike, stand-over height is the first factor you should take into consideration. Stand-over height is the distance measured from the ground to the top tube of the bike and is listed in most bike sizing charts (including ours https://www.backroads.com/why/great-gear/bike-sizing#performance2.0). To determine the stand-over height, physically straddle a bike frame close to your size to make sure you clear the top tube by at least two inches.
Backroads Pro Tip
If you’re buying a bike online and wondering how do you measure yourself for a bike from afar, simply measure the length of your inside leg (with your shoes on) and subtract two centimeters from that measurement. This will give you the stand-over height of the bicycle that is right for you.
Bike Sizing Chart
Whether shopping online or consulting the experts at your local bike shop, you’ll probably come across something called a bike sizing chart. These vary by brand and by type of bike.
Backroads has a different bike sizing chart for each bike type we supply. This chart helps us size and fit each rider with the perfect bike for his or her journey. Here’s a look at what a basic bike sizing chart looks like and how the measurements, such as height and stand-over height, factor in to the sizing decision:
| Bike Sizing Chart | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
| Frame Size (A) | 38cm | 45cm | 53cm | 56cm | 59cm | 63cm |
| Rider Height | 4’11”-5’1” | 5’2”-5’5” | 5’5”-5’9” | 5’9”-6’1” | 6’1”-6’4” | 6’4”-6’6” |
| Stand-over Height | 67.7cm/ 26.6” | 71.5cm/ 28” | 76.4cm/ 30” | 78.7cm/ 31” | 81.3cm/ 32” | 84.4cm/ 33.2” |
For a bike sizing chart specific to the type of bike you will be riding on your next Backroads trip, visit the links below:
The Final Step in How to Choose a Bike Size
With your personal bike preferences and measurements in hand, you should have no trouble finding the right bike for you. The final step in the process is making sure your saddle is at the correct height for your pedal stroke. You can do that yourself, or have your local bike shop adjust the saddle height to the right position. Of cours, on your Backroads trip, your leaders will be there to help!
Backroads Pro Tip
When seated on the bike with your heel in the six o’clock position, your knee should have zero bend. The right saddle height affects both your leg power and pedaling efficiency, so it’s important to get this right.
There you have it! You’re now equipped with the information you need to know how to choose a bike size that fits you perfectly. Happy riding!
Interested in riding a perfectly fitted bike in your dream destination? Explore our Bike Tours and Guided Cycling Trips with our fleet of custom-built titanium bikes here: https://www.backroads.com/award-winning-tours/biking.
