Children's bikes
Children’s bikes are usually sized according to the size of the wheels – bigger bikes have bigger wheels and a proportionally bigger frame. Kids grow at very different rates so it’s best to go by height or inseam measurement rather than age.
| Height | Minimum inseam | Wheel size | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3′ – 3′ 5″ | 90 – 105 cm | 16″ | 40 cm | 12″ |
| 3′ 5″ – 3′ 9″ | 105 – 118 cm | 18″ | 46 cm | 14 – 16″ |
| 3 ‘ 9″ – 4’ 5″ | 118 – 135 cm | 21″ | 53 cm | 18 – 20″ |
| 4′ 5″ – 5′ | 135 – 150 cm | 25″ | 62 cm | 24″ |
| 5′ + | 150 cm + | 27″ | 69 cm | 26″ + |
Adult bikes - MTBs & commuters
Adult mountain bikes and commuter bikes are usually sized in inches. This refers to the size of the frame itself – the wheels are (almost) always the same size regardless of the size of the frame. Typically the wheels are 26″, though there are often exceptions.
| Height | Frame size | Size name | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ 10″ – 5′ 2″ | 147 – 158 cm | 13 – 14″ | XS |
| 5′ 2″ – 5′ 6″ | 158 – 168 cm | 15 – 16″ | S |
| 5′ 6″ – 5′ 10″ | 168 – 178 cm | 17 – 18″ | M |
| 5′ 10″ – 6′ 1″ | 178 – 185 cm | 19 – 20″ | L |
| 6′ 1 + | 185 cm + | 21″ + | XL |
Adult bikes - road
Adult road bikes are usually sized in centimeters. Again, this refers to the size of the frame. Almost without exception, all adult road bikes have 700c (29″) wheels.
| Height | Frame size | Size name | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ 10″ – 5′ 2″ | 147 – 158 cm | 48 – 50 cm | XS |
| 5′ 2″ – 5′ 6″ | 158 – 168 cm | 50 – 52 cm | S |
| 5′ 6″ – 5′ 10″ | 168 – 178 cm | 52 – 56 cm | M |
| 5′ 10″ – 6′ 1″ | 178 – 185 cm | 56 – 60 cm | L |
| 6′ 1 + | 185 cm + | 62 cm + | XL |