HOW TO CHOOSE A BIKE SIZE – A STEP BY STEP GUIDE

HOW TO CHOOSE A BIKE SIZE – A STEP BY STEP GUIDE

 

Finding the right e-bike size can save a lot of headaches, not to mention knee, back, and shoulder aches! Sounds good, right? Read on to learn how to find your right bike size.

Everything is easy to order online, including electronic bikes. Still, the comfort of having a bike delivered to your doorstep means you aren’t able to try your bike beforehand, unlike when you buy a bike in person.

But don’t worry. We have the best techniques, tips, and hints that can help you find your right bike size to avoid any inconvenience.

Electronic bikes, just like regular bikes, come in a range of different sizes to fit all kinds of riders. A bike's size is usually measured by the distance between the top of the seat to the crankset.

Let’s begin with the simplest technique for measuring the right bike size.

  1. Your Height

This technique is indeed the easiest method. You only need to find the approximate bike size for your corresponding height in the chart below. While this way of measuring isn’t absolutely precise, it can help you make an initial estimate of your right bike size.

Height

Bike Size (Inches)

4’11” – 5’3″

13 – 15″

5’3″ – 5’7″

15 – 16″

5’7″ – 5’11” 

16 – 17″

6’0″ – 6’2″

17 – 19″

6’2″ – 6’4″

19 – 21″

6’4″+

 21″+

 

  1. Inseam Measurement

To determine the exact size of your right-sized bike, you can use your inseam measurement. The inseam is basically the inner leg measurement: stand upright facing against a wall while holding a hardcover book vertically pressed into your groin area. Mark the top of the book touching the wall with a pencil.

Measure the distance, in centimeters, between the marked point to the floor and you have your inseam size. Since the exact frame size is determined by the type of e-bike you’re buying, use the following calculations:

Mountain Bikes 

 Your frame size = Inseam value (cm) x 0.66

Commuter Bikes 

Your frame size = Inseam value (cm) x 0.685 

Road Bikes 

Your frame size = Inseam value (cm) x 0.70

For example, if your inseam value is 80 cm, then your mountain bike size will be 53 cm (21”) and your commuter bike size will be 55 cm (22”).

 

  1. Advanced Measurements 

This method incorporates both rider height and inseam value to define the exact frame size, which adds value to its credibility. Previously, we have described how to measure your inseam value accurately.

Different types of bikes mean different bike sizes, so we’ve included three charts to help you find the bike frame size to meet your needs.

Mountain Bike Size Chart

Biker’s height (Feet)

Inseam value (Inches)

Appropriate frame size (Inches)

4`10″-5`1″

24-29″

< 14″

5`1″-5`5″

25-30″

15″/16″

5`5″-5`9″

26-31″

16” / 17″

5`9″-6`0″

27`-32`

17″/18″

6`0″-6`3″

28`-33`

18″ / 19″

6`1″-6`6″

29`-34`

19″+

Commuter Bike Size Chart

Biker’s height (Feet)

Inseam value (Inches)

Appropriate frame size (Inches)

4`10″-5`1″

24-29″

14″

5`1″-5`5″

25-30″

15″

5`5″-5`9″

26-31″

16”

5`9″-6`0″

27`-32`

17″

6`0″-6`3″

28`-33`

18″

6`1″-6`6″

29`-34`

19″

Road Bike Size Chart

Biker’s height (Feet)

Appropriate frame size (Inches)

4`10″-5`0″

19″

5`0″-5`3″

20″

5`3″-5`6″

21″

5`6″-5`9″

22″

5`9″-6`0″

23″

6`0″-6`3″

24″

6`3″-6`6″

25″

That’s it. Now you’ve found your exact frame size using your corresponding height and inseam values.

 

  1. Online Calculators To Measure Bike Size

Once you’ve done the above measure, it’s worth double checking your work. Using online bike size calculators is simple. Some websites offer online calculators in which you only need to add the required values, such as height, thigh length, or inseam values. These calculators automatically generate the approximate bike sizes that will easily fit you.

Try the competitive cyclist calculator and the ebicylcles fit calculator to help you easily determine your bike frame size in a matter of seconds.

Are you still reading? Great! Let’s discuss what happens if you still end up ordering the wrong bike size and what you can do in that situation.

First, try to contact your merchant and ask if there is any possibility of exchanging the bike for the right one, either through the mail or in person if they have a physical store. But, if it’s not possible, don’t worry; you can still try the following options:

  • Adjust your saddle by moving it back and forth and up and down to find the right position.
  • Purchase a stem with a bit longer or shorter length to adjust your body position and see if it works.
  • You can even extend the size of the bike by having a tad bigger seat post.
  • You may even get used to your bike size as time passes. So, spend some time getting familiar with how to handle it, unless it is causing your pain or discomfort. Believe me, it can work.

    Have you figured out your right fit? Great! Now hit the road with your perfect bike.

    We hope that after going through this short guide, you will have found the exact bike size that fits you. Yet, if you are still on the fence, let us know below in the comment section, or contact us directly. Our bike experts will help guide you onto your perfect bike. Good luck with your e-bike journey.

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