How big of a bike should I get? When thinking about buying a new bike, many women frequently ask this question. Our straightforward women’s frame sizing guide offers guidance for road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, Cruiser bikes, and BMX Bike size charts in response to this need.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Understanding Bike Measurements
Women’s hybrid bicycles are typically straightforward, small, and accessible to all users. Women’s and men’s sports bicycles are similar in most respects. The right size sports bike will make it easier, safer, and more comfortable for women to ride.
Women’s and men’s bicycles are hard to tell apart. The top of the frame, between the legs, of both types of bikes, typically has a horizontal ridge that slopes downward on women’s bikes. Usually, most people won’t notice this when selecting a bicycle. However, some women are forced to select a sports bike for women due to physical differences.
While some women prefer unisex frames, many find that women’s comfort bicycles are better suited for them. Women’s specific cushions, smaller control parts, and lighter gear ratios are some of the advantages of choosing women’s bicycles.
If you’re unsure, please read other articles on the various approaches used in the design of women’s bicycles. A few straightforward and typical modifications can increase your comfort if you decide to choose a unisex bike.
The detailed bike size charts are only intended to serve as a broad overview. So make sure to test-ride every bike you are considering purchasing. Before making a purchase, then, refer to each manufacturer’s size specifications.
Anthropometric Measurements
Let’s use a woman and a man who are both the same height as an example. The woman will have shorter arms and longer legs with higher-set hips. The bust will be smaller than the man’s because his legs are longer.
So, a woman’s racing bike or mountain bike frame will be compared to a man’s bike frame:
- Higher, given the longer legs
- Shorter, as the torso and arms are shorter
- With a higher head tube, because of the shorter arms and therefore to a reduced saddle-handlebar height gap
- With a greater vertical stem inclination, given the superior length of the femur
Bike Positions
Having learned the morphological underpinnings and assessed the qualities that the frames and parts for women’s bikes must possess. Thinking about our seated position As was already mentioned, women’s longer femurs will necessitate a more rearward saddle to maintain the proper ratio of the knee to pedal lead thrust.
A woman of the same height will presumably pedal about 7 cm back from the bottom bracket if a man of 1.70 cm is doing so. These are typical hypotheses that should be individually confirmed by a biomechanical visit.
A much closer handlebar results from this size in combination with lower bust and arm measurements. Finally, the handlebar is raised above a man’s shoulder. These indications should reflect a woman’s competitive position as well as her comfortable position, not just her comfortable one. Performance and comfort are inextricably linked; one never precludes the other.
Step 2: Know How Women’s Bike Frames Are Sized
The size of the bike is generally based on the rider’s height. You must use it to determine the chart’s size before you attempt it. A test runs to determine which size fits you better is worthwhile if your height falls exactly between two options.
Finding a suitable frame is the first challenge a woman faces when approaching a racing bicycle. Even before discussing proportionate geometries for women, we have trouble locating a frame with a thin enough profile. Even before discussing women’s proportions, several companies have included the XXS size in their catalogs for a number of years. Following that, we observed backup plans. The short handlebar stems and low saddles are practically touching.
We need to evenly distribute the weights on the front and back wheels for the bicycle to be perfect. They must be balanced with regard to the frame and fork as well. When cornering, a stem that is too short complicates matters. It will take skill and habit to make up for the bike’s lack of composure. However, if you put the same person on the right bicycle, he will immediately notice the difference.
For sizing purposes based on the rider’s height, the majority of bicycle manufacturers also include their size guides with every bicycle they produce. It is a matter of principle to select a bike using the manufacturer’s height size chart once you have made your mind up about what kind of bike you want.
Your neighborhood bike shop will assist you and direct you in determining which bike size is best for you. Additionally, some shops offer bike fitting services. It is crucial for road bikes in particular because they can optimize a number of detail settings to increase comfort and performance. The only full-line company, Canyon, will also follow a set of rules to make sure you get the right size.
Women’s Road Bike Sizes
Road bike ribs (located in the center of the spring) are used to measure the distance from the lower center of the car to the top of the seat tube. The unit of measurement for road ribs is the centimeter (cm). Take off your shoes, go barefoot, and lean against a wall to get the best inseam measurement.
Women’s Road Bike Size Chart
| Driver’s height | Recommended frame size | ||
| Foot / Inch | Centimeter | Centimeter | Size |
| 4’10” to 5’0″ | 148 to 152 | 47 to 48 | XXS |
| 5’0″ to 5’3″ | 152 to 160 | 49 to 50 | XS |
| 5’3″ to 5’6″ | 160 to 168 | 51 to 53 | S |
| 5’6″ to 5’9″ | 168 to 175 | 54 to 55 | M |
| 5’9″ to 6’0″ | 175 to 183 | 56 to 58 | L |
| 6’0″ to 6’3″ | 183 to 191 | 58 to 60 | XL |
| 6’3″ to 6’6″ | 191 to 198 | 61 to 63 | XXL |
Women’s Mountain Bike Sizes
At the wheel’s center, you can gauge how far apart the lower center of the mountain bike is. Leaning against a wall while barefoot and taking off your shoes is the ideal position for measuring inseam.
Women’s Mountain Bike Size Chart
| Driver’s height | Recommended frame size | ||
| Foot/inch | Centimeter | Centimeter | Size |
| 4’10” to 5’1″ | 148 to 158 | 47 to 49 | XS |
| 5’1″ to 5’5″ | 158 to 168 | 50 to 52 | S |
| 5’5″ to 5’9″ | 168 to 178 | 53 to 54 | M |
| 5’9″ to 6’0″ | 178 to 185 | 55 to 57 | L |
| 6’0″ to 6’3″ | 185 to 193 | 58 to 61 | XL |
| 6’1″ to 6’6″ | 193 to 198 | 61 to 63 | XXL |
Women’s Cruiser Bike Sizes
Cruiser bike ribs are measured as the distance between the rider’s center and the center of the standing position. Inches are typically used to measure the ribs on cruiser bikes. A pencil can be used to mark the top of the head while standing against a wall while wearing nothing on your head, walking barefoot, and measuring the height. Next, determine how far it is from the marker to the wall’s base.
Women’s Cruiser Bike Size Chart
| Driver’s height | Recommended frame size | ||
| Foot/inch | Centimeter | Centimeter | Size |
| 4’10” to 5’1″ | 147 to 155 | 47 to 49 | XS |
| 5’1″ to 5’5″ | 155 to 165 | 50 to 52 | S |
| 5’5″ to 5’9″ | 165 to 175 | 53 to 54 | M |
| 5’9″ to 6’0″ | 175 to 183 | 55 to 57 | L |
| 6’0″ to 6’3″ | 183 to 191 | 58 to 61 | XL |
| 6’1″ to 6’6″ | 191 to 198 | 61 to 63 | XXL |
Women’s BMX Bike Sizes
The typical top tube size for street BMX is 20.5 to 20.75 inches, which is an intermediate size. The large frame gives you a strong run and the trick’s height. Both handling and rotating tricks are simple with a small frame.
The size of the top tube and chainstay of the frame is crucial when picking a BMX. You can choose the BMX that is right for you based on the size of this frame.
Women’s BMX Bike Size Chart
| Driver’s height | Recommended frame size | ||
| Foot/inch | Centimeter | Centimeter | Size |
| 4’10” to 5’1″ | 147 to 155 | 47 to 49 | XS |
| 5’1″ to 5’5″ | 155 to 165 | 50 to 52 | S |
| 5’5″ to 5’9″ | 165 to 175 | 53 to 54 | M |
| 5’9″ to 6’0″ | 175 to 183 | 55 to 57 | L |
| 6’0″ to 6’3″ | 183 to 191 | 58 to 61 | XL |
| 6’1″ to 6’6″ | 191 to 198 | 61 to 63 | XXL |
Women’s Hybrid Bike Sizes
It’s crucial to select a hybrid bicycle that is safe for your body when making this decision. Each product has an adaptation height that is predetermined, so let’s check first. If it is 26 inches, for instance, the height is between 140 and 170 cm. Hybrid bikes also have a finer and more suitable height for each frame size than road bikes do.
Additionally, measure the distance between the saddle and the ground to determine how long your inseam should be. It’s also a good idea, if you can, to actually ride your bike and check to see if your feet touch the ground.
Women’s Hybrid Bike Size Chart
| Driver’s height | Recommended frame size | ||
| Foot/inch | Centimeter | Centimeter | Size |
| 4’10” to 5’1″ | 147 to 155 | 47 to 49 | XS |
| 5’1″ to 5’5″ | 155 to 165 | 50 to 52 | S |
| 5’5″ to 5’9″ | 165 to 175 | 53 to 54 | M |
| 5’9″ to 6’0″ | 175 to 183 | 55 to 57 | L |
| 6’0″ to 6’3″ | 183 to 191 | 58 to 61 | XL |
| 6’1″ to 6’6″ | 191 to 198 | 61 to 63 | XXL |
Step 3: Make Sure to Ride the Bike before Buying
The best way to determine whether a bike will fit you is to get on it and ride it for some time. They ought to permit you to take the bike for a test ride if you’re purchasing it from a bike shop. Some stores will even let you demo a bike, allowing you to test it out for a day or two to see if it fits you well.
(Although it’s ideal to test a bike before purchasing it, many bike shops currently have little to no inventory. Or perhaps you have your eye on a bike that is only available online. Don’t panic if this is the situation..keep on scrolling and we’ll give you some tips on how to buy without riding the bike first).
How do you determine whether the bike fits you? With both feet planted firmly on the ground, you ought to be able to stand over the bike’s frame. It should be simple to swing your leg over the bike to get on and off.
Ideally, the Seatpost shouldn’t be fully raised or fully lowered (it is adjustable). If you are seated next to the bike, you should adjust the saddle so that it rests directly on your hip bone.
The reach to the handlebars should be comfortable when riding a bike. Reaching the handlebars shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or like you’re being squeezed in. When you’re at the top of your pedal stroke, your knees should have plenty of space between them and the handlebar.
Additionally, the bike shop ought to be eager to assist you in choosing the appropriate size bike. Walk out and look for another shop if they are unhelpful or intimidate you.
Do You Need a “Women’s” Bike?
No, even though I appreciate that more and more businesses are making bikes specifically for women, you shouldn’t feel constrained to use one. Your best option may be a unisex bike.
You may want to choose a women’s specific bike for a variety of reasons, including the fact that these bikes frequently have components designed specifically for women (such as anatomical saddles) and typically have smaller size frames. If you are smaller, that might be significant.
And lastly, step-through frames that make it simpler to ride while wearing a skirt are frequently found on women’s specific lifestyle bikes. Not to mention that women’s bikes frequently just look more feminine.
Tips for Short Women
Women who are shorter have the most difficulty finding the right size bike. Unfortunately, the bike industry still heavily favors riders who are male and/or taller.
Here are a few tips to help you find a bike that actually fits:
- Keep in mind to stand above height. You’ll want to pay close attention to stand-over height, which is the most crucial measurement. This is how tall the bicycle’s top tube is. You need to be able to stand with your feet flat on the bike’s top tube. You won’t feel comfortable on the bike if you can’t do this.
- Consider “youth bikes.” Youth-specific 26″ and 27.5″ bikes are becoming more common. Our two favorite companies selling these bikes are Woom and Trailcraft. The smaller sizes make the frames a great fit for shorter women.
- Consider a custom frame. This might not be the best option if you’re new to cycling, but women who adore bikes and have trouble finding the right size might want to think about getting a custom frame. Even though it is pricey, it’s a great way to get a bike that fits you like a glove.
