What mountain bike frame size do I need?
What mountain bike frame size do I need?
Once you have found your dream mountain bike, there is still one pressing question: Which mountain bike frame size do you need? Choosing the right frame size ultimately determines how much fun you will have with your new MTB. That’s why you should take some time when determining the correct frame size.
This question inevitably pops up before you buy a new mountain bike. And this question should not be underestimated. Because only with the right frame size you will use the full potential of your new MTB. The fact that each person has very individual body proportions (so, for example, the ratio of leg length to height), makes the matter complex. In addition, not all manufacturers specify the frame size uniformly with the unisex sizes S, M, L or XL known from the fashion industry. In this article, we explain how to measure your inner leg length and how you can use this measurement to find the right bike size for you. With a table we present the different sizes in inches or centimeters. So you can find the right frame size in no time. We also briefly discuss wheel size and explain which measurements you should keep in mind.
How to determine the correct frame height: Measure inseam length (aka inside leg length)
Inside leg, or inseam length, is the key body measurement when looking for the right MTB frame height. To determine it, you need nothing more than a measure, a level and two minutes of your time. If you don´t feel like measuring your leg length, you can also roughly calculate it by using a statistical value and your height. For this, men simply have to multiply their own height in centimeters by 0,483. Women have statistically longer legs, so they need to multiply their height by 0.503 to determine their theoretical leg length (see table below). When buying an expensive mountain bike, however, you should still take a moment to determine your leg length individually. Because the mathematical method with its average values can of course differ.Here’s how you measure the inside leg length in less than two minutes.
To measure the inner leg length, all you need is a measure and a level.
1. Take off your shoes and stand barefoot or with socks with your back against a wall. It is very important to do this without shoes.
2. Take the level horizontally and yes, press it onto your crotch from below until you feel a slight pressure in that area. Check the level is indeed 100% level before proceeding to step 3. If you don’t have a level, you can also take a book (preferably a large hardcover book up to four inches thick). To ensure that the spine of the book is parallel to the floor, it is important that one side of the book is completely against the wall behind you.3. now measure the distance between the floor and the top edge of the spirit level (or book spine) held horizontally.THAT’S IT: SIMPLY READ OFF YOUR PERSONAL INSEAM LENGTH.
Calculating the mountain bike frame height
To calculate the correct bike frame size, simply type the inside leg length (in centimeters) determined above into the calculator. If you want the result in inches, multiply it by the number 0.226 to get the measurement for the perfect seat tube length. If you want the result in centimeters, just multiply the inseam length by the value 0.574. Typically, bike manufacturers offer their frame sizes in increments of two inches or three to six centimeters. In the table below, you can compare frames in centimeters to inch frame sizes and unisex sizes like S, M or L. Basically, it doesn’t matter how a manufacturer specifies their frame size, you just need to convert your leg length using the correct formula. The inches or centimeters of the frame size usually describe the length of the seat tube. If you do not trust the size specifications, you can also use the specified seat tube length from the geometry table of the mountain bike to find the correct frame size. The calculated ideal length of the seat tube must be rounded to the nearest frame size, which is offered by the corresponding MTB brand.This frame size table gives you a rough overview of the mountain bike sizes.
| BODYSIZE | INSEAM LENGTH | UNISEX-FRAME SIZE | INCH-FRAME SIZE | CENTIMETER-FRAME SIZE | RECOMMENDED WHEEL SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 155 -160 cm | 61-67 cm | XS | 14-15″ | 33-36 cm | 26 – 27,5 Inch |
| 160-165 cm | 67-70 cm | S | 15-16″ | 38-40 cm | 26 – 27,5 Zoll |
| 165-170 cm | 70-75 cm | S/M | 16-17″ | 40-43 cm | 27,5 Inch |
| 170-175 cm | 75-79 cm | M | 17-18″ | 43-46 cm | 27,5 – 29 Inch |
| 175-180 cm | 78-83 cm | M/L | 19″ | 46-49 cm | 29 Inch |
| 179-186 cm | 81-86 cm | L | 20″ | 49-52 cm | 29 Inch |
| 186-197 cm | 87-92 cm | L/XL | 21″ | 53-55 cm | 29 Inch |
| 198 cm and taller | 93 cm and more | XL | 22″ and taller | 56 cm and taller | 29 Inch |
Because each bike manufacturer indicates its frame sizes in a different way, we have created this frame size table for better orientation. In the table, we have the different frame size specifications in inches, centimeters and unisex sizes comparably represented. Also, the approximate matching body size and inner leg length is determined. We also give you a recommendation on the best wheel size for each size. NOTE: The above conversion factors for frame sizes in inches or centimeters and the table apply mainly to mountain bikes. Road bikes or trekking bikes require their own conversion formulas to find the correct frame height. Unlike mountain bikes, these bikes have much less saddle extension, which means the seat tube needs to be longer. 0
