Easy Guide On Choosing The Right Road Bike Size 2023
People would often underestimate the importance when it comes to road bike size. "As long as I can pedal an steer, it's good," which is a common mistake since a bike that fits you can make all the differences in the world. So how do you choose the right bike size? Read on and we will show you a few tips and tricks.
1. How road bike size is determined
Road bikes are usually sized in centimeters, or using an S/M/L system. A road bike’s frame size is traditionally calculated by measuring the seat tube's length from the top of the tube (where the seat post inserts) to the center of the front chainring.
In some very rare cases, riders would take their apex index (range of reach) to have the length from the pedestals to the handle more comfortable. Normally, the rider's height and inseam (inside length of the leg) would be sufficient.
2. Road bike size chart
As mentioned before, you need to measure your height and inseam to choose your bike accordingly.
- Height: Without wearing your shoes, stand upright against a wall, with your shoulders back, and legs together. Use a pencil to make a small mark on the wall above your head – make sure you hold the pencil parallel to the floor. Then measure from the floor to your mark, in centimeters or feet and inches.
- Inseam: With your shoes off, stand upright with your back against a wall. Place a book/ruler between your legs, level with your crotch. Then measure from the floor to the top of the book/ruler, in centimeters or feet and inches.
Standard road bike size chart
MEN ROAD BIKE SIZE CHART(in feet and centimeters)
| HEIGHT(ft) | HEIGHT(cm) | INSEAM(ft) | INSEAM(cm) | BIKE SIZE |
| 4'10" - 5'0" | 147cm - 152cm | 26" | 66cm | XXS |
| 5'0" - 5'3" | 152cm - 160cm | 27" | 69cm | XS |
| 5'3" - 5'7" | 160cm - 170cm | 28" | 71cm | S |
| 5'7" - 5'9" | 170cm - 175cm | 30" | 76cm | M |
| 5'9" - 5'11" | 175cm - 180cm | 31" | 79cm | L |
| 5'11" - 6'2" | 180cm - 188cm | 32" | 81cm | XL |
| 6'2" - 6'5" | 188cm - 196cm | 34" | 86cm | XL - XXL |
| 6'5"+ | 196cm+ | 36" | 91cm | XXL |
WOMEN ROAD BIKE SIZE(in feet and centimeters)
| HEIGHT(ft) | HEIGHT(cm) | INSEAM(ft) | INSEAM(cm) | BIKE SIZE |
| 4'10"-5'1" | 147cm-155cm | 26" | 66cm | XXS |
| 5'1"-5'3" | 155cm-160cm | 27" | 69cm | XS |
| 5'3"-5'5" | 160cm-165cm | 28" | 71cm | S |
| 5'5"-5'8" | 165cm-172cm | 30" | 76cm | M |
| 5'8"+ | 172cm+ | 31" | 79cm | L |
Specialized road bike size chart
For the specialized bike, riders won't have to worry much about the inseam measurement and only have to look up for their height and the corresponding bike size.
MEN SPECIALIZED ROAD BIKE SIZE (in feet and centimeters)
| HEIGHT (ft) | HEIGHT (cm) | BIKE SIZE |
| 5’0″ – 5’4″ | 152 – 163cm | 49cm (XS) |
| 5’2″ – 5’4″ | 158 – 163cm | 50cm (XS) |
| 5’4″ – 5’7″ | 163 – 170cm | 52cm (S) |
| 5’7″ – 5’9″ | 170 – 175cm | 54cm (M) |
| 5’9″ – 5’11” | 175 – 180cm | 56cm (L) |
| 5’11” – 6’2″ | 180 – 188cm | 58cm (L) |
| 6’2″ – 6’5″ | 188 – 196cm | 61cm (XL) |
| 6’5″ – 6’7″ | 196 – 205cm | 64cm (XXL) |
WOMEN SPECIALIZED ROAD BIKE SIZE (in feet and centimeters)
| HEIGHT(ft) | HEIGHT(cm) | BIKE SIZE |
| 4’8″ – 5’0″ | 143 – 152cm | 44cm(XXS) |
| 5’0″ – 5’3″ | 152 – 160cm | 48cm(XS) |
| 5’3″ – 5’6″ | 160 – 168cm | 51cm(S) |
| 5’6″ – 5’8″ | 168 – 173cm | 54cm(M) |
| 5’8″ – 5’10” | 173 – 178cm | 56/57cm(L) |
| 5’9″ – 6’1″ | 175 – 185cm | 58cm(XL) |
Interested in other bikes as well? We have made a trek mountain bike size guide for you. Check it out!
3. Road bike size FAQs:
What road bike size do I need?
All you have to do is get your measurements done. There two main figures:
- Your height
- Your inside leg length
Then, just look up your size in the table we have drawn above.
I'm between sizes. What do I do?
The general rule of thumb is to go for the smaller size. It is possible to make the bike frame bigger whereas a bigger frame can be uncomfortable and inefficient. In the end, it is all about your preference.
Are frame sizes different for women-specific road bikes?
Yes – for example, a Medium women’s road bike will be smaller than a medium men’s road bike. However, the sizing itself is calculated in the same way, so a 54cm men’s and women’s bike has the same frame size. NB. Some manufacturers also change other aspects of frame geometry on a women-specific bike, to offer women a better fit.
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