What size bike should I buy? It is a common problem, especially for women considering a new bike. They find all sizes come from on men’s frames. Choosing the right size frame can confuse, especially because the recommended size varies depending on the manufacturer, model, and a series of data. It is why there is this article on women’s bike size charts. We divide into road bikes, mountain bikes, and cruiser bikes.
Understanding Women Bike Measurements
Women’s Hybrid bicycles are generally simple, compact and can be used by anyone. In general, men’s and women’s sports bicycles are not much different. However, choosing a sports bike the right size for women will make it easier, safer and more comfortable to control.
The bicycles are difficult to distinguish between men and women. In general, both types of bikes have a horizontal ridge at the top of the frame, located between the legs, which usually slopes downwards on women’s bikes. Usually, when choosing a bicycle, many people will not distinguish this hing. However, some women, due to differences in body structure, have to choose a sports bike for women.
Many women find that women comfort bicycles are more suitable for them, while others are suitable for unisex frames. The common benefits of choosing women’s bicycles are women-specific cushions, smaller control parts, and lighter gear ratios.
If you are not sure, please check other articles on different methods of women’s bicycle design. If you want to choose a unisex bike, some simple and common adjustments can make you more comfortable.
The indepth bike size charts are only designed as a general overview. So, be sure to try each bike you want to buy. Then consult each manufacturer’s size specifications before making a purchase decision.
Anthropometric Measurements
Let’s take a woman and a man of equal height as an example. The woman will have longer legs with the hips positioned higher and shorter arms. Having longer legs, the bust will be shorter than that of the man.
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 found out the morphological bases and evaluated what characteristics the frames and components for women’s bikes must-have. We reflect on the position in the saddle. As already mentioned, the longer femur of women will lead to a more rearward saddle to maintain the right proportion of thrust between the knee and the pedal lead.
Presumably, if a man of 1.70 cm is pedaling about 5.5 – 6 cm back from the bottom bracket, a woman of the same height will pedal about 7 cm back. These are average hypotheses that should be verified on a case-by-case basis with a biomechanical visit.
This size, combined with the lower bust and arm measurements, leads to a much closer handlebar. And finally, the handlebar is positioned higher than a man’s. These indications are not to be only a comfortable position but reflect what must also be the competitive position for a woman. Comfort and performance always go hand in hand, and one of the two never excludes the other.
How Women’s Bike Frames are Sized?
As an overall starting point, the size of the bike depends on the height of the rider. You must use it to decide the size of the chart below to try. If your height is exactly between two sizes, it is worth a try to see which size suits you better.
The first problem, when a woman approaches the racing bicycle, is in finding a suitable frame. Even before talking about proportionate geometries for women, the difficulty we run into is finding a sufficiently slight frame. For several years, even before talking about women’s proportions, several companies have put the XXS size in the catalog. Then, we saw fallback solutions. The low saddles are almost in contact with the frame and short handlebar stems.
For the bicycle to be perfect, we must correctly balance the weights between the rear and front wheel. We must also balance them regarding the frame and fork. A stem that is too short makes things complicated when cornering. The bike is less docile and you will have to compensate with skill and habit. But if that same person is put on a correct bicycle, he will immediately notice the difference.
Most bicycle manufacturers will also equip each of their bicycles with their size guides to determine the size according to the rider’s height. When you decide what bike you want, there is no question of principle to choose according to the manufacturer’s height size chart.
The local bike shop will help you and guide you to know which bike size is more suitable for you. Some workshops will also provide bike fitting services. It is especially important for road bikes, which can fine-tune various detail settings to improve comfort and efficiency. There is also Canyon, the only full-line brand, that will go through a series of guidelines to ensure you get the right size.
Women’s Road Bike Sizes
The distance between the lower center of the vehicle measures road bike ribs (in the center of the spring) to the top of the seat tube. We usually measure road ribs by centimeters (cm). The best way to measure inseam is to take your shoes off barefoot and lean against the wall.
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
The distance between the mountain bike’s lower center can be measured at the center of the wheel. The best way to measure inseam is to take your shoes off barefoot and lean against the wall.
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
The distance between the center of standing and the center of the rider measures cruiser bike ribs. We usually measure cruiser bike ribs in inches. You can easily measure the height by walking barefoot and with nothing on your head, standing against the wall with a pencil to mark the top of the head. Then measure the distance from the marker to the base of the wall.
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
Generally, for street BMX, the top tube is 20.5 to 20.75 inches that is an intermediate size. The large frame gives you the height of the trick and a solid run. The small frame is not only easy to handle, but also easy to do rotating tricks.
The first thing that matters when choosing a BMX is the size of the frame’s top tube and chainstay. Based on the size of this frame, you can find the BMX that suits you.
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 |
Note: If you wish to know which BMX bikes are a good fit for an adult person you may check the link.
Women’s Hybrid Bike Sizes
When choosing a hybrid bicycle, it is important to choose one that suits your body for safety. Adaptation height is set for each product, so let’s check first. For example, if it is 26 inches, the height is 140 to 170 cm. In addition, compared to the road cycles, hybrid types have a finer and appropriate height for each frame size.
Also, check the height of the saddle above the ground as a guide for the length of your inseam. If possible, it is also a good idea to actually ride your bike and see if your feet reach 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 |
FAQs
What changes in the frame’s shape?
It is a question of proportions that applies to all human beings. Being the same height does not mean having the same measurements. Even among male cyclists, there are frame differences at the same height.
The differences are noted in women who, precisely from the point of view of proportions, differ from males. We must take these differences into account when defining an ad hoc frame.
Does the female physique affect the bike size?
In women, the femur and arms are longer, while the feet and hands are smaller. The wider pelvis also affects the definition of the frame because it determines a greater angle of the femur regarding the tibia. For this reason, those who make custom bikes tilt the seat tube more.
A work of geometry and mathematics to ensure that the bike is always stable and drivable. In small sizes, the encumbrance of the wheels is not always easy to manage at different angles.
How to find the right size?
Making a bespoke loom is a bit like making a tailor’s suit. It is how a frame that is oversized in one way or unbalanced does not allow the cyclist to best express his potential. Indeed, it can cause physical problems.
The lack of complex tables on this site is a deliberate choice. The reason is simple. It is not just a geometric relationship, but a complex set of factors. Then, it makes every cyclist unique because of the enormous amount of variables.
Cyclists of identical sizes may not fit well on the same frame at all. It is not just a matter of pedaling habits. We also consider a cyclist pedaling flat, and one pedaling at a peak involves a distinct consideration of the distance between the bottom bracket and the saddle. It is also the ability to get into a position.
The different muscle elasticity allows you to stretch differently on the bike, and the search for the best aerodynamic position must not influence other factors. What is the use of the upper tube if we penalize the respiratory capacity by compressing the rib cage? They would lose the aerodynamic advantage with interest!
It is necessary to have a rough idea. So, the field test must give the definitive evaluation or, at least, a functional evaluation of the pedaling. Specialists who derive bike measurements from mathematical formulas still have to evaluate the cyclist on a bicycle. It is why so many use the formula. Then put the athlete in the saddle with the aid of the computer. So, we can evaluate the movements and make the adjustments with precision.
The eye of an excellent mechanic can be much more valid than a table when you go to make a new purchase. It is better to know what you are looking for. A dishonest dealer tries to sell the material he already has at home rather than order a new frame.
The adjustments proposed to put the customer in the saddle can be correct. But it is not always the best solution for those who buy, even if the possibility of having the bike immediately tempts them. A custom-made frame requires rather long production times from when the order is forwarded to when the frame arrives at the retailer. So, it may take up to a few months.
Why choose women’s sports bikes for good health?
Women’s sports bikes in terms of style have been slightly changed by the manufacturer so that women will feel more comfortable riding. Even some models of sports bicycles for women are designed with a feminine paint color. Despite riding a sports bike, the girls still retain their inherent grace and elegance. Women do not hesitate to ride a sports bike because this bike is for everyone and is suitable for anyone who has a passion for bicycles.
In terms of good health, cycling sports using exercise is amazing. However, the road grip of the bikewill be lower. It is still comfortable as usual. But when it rains, be careful when cornering. Women should choose to buy sports bicycles for women suitable for their height and physique. It will create more comfort when driving. Women who tend to buy bicycles should have a knowledge quail when choosing to buy bicycles for themselves.
