How to choose the right size of a frame?

The size of a bike frame is absolutely crucial for a comfortable and “painless” ride. Our indicative table will help you make the right choice. All you have to do is simply compare your body height with the data below.

How to choose the size of a wheel rim?

The choice is pretty easy in the case of trekking and road bikes, the rims of which all have the same diameter of 28” (71.12 cm). In the case of mountain or MTB bikes, you can choose from three different sizes.

• 26” (66.04 cm) – the wheel rim of this size is mostly used in junior bikes nowadays
• 27.5” (69.85 cm) – the latest trend established as a compromise between the sizes of 26” and 29”
• 29” (73.66 cm) – in recent years, this size is increasingly popular and dominates amongst the famous brands

When choosing the right size of the wheel rim, a number of factors play a role - body height, riding style and technique or the type of terrain that you ride the most often in.

Body height

The size of your bike should correspond with your body height. In general, the diameters of 26” or 27.5” are recommended to shorter bikers (up to 170 cm of height), children and juniors. For cyclists taller than 180 cm, a 29” bike is a better choice. The size of 27.5” therefore represents an optimal solution for different figures.

Type of terrain

The terrain you will be riding the most in is also very important for you to make the right choice. If you do not want to be stopped by any major obstacle, such as the roots, stones, holes or potholes, then choose a 29” bike. Thanks to their bigger diameter, larger contact area of the casing, lower center of gravity and higher inertial force, these bikes will help you to easily overcome any unevenness. You can ride on the forest and gravel roads without any worries. In contrast, the 26” and 27.5” bikes excel on heavily winding routes, as they are more sportive, livelier, more agile and more energetic. They are perfect for rides with abrupt changes in the direction and speed.

Riding technique

The size of your bike should also correspond to your riding style, which is also associated with the fork stroke. Hobby cyclists who prefer less demanding terrain will appreciate bikes with a diameter of 29 inches and a fork stroke of 100-120 mm. The “connoisseurs” who enjoy technical sections, downhill rides and speed rides on trails, will probably favor higher stroke (140-200 mm) in combination with 26 and 27.5-inch wheels.

Frame size chart

Mountain bikes - men

Size 29''

Body height in cm	Frame size in cm	Wheel diameter in inches
155	41	15,5
160	42	16
165	44	17,5
170	46	18
170-175	47-48	18,5-19
175	51	19,5
175-185	52-53	20,5-21
185-190	56	22

Size 27''

Body height in cm	Frame size in cm	Wheel diameter in inches
155	41	15,5
165	43	17
170	46	18
175-180	48	19
180-185	51	19,5
185-190	55	21,5

Cross bikes – men

Body height in cm	Frame size in cm	Wheel diameter in inches
170-180	50	19,5
180-190	55	21,5
190-200	59	23

Road bikes – men

I-Speed III-IV

Body height in cm	Frame size in cm
175-180	48
180-185	51
185-195	54

I- Speed I-II

Body height in cm	Frame size in cm
165-175	53
175-185	55
185-195	58

Mountain bikes – women

Body height in cm	Frame size in cm	Wheel diameter in inches
155	39	15,5
160	41	16
170	44	17,5
170-175	46	18
175	48	19
180	51	19,5
180-185	52	20,5

Cross and trekking bikes – women

Body height in cm	Frame size in cm	Wheel diameter in inches
165	46	18
170	48	19
175	50	19,5
180	52	20,5
185	54	21
190	56	22

Kids bikes

Body height in cm	Approximate age	Frame size in cm	Wheel diameter in inches
140-150		36	26
130-140	9-12	34	24
120-130	6-9	29	20
110-120	4-6	24	16
80-100	2-4	13	12