Choosing the size of your bike

It is very important to choose the correct size when buying a new bike. If a bike is too small it can feel uncomfortable to ride as it will be very cramped and you may not be able to adjust your saddle to a suitable height for pedaling efficiently.

If a bike is too large it can be dangerous to ride as you will not have proper control and may hit the top tube of the frame during an emergency stop. You may also develop strain injuries from being too stretched out when you ride a bike that is too large for you.

Please get in contact with us on 01403 258474 or email info@freeborn.co.uk if you are unsure of the size you require and require some expert advice!

Children’s Bikes

These are generally sized using wheel diameter. It is important to choose a bicycle that fits your child now, rather than buying a larger bike for them to grow into, as this can be dangerous for them to ride and may put them off cycling for life.

Age range Wheel size
2-3 years 12”
3-5 years 16”
5- 7 years 20”
7-10 years 24”

Adult’s Bikes

These are generally sized using frame size, with allowances made for different types of bike.

Men’s and Women’s specific geometry on bikes is becoming a thing of the past. Leg length to body length to arm length varies hugely from person to person, regardless of sex.

Mountain bikes typically have a smaller frame with more saddle extension to give extra clearance between you and the bike frame which makes the bike more maneuverable on rough terrain.

Road bikes typically have a larger frame with less saddle extension as less clearance is required between you and the bike when used on the smooth road

Hybrid bikes typically fall between mountain bikes and road bikes for sizing, with ‘sport’ road models closer to road bike sizing and ‘multi-use’ (road / off-road) models closer to mountain bike sizing

We have created generic sizing charts below for different bike styles. However, different brands and models of bike can size differently. In most cases we have included specific size guides on each model of bike shown on our website.

Mountain Bike Sizing

Frame size Height Height (cm)
13” – X Small 4’10” – 5’2” 152 – 158
15” – Small 5’2” – 5’ 6” 158 – 168
17” – Medium 5’6” – 5’10” 168 – 178
19” – Large 5’10” – 6’1” 178 – 185
21” – X Large 6’1” – 6’7” 185 – 193
23” – XX Large 6’ 5” – 6’ 7” 193 – 200

Road Bike Sizing

Frame size Height Height (cm)
44 cm – XX Small 4’ 8” – 5’0” 143 – 152
48 cm – X Small 5’ 0” – 5’ 3” 155 – 160
52 cm – Small 5’ 3” – 5’ 6” 160 – 168
54 cm – Medium 5’ 6” – 5’ 9” 168 – 175
56 cm – Large 5’ 9” – 6’ 0” 175 – 183
58 cm – X Large 6’ 1” – 6’3” 183 – 191
61 cm – XX Large 6’ 3” – 6’ 6” 191 – 198

Road Hybrid Bike Sizing

Frame size Height Height (cm)
X-Small 5’ 0” – 5’3” 152 – 160
Small 5’ 3” – 5’ 6” 160 – 168
Medium 5’ 6” – 5’ 9” 168 – 175
Large 5’ 9” – 6’ 2” 175 – 188
X-Large 6’ 1” – 6’6” 188 – 198

Multi Surface Hybrid Bike Sizing

Frame size Height Height (cm)
Small 4’ 10” – 5’ 2” 152 – 158
Medium 5’ 3” – 5’ 6” 160 – 168
Large 5’ 6” – 5’ 9” 168 – 175
X-Large 5’ 9” – 6’ 2” 175 – 188
XX-Large 6’ 3” – 6’ 6” 188 – 198