Clarks Size Calculator

Bike Size Calculator

Enter your height and inside leg length in centimetres, then choose the type of bike. You get a frame size, a letter size and a saddle height to start from.

  • Road, gravel, hybrid and MTB
  • Inseam-based sizing
  • Saddle height
Rider and bike type

From 120 to 215

Floor to crotch, standing in socks

Sizes vary between brands. Use the result to find the right size on each maker's own chart.

Inseam is a better guide than height. Two riders of the same height can have legs 8 cm apart in length. Frame size controls how high the saddle and top tube sit, so it follows your legs. Height then helps with reach, which is how far forward you stretch to the bars.

Bike size chart

Frame sizes by rider height. Search by your height or a size.

Road and mountain bike sizes
Height (cm)Inseam (cm)Road (cm)Mountain (in)Letter
152 to 16070 to 7447 to 5013 to 14XS
160 to 16874 to 7850 to 5315 to 16S
168 to 17678 to 8253 to 5517M
176 to 18482 to 8655 to 5718 to 19L
184 to 19286 to 9057 to 6020 to 21XL
192 to 20090 to 9560 to 6322 to 23XXL

If you fall between two sizes, the smaller frame is usually easier to adjust for comfort with a longer stem or seatpost. The larger frame suits long legs and a stretched-out position.

Inseam and frame size

Every bike type from one measurement. Slide your inseam to see each frame size.

Road frames are measured along the seat tube in centimetres. Mountain bikes use inches or letter sizes because their seat tubes are short to leave room for dropper posts.

How to measure your inseam

You need a book, a wall and a tape measure. Follow the steps.

Stand against a wall

Back to the wall, feet 15 cm apart, in socks.

Measure in socks with your feet about 15 cm apart, the way you stand over a bike. Take two readings and use the average.

How bike types differ in sizing

The same rider, four different frames. Pick a type.

Measured in centimetres along the seat tube. A racy, stretched position.

FormulaInseam × 0.665
Standover2 to 5 cm
Unitscm

Standover clearance is the space between you and the top tube when you stand over the bike. Mountain bikes need more of it because you step off quickly on rough ground.

Test ride checklist

Numbers get you close. A ride confirms it. Tick these on your test ride.

Tick each item as you go.

Small changes such as stem length, saddle position and bar height can fine-tune fit, but they cannot fix a frame that is two sizes off.

What you get

A starting point for any bike shop. Each tile explains one result.

Frame size

Centimetres for road and hybrid, inches for MTB.

Letter size

XS to XXL for brands that use letters.

Saddle height

Inseam × 0.883, measured from the crank axle.

Standover

How much clearance to look for.

Proportions

Whether to size up or down when between sizes.

Saddle height from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle is about 0.883 times your inseam. This is the LeMond method and a good starting point for most riders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size bike do I need for my height?

Riders of 170 to 178 cm usually ride a 53 to 56 cm road bike or a medium mountain bike. Inseam narrows it down.

How do I calculate road bike frame size?

Multiply your inseam in centimetres by 0.665. An 83 cm inseam gives a 55 cm frame.

How do I calculate mountain bike frame size?

Multiply your inseam in centimetres by 0.226 for a size in inches. 83 cm gives 18.8 inches, a large.

What saddle height should I use?

Start at inseam × 0.883, measured from the centre of the crank axle to the top of the saddle.

Should I size up or down if between sizes?

Size down for a nimble, upright feel. Size up if you have long legs or prefer a stretched position.

Is a 54 cm frame medium?

Usually, yes. Most brands call 54 to 56 cm a medium road bike.

How much standover clearance do I need?

2 to 5 cm on a road bike and 5 to 10 cm on a mountain bike.

Ride a frame that fits

Measure your inseam carefully, use it with your height to choose a frame size, and set the saddle using the 0.883 rule. Then test ride, adjust the small things and enjoy a bike that feels right from the first mile.

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