What size mountain bike frame do I need? That’s one of the most commonly asked questions by our readers.
Ordering bikes online is becoming more and more popular. Bikes are typically more affordable online than in local bike shops because overhead costs are lower, allowing online stores to sell their bikes at cheaper prices.
But what about the good old rule that says you need to try a bike before buying it? While this can be beneficial, it’s often an overrated method and not necessary for everyone.
If you go to a local bike shop and sit on a bike, you’re more likely to buy it, which is why shopkeepers would like you to do it. But the reality is that most novice riders don’t know how a bike should feel during their first test ride, so this sizing method is not valuable for inexperienced riders.
You should try your bike first! Not completely true!
Even though everyone is built differently, most people’s bodies fall into certain categories in terms of height, inseam length, and arm length. Therefore, unless you’re have an unusual ratio of upper and lower body length, you can trust mountain bike size charts to recommend you the right frame size.
Related: Best Mountain Bikes You Can Get
With that in mind, there are several reliable methods to choose the right mountain bike frame size.
In this article, I’m going to show you how to use mountain bike size charts and online calculators to get the right size and fit in seconds!
Contents
Method #1: Mountain Bike Size Chart
The easiest way to find the correct bike size is by using a mountain bike frame size chart. This is a simple method that lets you compare your height and/or inseam length against a chart that recommends the correct frame size.
Mountain bike frame sizes are measured based on seat tube length, expressed in inches, which typically ranges from 13″ to 24″. Effective top tube length (the horizontal distance between the head tube and the seat tube) plays a role as well, but seat tube length is a more common measurement.
Some manufacturers also use size classes, such as XS, S, M, L, and XL, but these are not as reliable as using inches because the measurements can differ from one brand to another.
What mountain bike frame size do I need? Find the answer in the chart below:
| Rider Height | Suggested Mountain Frame Size | ||
| Feet & Inches | Centimeters | Frame Size (inches) | Size Classes |
| 4’10” – 5’2″ | 148cm – 158cm | 13″ – 14″ | X-Small |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 158cm – 168cm | 15″ – 16″ | Small |
| 5’6″ – 5′ 10″ | 168cm – 178cm | 17″ – 18″ | Medium |
| 5’10” – 6’1″ | 178cm – 185cm | 19″ – 20″ | Large |
| 6’1″ – 6’4″ | 185cm – 193cm | 21″ – 22″ | X-Large |
| 6’4″ – 6’6″ | 193cm – 198cm | 23″ – 24″ | XX-Large |
Bonus tip: If you’re buying a bike on Amazon, you can also check out their Amazon Fit Guide which includes sizing recommendations for adult road bikes, adult mountain bikes, and kids’ bikes.
Related: Best Gravel Bikes You Can Buy
Method #2: Online Bike Size Calculator
The next best way to find the right mountain bike size based on your height and inseam length is to use an online bike size calculator.
These are interactive tools that let you enter your height and inseam length and then recommend you the correct size or range of sizes to consider.
Before you can use one, you need to learn how to correctly measure your inseam. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Take off your shoes and stand with your legs 6″ to 8″ (15-20 cm) apart.
- Place a book between your legs, as far up as you can.
- Measure the length from the ground up to the top of the book.
- Voila! This is your inseam length that you can now enter into an online bike size calculator.
When using a bike size calculator, make sure to choose the right type of bike—mountain bike, city bike, or road bike—as the measurements will differ based on that.
If you’re not sure about it, you can read more about the different bike types here.
Here are the top online bike frame size calculators we recommend:
1. Ebicycles.com Online Calculator: An easy way to find the right MTB frame size by using your height and inseam length.
2. Competitive Cyclist Fit Calculator: A more detailed bike fit calculator that lets you know the correct standover height range, top tube length, saddle height, and more.
3. Jenson USA Bike Fit Calculator: Another in-depth bike fit calculator that suggests the right bike size and helps you nail the fit afterward.
Method #3: Mountain Bike Sizing Formula
One of the easiest but also the least reliable methods of finding the right mountain bike size is using a simple mathematical formula that uses your inseam length.
It goes like this:
Leg inseam (cm) x 0.66 = Your frame size
For example, if your leg inseam is 76cm, multiplied by 0.66 then your correct mountain bike size is 20″ (50cm).
This method is only good for approximating the correct size, but we don’t recommend relying on it exclusively. It’s best to combine it with the results you get from the mountain bike size chart and online calculator that we’ve shown you above.
Bonus Tip: Finding the Right Saddle Height
Setting the saddle height correctly has a very important impact on the overall bike fit.
If the saddle height is too low, you won’t be able to transfer power to the pedals effectively and your legs may fatigue more quickly. I have experienced that firsthand in mountain bike racing—when the saddle falls down by one inch from its ideal position, I lose about 25-50% of my power.
Now that we know how important finding the perfect saddle height is, how should we do it?
The easiest way is to:
- Hop on your bike wearing the shoes that you typically use for cycling (flat or clipless).
- Lean against the wall for support or have someone help you stay in an upright position. You can also use a bike trainer for this purpose.
- Push the pedal down to its lowest point (6 o’clock) while keeping the foot parallel to the ground.
- At this point, you should have a slight bend in the knee, as shown in the image above. Adjust the saddle height accordingly until you achieve it.
The next step is to go outside and ride. Does it feel good? If not, then make further minimal adjustments (a few millimeters at a time) until the saddle height feels natural, your power transfer is optimal, and you’re not feeling any pains or aches.
Related: Check Out The Best Fat Tire Bikes
Bicycle Guider’s TIP:
Once you’ve determined your ideal saddle height, it’s a good idea to mark that position with a marker, as saddles can lower with time. Some bikes come with height indicators on the seat post, so make sure to remember the correct marking for future reference.
MTB Geometry Guide
Mountain bike geometry refers to the actual shape of the bicycle, the measurements of different tubes and angles, and their relations to each other.
Here’s a brief guide on the most important measurements you need to be aware of to get the right fit:
- Reach: This measurement refers to the horizontal distance between the center of the bottom bracket to the top center of the head tube. It affects the length of the bike and the overall stability and ride feel.
- Stack: Refers to the vertical distance between the center of the bottom bracket to the top center of the head tube. It affects how upright your position will be and how tall the handlebar will be.
- Standover height: This is the height from the ground to the top of the top tube. Make sure that this measurement is at least an inch shorter than your inseam length to be able to stand over the bike with both feet flat on the ground.
- Wheelbase: This is the distance between the centers of both wheels. A shorter wheelbase provides more agility, while a longer wheelbase improves stability.
- Head tube angle: This is the angle between the ground and the bike’s fork. A slacker angle (lower number) means the bike is more stable on rough terrain, while a steeper angle allows more responsive steering.
- Seat tube angle: This measurement refers to the angle between the ground and the seat tube. A steeper angle improves climbing ability, whereas a slacker angle is better for descending.
How to Choose When In-Between Two Sizes?
So you’ve consulted a mountain bike size chart or an online calculator and the results put you right in the middle of two sizes. What do you do? Should you size up or size down?
Each option has some pros and cons and the final decision depends on your:
- Flexibility
- Leg-to-torso length ratio
- Riding style
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to get a one size bigger or smaller mountain bike.
When to Size Up?
Mountain bikes grow in length (reach) and in height (stack) with each frame size. But modern mountain bikes grow more in length (reach), which is why this is a more important measurement to consider.
Assume you are in between two sizes and you decide to size up. You’ll get a bike with a longer top tube and a longer wheelbase, which means your handlebar will be further away from the saddle.
How does this affect the factors we’ve mentioned above?
Flexibility: This is a good option for riders who are flexible and can easily reach their toes when bent over. A longer top tube means you will need to hinge more at the hips, which can be painful and uncomfortable if you’re stiff and have a short range of motion.
Leg-to-torso length ratio: If you have short legs and a long torso, you should size up when buying a mountain bike as this will give you a more neutral fit. But make sure that the standover height is not too high so that you can’t stand over the bike comfortably.
Riding style: Finally, a larger frame size translates to a longer wheelbase, which means the bike will be more stable on rough terrain and go over obstacles with more ease, but it will feel less playful and more difficult to maneuver.
When to Size Down?
Similarly, a smaller mountain bike will have a significantly shorter reach and a slightly shorter stack and wheelbase. A smaller bike will also have a shorter maximum seat post height, so you may need to extend it depending on how long your legs are.
So how does this relate to the three most important factors mentioned above?
Flexibility: If you are not a flexible person and you struggle to reach your toes with your fingers, then you’ll benefit from a shorter reach a smaller mountain bike frame size offers. It will put you in a more upright riding position, with handlebars closer to your body, which means you can ride for longer without experiencing discomfort.
Leg-to-torso length ratio: Sizing down is a logical choice for riders who have longer legs and shorter torsos. This way, the bike will feel more comfortable, but you may need to use a longer seat post to get the proper leg extension.
Riding style: A smaller mountain bike with a shorter wheelbase will feel more nimble, playful, and easier to handle over rough terrain. If you like flicking your rear wheel and going around obstacles instead of plowing through them, a smaller bike is the right choice.
What If I Still Got the Wrong Bike Size?
Sometimes, even after going through all the methods and consulting several mountain bike size charts, you may find that the bike doesn’t feel right and that you’ve probably chosen the wrong bike size.
Don’t worry, if you’re off by one size or even half a size, there are easy fixes you can try to improve the comfort and fit!
The first thing to do is to contact the retailer/manufacturer and try to get a replacement. Under the right conditions, you’ll be able to get a different frame size bike without significant additional costs.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of shipping the bike or this option is not available, you can try the following things:
- Adjust the fore-aft position of the saddle: The fore-aft position of the saddle can be adjusted slightly to lengthen or shorten the reach. Make sure not to overdo it so your knee doesn’t end up too far in front or behind the middle of your foot when in the 3 o’clock position.
- Replace the stem: By using a longer or a shorter stem, you’ll be able to increase or shorten the reach by a few centimeters. In most cases, this will be enough to significantly improve the feel and ride quality.
- Replace the seat post: If you bought a bike that is too small and you can’t extend the leg fully when pedaling, consider using a longer seat post.
- Replace the handlebar: A shorter handlebar will be easier to reach and will put you in a less stretched-out position and vice-versa. If you’re using drop bars, consider getting a model with a shorter or longer reach to fine-tune your fitment.
- Raise the handlebar: You can easily achieve a more upright riding position and increase the stack measurement by raising the handlebar with headset spacers. If there are headset spacers above your stem, simply move them underneath to move the stem and handlebar higher up.
- Get a professional bike fitting: A professional bike fitter can do all of these steps for you, which is the best option you have, but also the costliest.
Most importantly, give yourself time to get accustomed to your new bike. Sometimes, your body needs a few days or weeks to adjust to the new riding position.
I remember when I got my first 29er mountain bike. It felt huge and I found it difficult to ride it on narrow winding trails and on technical terrain. However, now that I’m used to the 29er, the 26″ mountain bike seems almost comically small.
Mountain Bike Reviews
Are you in the market for a new mountain bike? Start with one of our mountain bike buying guides below:
Hi,
I’m a hair short of 5’9, I have had several medium hardtails but don’t like having seat dropper on them. I’m very technical rock garden I have had issues clearing the seat and getting behind it to have a proper position on the bike to tackle such downhill. My last bike that I bought is a small framed 2021 Scott scale 940. I still did not put any seat dropper and even it being a small frame I still have a little of a hard time on very technical downhill and getting behind the seat, but it feels slight better but still not as natural. Please advise. Thank you.
Hi Darcio,
Do whatever works for you. Although seat dropper can be a good upgrade, you need to ensure it works for your kind of riding. I’d say to be able to tackle different terrains using regular seat post makes you cool!
Hi Jeff,
I’m hoping to purchase a trek roscoe 7 (27.5)…I’m 5 foot 4 inches tall and fall between both the small and medium sizing. Which size would be ideal considering I do not have the option to try out both sizes? Thanks!!
Hi Ashley,
Your safest choice is a small frame:15” / 16″. You can make little adjustments with the stem length and saddle fore/aft.
I’m 6′ 2″, 175 lbs and I would not say I have short torso or short arms. Probably slightly longer in both. Looking to get full suspension for all around trail riding, but also want to do downhill with it. Mainly flow and light jumps. I was looking at a 29er, but was getting advice to go with 18.5 frame over the 21″ for maneuverability. Any thoughts?
Hi SpriggDude,
A smaller frame will always feel nimble and I understand why your friends will encourage you to pick that one. However, your size chart says:
6’2″ – 6’4″ = 19 – 21 inches
If you go smaller, it usually presents problems in terms of comfort. People develop issues when picking a wrong frame size.
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for the great article.
I have an inseam of 30cm and I’m 173cm tall. Looking at your article #2 section it would suggest that a 20″ frame is suitable? I’m looking at purchasing a Giant trance X 29er size L (20) but I’m not sure if this will be too large?.
Many Thanks
Paul
Hi Paul,
Welcome to the site. Size 20” still falls under the medium category on MTB. Sure that is your size. Hipefully you can get a proper bike fit to insure the components are also within your comfort level.
Hi Jeff, i am wondering if a 4’7 person can reach a 27.5” MTB with a 16” inch frame since i dont want to spend a new bike for my bike if it gets smaller for him
Hi John,
No, you need a < 14″ XS frame or smaller. However if there is no other way, please give him a proper bike fit to avoid lower back pain. Cheers!
Hi Jef, i am Ted i am 5’4 and i am planning to buy a 27.5 mtb size 17. Is this the right size for me. Thank You
Hi Ted,
No. Your size chart says: 15” / 16″ Small.
Hey Jeff,
Awesome article.
Quick question- I’m 5’10 with a 31” in seam. I’m looking at purchasing a 29” Santa Cruz tall boy but cant decide on a medium or large frame. The Santa Cruz sizing has me at the low end of a large but I’m afraid I may not be able to control it as well as a medium. The medium size has me thinking that the cockpit may be a litttle too compact.. what would be your thoughts?
Hi Steve,
Your sweet spot is between 17″ / 18″ or Large frame.
I have a couple questions that I didn’t see addressed.
Frame size, relative to MTB, should be much smaller compared to Road or Cruiser bikes, as the MTB is designed to be used more aggressively and allow for much more versatility depending upon riding style, course, etc. For example, Downhillers tend to favor lower seat for lower center of gravity, plus when they hang off the back during steep descents the seat doesn’t impale their sternum. Mostly due to their having to do little pedaling. On uphill and general touring/xc you’ll be full extension for pedal power, right? I’m 6′ and have a 17″ 29er that in most ways fits me well. It has a severely angled top bar that allows me to dismount without injury, lol, but due to that it requires a long seat tube which I realize can be a weak point. Still, the MTB feels really large, like a full-size motorcycle and has even been mistaken for one by someone I was passing by.
Next question includes a suggestion: When setting for primarily flat riding, full extension on pedals like you talk about above… and you end up with a massively sore prostate, indication of bad seat, wrong adjustment or something else? I’ve gotten it with hardtail and rear suspension MTB’s, by the way. That leads to a suggestion, with follow-up question on it. Measuring inseam while wearing your riding shoes. And is there much of a concern measuring bare/socked feet as opposed to wearing regular riding shoes, which for non-professionals are usually sneakers and so should that be factored in for saddle height? I’m guessing thicker bottomed shoes should actually extend the inseam length and therefore less pressure on the crotch? Or vice versa?
Hi Destin,
Here’s my personal take on these issues. Although there is a certain “standard” when it comes to fit and also position, it is also best to listen to your body. When you feel uncomfortable despite what the measurement says then you can make these changes that suit your needs. Yes a smaller size is always better for handling. Although there is a certain measurement to follow based on your height, you can also choose the smaller one as long as it is within your size range. For example your size can overlap with other range like one below:
5`9″-6`0″ 178-185 cm 27`-32` 68-81 cm 17″ / 18″ L
6`0″-6`3″ 185-193 cm 28`-33` 71-83 cm 18″ / 19″ XL
As you can see you have the perfect size which is also your sweet spot. However, the suspension travel can alter the bike geometry beyond 100mm and people will see the bike as something that looks bigger too.
Hi Jeff,
Greetings from Philippines. I have got Intense Spider 29 Comp 2014 small frame. I’m 5’4 and worried about 29er. Can I put 27er to this frame and looking to put 120mm front travel. Would like to try light trail but more on XC.
https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Intense/Spider-29-Comp-Pro,14316
https://dirtmountainbike.com/bike-reviews/trail-enduro-bikes/dirt-100-top-trail-bikes-of-2014.html/7
I really appreciate your advise and suggestion before I purchase wheelset and fork.
Thank you very much.
Hi Manny,
Just my suggestion, if you are not riding extreme terrain, then a 100mm travel will do. Beyond that will alter the bike geometry. Your frame size is ok for you based on your height. This bike looks great. A 29er is a waste of energy if you are only riding light trail. The 27.5 is the most popular and also safest bet.
Hey Jeff… Great article and thanks for the info. I’m brand new to mountain biking and just purchased a 2021 Trek Roscoe 7. I’m 5’5″ and ride a 52cm Domane and Checkpoint. Based on the automated machine at the shop, I measured a medium, but I was sold a small Roscoe. Since I have no clue how this should “feel” as far as sizing goes, does a small seem like a safe bet? I’m much more concerned about safety and having control of the bike over speed and jumps, etc (I’m 46 and not looking to break anything). Thanks for your help!
Hi Colby,
Although your belong to the “Medium” category, you also overlap with the “Small” frame size. I think your current frame is a safe choice. The point is, that size is easy to handle especially in terms of technical rides across trail. You will have better control of it compared to having a larger frame. I’d say try to ride it in different tracks. Check if there is a need for you to adjust saddle angle, stem length etc.