Bicycle Size Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit
CycleSphere’s Bicycle Size Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit
Getting the right bike fit is the key to a comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable ride.
A bike that’s too big or too small can lead to aches, inefficiency, or even injury—so we’re here to help you nail it.
At CycleSphere, we sell frame sizes in centimetres (cm) for precision, and this guide will walk you through how to find your ideal size based on your height, inseam, and riding style. Let’s get you fitted!
Why Bike Fit Matters
A properly sized bike ensures:
• Comfort: No strained back, knees, or wrists.
• Control: Better handling and confidence on the road or trail.
• Efficiency: Optimal power transfer with every pedal stroke.
Frame size is the starting point—it’s typically measured from the centre of the bottom bracket (where the cranks attach) to the top of the seat tube, in centimetres. But it’s not just about the frame; saddle height, reach, and more play a role. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: Measure Yourself
To find your frame size, you’ll need two key measurements: your height and your inseam (inside leg length). Grab a tape measure, a friend, and a flat surface—here’s how:
Height
• Stand barefoot against a wall.
• Measure from the floor to the top of your head in centimetres (e.g., 170 cm).
Inseam
• Remove your shoes and stand with your feet about 15-20 cm apart.
• Place a book or ruler between your legs, pressing it snugly against your crotch (mimicking a saddle).
• Measure from the top of the book to the floor in centimetres (e.g., 80 cm).
Got your numbers? Great—let’s move on.
Step 2: Calculate Your Frame Size
Frame size depends on the type of bike and your measurements.
Below are general guidelines for road, mountain, hybrid, and gravel bikes, using your inseam and height. These are starting points—fine-tuning happens during a fitting.
Road Bikes
Road bikes prioritise aerodynamics and efficiency. To estimate your frame size:
• Multiply your inseam (in cm) by 0.65.
• Example: 80 cm inseam x 0.65 = 52 cm frame.
Road Bike Size Chart
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes have slightly smaller frames for agility and control.
Use this calculation:
• Inseam (cm) x 0.60.
• Example: 80 cm x 0.60 = 48 cm frame.
Mountain Bike Size Chart
Hybrids and gravel bikes sit between road and mountain, offering versatility.
Use: this calculation
• Inseam (cm) x 0.62.
• Example: 80 cm x 0.62 = 49.6 cm (round to 50 cm).
Gravel Bike Size Chart
3: Fine-Tune the Fit
Frame size is just the beginning. At CycleSphere, we adjust these elements during your free fitting session:
• Saddle Height: Set so your leg is 80-90% extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke (knee slightly bent). Measure from pedal to saddle top—roughly your inseam x 1.09 (e.g., 80 cm x 1.09 = 87 cm).
• Reach: Handlebars should let you ride comfortably without over-stretching or cramping. Adjust stem length if needed.
• Saddle Position: Fore/aft adjustment aligns your knees over the pedals for power. Ideally you want the seat level.
Step 4: Consider Your Riding Style
• Aggressive (Racing): Size down slightly (e.g., 52 cm instead of 54 cm) for a lower, more aero position—common for roadies.
• Relaxed (Casual/Commuting): Size up (e.g., 54 cm instead of 52 cm) for an upright, comfy stance—great for hybrids.
• Technical (MTB): Smaller frames enhance control on tricky trails.
Unsure? send us an email
Step 5: Test Ride at CycleSphere
Charts are a guide, but the real test is how the bike feels so if in Brisbane feel free to come and test ride an in stock demo bike.
Common Fit FAQs
• What if I’m between sizes? Go with the smaller size for agility or the larger for comfort—then fine-tune with saddle and stem adjustments.
• Women-specific frames? Most modern bikes are unisex, but some brands (like Trek) offer women’s models with shorter top tubes or narrower bars.
Final Thoughts
Finding your bike size is simple: measure your height and inseam, pick a frame using our charts.
A well-fitted bike isn’t just gear—it’s your ticket to better rides.
This guide is practical, store-focused, and uses centimetres as a guide to fitting.