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Bike Size Charts

Author: Chris Cousineau - Sweet Pete's General Manager

Last updated: August 2023

We understand that finding the right bike for your lifestyle can be a challenge, not to mention attempting to locate the right size bike after that decision has been made. There was a time long ago when finding the right bike was as easy as picking from the two or three options the local shop had to offer.

Those days are long gone.

Whether you're going with a mountain bike, a road bike, a commuter rig, an electric bike or even a BMX/Cyclocross bike, the right sizing can be the difference between loving your purchase or feeling like you've made a mistake. At Sweet Pete's, we're obsessed with helping our customers find the right "fit" for their bike. 

This conversation usually starts with height, but it goes a lot deeper than that.

To help our customers we created this handy bike sizing guide for you to get an idea of what size bicycle may be the best fit for you. Don't worry, we've also done the bike size conversions for you between inches and centimeters just in case it's been a while since math class!

Of course, if you have any specific questions don't hesitate to contact us for more information. We're your Toronto bike shop and we're excited to help you find a bike you love!

Fitness And Hybrid Bike Size Chart

For commuters, casual riders, and anyone riding a hybrid style bike, this size chart will help you hone in on the model you should be considering. You'll notice that there are a few different ways that frames can be sizes (either in inches, centimeters, or by letter) and that's because not all bike companies use the same system.

Rider MeasurementsSuggested Frame Size
HeightInseamSizeCentimeters
140 - 147 cm
4'7" - 4'10"
65 - 70 cm
26" - 28"
XXS47 - 48
147 - 155 cm
4'10" - 5'1"
69 - 73 cm
27" - 29"
XS49 - 50
155 - 165 cm
5'1" - 5'5"
72 - 78 cm
28" - 31"
S51 - 52 - 53
165 - 175 cm
5'5" - 5'9"
77 - 83 cm
30" - 33"
M54 - 55
175 - 186 cm
5'9" - 6'1"
82 - 88 cm
32" - 35"
L56 - 57 - 58
186 - 197 cm
6'1" - 6'6"
87 - 93 cm
34" - 37"
XL58 - 59 - 60
197 - 203 cm
6'6" - 6'8"
92 - 95 cm
36" - 37"
XXL61 - 62 - 63
Explore hybrid bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bikes are great for all kinds of riding. They make perfect commuters and around town bikes, and they are usually more upright and comfortable than road and fitness bikes. They typically have tires that are good for both pavement and hard packed dirt roads.

Shop All Hybrid Bikes

Explore fitness bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Fitness Bikes

Fitness bikes are essentially flat bar road bikes that are built to be light and quick. They usually have thinner tires for better speed and they're perfect for getting in a workout. That being said, you can absolutely still use them as a solid commuter.

Shop All Fitness Bikes

Road Bike Size Chart

Road bikes typically are measured in centimeters, and while that number measurement used to coincide with the length of the seat tube, that's not always the case with modern models. Also, not every bike company offers a road model in each CM measurement. Our advice is don't worry about what the frame's centimeter measurement is and think of it in terms of the letter based system which it represents.

Rider Measurements
Suggested Frame Size
HeightInseamAlpha SizeSize in CM
148 - 152 cm
4' 10" - 5 '0"
65 - 71 cm
27" - 38"
XXS47 - 48
152 - 160 cm
5' 0 "- 5' 3"
71 - 75 cm
28" - 30"
XS49 - 50
160 - 168 cm
5' 3" - 5' 6"
76 - 79 cm
30" - 31"
S51 - 52 - 53
168 - 175 cm
5 6" - 5' 9"
78 - 82 cm
31" - 32"
M54 - 55
175 - 183 cm
5' 9" - 6' 0"
81 - 85 cm
32" - 33"
L56 - 57 - 58
183 - 191 cm
6' 0" - 6' 3"
86 - 90 cm
34" - 35"
XL58 - 59 - 60
191 - 198 cm
6' 3" - 6' 6"
89 - 92 cm
35" - 36"
XXL61 - 62 - 63

Shop All Road Bikes

Explore performance road bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Performance Road Bikes

Performance road bikes are all about speed. These are the fastest road bikes you'll find in our stores and if you want to step up your game on group rides and races you should check these models out.

Explore gravel bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are a fun, versatile category of road bikes with wider tires so you can tackle pavement and dirt roads with equal capability. If you want to ride the road less traveled check out our gravel bikes.

Explore touring bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Touring Bikes

Touring bikes are made to take you and your gear on adventures near and far. They are durable models that are tough enough to handle wherever you decide to explore.

Women's Road Bike Size Chart

There's no substantial difference between men's and women's road bike sizing. Some bike brands offer women's specific road models that are designed to be a better fit for ladies, but the main differences are mostly in the components (saddle, bar width, etc.) and not the actual frame. However, for those who are seeking out a women's specific model from a brand that carries them, this size chart is a good place to start.

Rider Measurements

Suggested Frame Size

Height

Inseam

Alpha Size

Size in Centimeters

147 - 155 cm
4' 10" - 5' 1"

65 - 71 cm
27" - 38"

XXS

44 - 45 -46

155 - 160 cm
5' 1" - 5' 3"

71 - 75 cm
28" - 30"

XS

47 - 48 - 49

160 - 165 cm
5' 3" - 5' 5"

76 - 79 cm
30" - 31"

S

50 - 51 -52

165 - 172 cm
5' 5" - 5' 8"

78 - 82 cm
31" - 32"

M

53 - 54 -55

172 - 180 cm
5' 8" - 5' 10"

81 - 85 cm
32" - 33"

L

56 - 57

Explore women's road bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Women's Road Bikes

Again, it's important to note that women don't have to ride women specific bikes. Ladies can ride whatever bike fits them using the same size charts as men. 

However, women's specific models typically have different color options and components that aim provide a better fit that some women tend to find more comfortable.

Mountain Bike Size Chart

While older MTBs used inches (of the seat tube length) to size frames, modern geometry has changed a lot and you'll find that most current mountain bikes sizes are denoted as S, M, L, etc. While some brands may have slightly different size ranges, this chart is a great place to start.

Rider MeasurementsSuggested Frame Size
HeightInseamAlpha SizeSize in Inches
135 - 145 cm
4'5" - 4'9"
64 - 68 cm
25" - 27"
XXS11 - 12
145 - 155 cm
4'9" - 5'1"
69 - 73 cm
27" - 29"
XS13 - 14
155 - 165 cm
5'1" - 5'5"
74 - 78 cm
29" - 31"
S15 - 16
165 - 176 cm
5'5" - 5'9"
79 - 83 cm
31" - 33"
M17 - 18
173 - 180 cm
5'8" - 5'11"
81 - 86 cm
32" - 34"
L19 - 20
177 - 188 cm
5'10" - 6'2"
84 - 89 cm
33" - 35"
XL21 - 22
188 - 195 cm
6'2" - 6'5"
89 - 91 cm
35" - 36"
XXL23 - 24

Shop All Mountain Bikes

Explore hardtail mountain bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Hardtail Mountain Bikes

Hardtail mountain bikes are great for cross country style rides on flowy single track. Entry level hardtails are affordable and perfect for riders getting into the sport.

Explore full suspension mountain bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

Full suspension mountain bikes give you more control, comfort, and confidence on tough terrain. If you want to ride the rough stuff, check out these models.

Explore fat bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Fat Bikes

Fat bikes are super fun to ride and help you float over loose terrain, whether that's snow in the winter or rocks and sand in the summer.

Women's Mountain Bike Size Chart

There's no substantial difference between men's and women's mountain bike sizing either. Some bike brands like Liv offer women's specific models that are designed to be a better fit for ladies, but again the main differences are mostly in the components (saddle, bar width, etc.) and not the actual frame. But for those who are seeking out a women's specific model from a brand that carries them, this size chart is a good place to start.

Rider Measurements

Suggested Frame Size

Height

Inseam

Size

Inches

148 - 158 cm
4' 10" - 5' 2"

69 - 73 cm
27" - 29"

XS

13 - 14

158 - 168 cm
5' 2" - 5 '6"

74 - 78 cm
29" - 31"

S

15 -16

168 - 178 cm
5' 6" - 5' 10"

81 - 86 cm
32" - 34"

M

17 - 18

178 - 185 cm
5' 10" - 6' 1"

84 - 89 cm
33" - 35"

L

19+

Explore women's mountain bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Women's Mountain Bikes

The right components can make a huge difference in how confident and comfortable you are on your bike, and when you're out on the trails, that's worth a lot. If you're looking for a women's mountain bike, we've got great options from some big brands here at Sweet Pete's.

Kid's Bike Size Chart

Getting the right kid's bikes takes some patience, but it doesn't have to be hard! It's also important to know that kid's bikes are measure by the wheel size instead of the frame size. 

We recommend using our chart to choose the bike you want to try out, then come in for a test ride to see how they like it. With kids it's all about confidence. You don't want to get something way too big just so they can grow into it. If they don't feel comfortable on it they may miss out on developing skills they'll need to progress.

Rider Age, Height, or InseamSuggested Size
AgeHeightInseamWheel Size
2 - 5 years85 - 110 cm
2' 10" - 3' 7"
38 - 45 cm
15” - 18”
Run bikes
2 - 4 years85 - 100 cm
2' 10" - 3' 4"
38 - 45 cm
15” - 18”
12" wheel diameter
5 - 7 years100 - 120 cm
3' 4" - 4' 0"
40 - 56 cm
16” - 22”
16" wheel diameter
7 - 9 years120 - 135 cm
4' 0" - 4' 5"
48 - 63 cm
19” - 25”
20" wheel diameter
9 - 11 years135 - 145 cm
4' 5" - 4' 9"
58 - 71 cm
23” - 28”
24" wheel diameter
11+ years145+ cm4' 9"+63+ cm
25” +
26" wheel diameter

Shop All Kid's Bikes

Explore kids balance bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore Balance Bikes

Balance bikes are perfect for teaching kids to ride without the use of training wheels. These models are great for 2-4 year olds who are just starting out.

Explore 12 inch kids bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore 12 Inch Kids Bikes

12 inch kids bikes are another great option for helping 2-4 year olds learn to ride. 

Explore 16 inch kids bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore 16 Inch Kids Bikes

16 inch kids bikes typically fit 3-6 year olds and are great for helping solidify their balance and confidence.

Explore 20 inch kids bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore 20 Inch Kids Bikes

20 inch kids bikes are great for 5-8 year olds and typically either come as a single speed that has a coaster brake or a multi speed bike with hand brakes.

Explore 24 inch kids bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore 24 Inch Kids Bikes

24 inch kids bikes are great for 7-12 year olds who use or want to use hand brakes and gears. 

Explore 26 inch mountain bikes at Sweet Pete's in Toronto

Explore 26 Inch Bikes

While 26 inch mountain bikes aren't technically classified as kids bikes, they are perfect foor kids who have outgrown their 24 inch bike but aren't quite ready for adult size mountain bikes.

Want a professional bike fitting?

At Sweet Pete's we have a world class bike fitting pro along with some state of the art fitting technology that uses tons of data to help you get the best fit. If you're struggling to get comfortable on your bike or you're just looking to get the most performance out of your ride, check out our fitting services via the link below.

Bike Sizing FAQs

What if I'm in between bike sizes?

Bike size charts are a good way to get a ballpark idea of which size you'll fit best, but it's also common for people to fall right on the line of two sizes in a chart. The absolute best way to find the right size is to try them both! But if you're unable to go for a test ride, here are some things to consider:

  • If you have shorter legs, you might be more comfortable on the smaller size
  • If you prioritize weight savings, a smaller bike can help with that
  • If you are an advanced mountain biker, a bigger bike can offer more stability at speed

How do I know if a bike is too big or too small?

When you step off the saddle and straddle the top tube, you should have a little standover room. If you hit the tube when you come off the seat, the bike may be too big.

If your knees are close to the handlebars or you have to raise the seat near the maximum insertion length to get proper leg extension, the bike may be too small. 

How do I measure myself for a bike?

Besides using the size charts above that take height into account, you might also want to measure your inseam, as some brands include that measurement into their own charts. Between your height and your inseam you should have a pretty good idea of what will fit.

What size bike is best for kids who are still learning how to ride?

There's no right answer here. Some kids learn to ride early, and some don't pick it up until later. The main thing to work on is confidence, so we don't recommend buying a kids' bike thats a size or two too big just so they can grow into it, as a bike that's too big can be hard for them to maneuver and learn balance and handling skills. We recommend having them come try a few out - it'll be clear which one they feel more confident on.