What size bike for someone 5′ tall?
At 5′ (152 cm), a road bike frame is 47–49 cm (XS), a mountain bike is XS (14″ (35 cm)) and a hybrid is XS (14–15″ (36–38 cm)).
Method: Standard height-to-frame charts used by bike makers, checked against 2–4″ of standover clearance.
5′ · 152 cm
Frame size
XS · 14–15″
Hybrid / city bike for someone 5′ tall
| Size | XS |
| Frame | 14–15″ (36–38 cm) |
- • You should clear the top tube by 3–4″ (8–10 cm) when standing over the bike.
- • Between two sizes? Pick the smaller for a more upright, nimble ride and the larger for a stretched-out, stable one. A test ride is best.
- • Height charts assume average proportions. Long legs or arms can move you up or down a size, so inseam helps when a bike shop measures you.
Bike size chart by height
| Rider height | Road frame | Road size | Hybrid frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′ | 47–49 cm | XS | 14–15″ (36–38 cm) |
| 5′ 3″ | 50–52 cm | S | 16–17″ (41–43 cm) |
| 5′ 6″ | 53–54 cm | M | 16–17″ (41–43 cm) |
| 5′ 9″ | 55–56 cm | M/L | 18–19″ (46–48 cm) |
| 6′ | 57–58 cm | L | 20–21″ (51–53 cm) |
| 6′ 3″ | 59–61 cm | XL | 22–23″ (56–58 cm) |
Kids bike sizes
Wheel size follows height: 12″ for 85–98 cm, 14″ for 95–105 cm, 16″ for 100–115 cm, 20″ for 115–135 cm and 24″ for 130–150 cm.
How it works
Frame size depends mostly on your height and leg length. The best check is standover: you should be able to straddle the top tube with 2″ of clearance on a road bike, or 3–4″ on a mountain bike. Brands size slightly differently, so use the maker's own chart when you can.
More bike size guides
Frequently asked questions
What size bike for someone 5'8"?
A road frame of 54 to 56 cm, a medium mountain bike (17 to 18 inches) or a medium hybrid (18 to 19 inches).
Should I size up or down between two sizes?
Size down for a more upright, nimble fit and size up for a longer, more stretched-out fit. A short test ride settles it.
How do I know my kid's bike size?
Use their height, not age, and check they can sit with a slight knee bend at the bottom of the pedal stroke and touch the ground with both feet.