These numbers come from the same formulas as our bike size calculator: the height chart is a rounded consensus of Canyon (Endurace and Ultimate), Giant TCR, Orbea Orca, Trek and Specialized, checked in October 2026, and the inseam size is the classic bike shop formula. The crank and saddle figures come from the crank length calculator and the saddle height calculator. Heights are rounded to the nearest inch, with centimeters alongside. For gravel, mountain or triathlon bikes, see the bike size chart by height.
Road bike size by height
| Size | Height | Height (cm) | Frame | Typical inseam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | up to 5 ft 2 in | up to 158 cm | 47-48 cm | up to 29 in (73 cm) |
| XS | 5 ft 2 in–5 ft 5 in | 158-164 cm | 49-50 cm | 29-30 in (73-75 cm) |
| S | 5 ft 5 in–5 ft 7 in | 164-170 cm | 51-52 cm | 30-31 in (75-78 cm) |
| M | 5 ft 7 in–5 ft 9 in | 170-176 cm | 53-54 cm | 31-32 in (78-81 cm) |
| L | 5 ft 9 in–6 ft | 176-182 cm | 55-56 cm | 32-33 in (81-84 cm) |
| XL | 6 ft–6 ft 2 in | 182-188 cm | 57-58 cm | 33-34 in (84-86 cm) |
| XXL | 6 ft 2 in and up | 188 cm and up | 60-61 cm | 34 in (86 cm) and up |
The typical inseam is 46% of height, the average proportion for an adult. If yours is far off that, use the chart below.
Classic road bike size by inseam
| Inseam | Classic size (× 0.665) | Recommended crank | Saddle height with that crank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 in (68.6 cm) | 45.6 cm | 160 mm | 23.7 in (60.2 cm) |
| 28 in (71.1 cm) | 47.3 cm | 160 mm | 24.7 in (62.7 cm) |
| 29 in (73.7 cm) | 49.0 cm | 160 mm | 25.7 in (65.2 cm) |
| 30 in (76.2 cm) | 50.7 cm | 165 mm | 26.4 in (67.2 cm) |
| 31 in (78.7 cm) | 52.4 cm | 165 mm | 27.4 in (69.7 cm) |
| 32 in (81.3 cm) | 54.1 cm | 167.5 mm | 28.3 in (71.9 cm) |
| 33 in (83.8 cm) | 55.7 cm | 167.5 mm | 29.3 in (74.4 cm) |
| 34 in (86.4 cm) | 57.4 cm | 170 mm | 30.2 in (76.7 cm) |
| 35 in (88.9 cm) | 59.1 cm | 170 mm | 31.2 in (79.2 cm) |
| 36 in (91.4 cm) | 60.8 cm | 172.5 mm | 32.1 in (81.5 cm) |
| 37 in (94.0 cm) | 62.5 cm | 172.5 mm | 33.1 in (84.0 cm) |
The classic size runs from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube, as on frames with a horizontal top tube. Today almost every frame has a sloping top tube and each brand numbers its own way, so use it to compare, not as the number printed on the frame. Frame sizes stay in centimeters because that’s how road bikes are sold in the US too. The crank length follows the current trend (about 5 mm shorter than the old chart), and saddle height is measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle, along the seat tube, as the average of the LeMond and 109% methods. Every combination is in the saddle height chart.
If you’re between two sizes
If you’re within about half an inch (1.5 cm) of the line between two sizes, let your inseam decide: with long legs for your height (more than 47.5% of your height) your torso is short and the smaller size suits you better, with more seatpost showing; with a long torso (less than 44.5%), the larger one.
| Height at the cutoff | Choosing between | Pick the smaller size if your inseam is | Pick the larger size if it’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 2 in (158 cm) | XXS or XS | over 29.5 in (75.0 cm) | under 27.7 in (70.3 cm) |
| 5 ft 5 in (164 cm) | XS or S | over 30.7 in (77.9 cm) | under 28.7 in (73.0 cm) |
| 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) | S or M | over 31.8 in (80.8 cm) | under 29.8 in (75.7 cm) |
| 5 ft 9 in (176 cm) | M or L | over 32.9 in (83.6 cm) | under 30.8 in (78.3 cm) |
| 6 ft (182 cm) | L or XL | over 34.0 in (86.5 cm) | under 31.9 in (81.0 cm) |
| 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | XL or XXL | over 35.2 in (89.3 cm) | under 32.9 in (83.7 cm) |
Between those two values, both sizes fit, and your flexibility and riding style decide. The smaller frame has less stack and reach (a lower bar that’s closer to you); the larger one has more reach. If you’re not very flexible or you ride long, easy miles, the smaller size with a spacer or two under the stem usually fits better; if you’re flexible or ride in a race position, the larger one.
How to use this chart
Measure your inseam barefoot, standing against a wall with a book pulled up firmly between your legs; the distance from the spine of the book to the floor is your inseam. We go through it step by step in the guide to finding your bike size.
Keep in mind that Canyon runs small (its small is other brands’ medium) and that two frames with the same letter can differ by 1-2 cm in reach (the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube). Before you buy, compare the model’s stack and reach with your current bike in the bike geometry comparison. For an exact answer from both of your measurements, the bike size calculator applies these same rules.
Frequently asked questions
What size road bike do I need if I'm 5'11"?
A large, with a 55-56 cm frame: the large covers 5 ft 9 in to 6 ft (176-182 cm). Near 6 ft you're bordering on an XL; if your inseam is over 47.5% of your height (about 34 in, or 86 cm), stay on the large.
How do I figure out road bike size from my inseam?
Multiply your inseam in centimeters by 0.665 to get the frame size in centimeters, measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. A 32 in (81.3 cm) inseam gives 54.1 cm: a medium, 53-54.
Is a 52 cm road bike a small or a medium?
In our chart, a 51-52 is a small (5 ft 5 in to 5 ft 7 in, 164-170 cm) and a 53-54 is a medium (5 ft 7 in to 5 ft 9 in, 170-176 cm). Some brands call their medium a 52, so check that model's stack and reach.