Bike sizing for women and cyclists, in general, is an important but challenging process. Knowing exactly where to measure yourself and find the bike size that suits your body measurements can be difficult.
Well, we put together a detailed women’s bike size chart for different bike types and everything else you need to know about bike sizing for women.
Do I Need a Women’s Bike?
It’s a question that most female cyclists ask. Well, yes and no. It is recommendable for women bikers to go for women’s bikes because they are specially designed to fit their physical and lifestyle needs.
So, what makes a women’s bike different from other bikes? For starters, bicycles designed for women have smaller frames. This is because women have short torsos and short inseams, making it harder for them to control and be comfortable in a bike with a long frame.
Most women’s bikes have short-reach brake levers. These are beneficial, especially for female cyclists with short hands, as they can reach them easily for more comfortable and safer rides.
Another characteristic of a women’s bike is short crank arms. Women’s bicycle manufacturers make their crank arms short to prevent the female riders from developing knee pain and other problems while using them.
Many women’s bikes generally come with narrow handlebars. Typically, women have narrow shoulders, so riding bicycles with narrow handlebars is more comfortable for them.
However, it’s advisable to go for a bike with handlebars that are slightly wider than your shoulder width. This will open up your chest for faster and more comfortable rides. Wide handlebars also offer more stability and control while riding.
Women’s bikes also have short stems (the part connecting the frame to the handlebars), making it easier for female cyclists to reach the handlebars. The saddle is also designed to be slightly wider to accommodate the rider’s wide hips.
Most women’s bikes also have a step-through frame, making it easier for a female rider to get on the bike, especially when she’s wearing a skirt. It’s also safer than its step-over counterpart as the rider can quickly get off the bike if they lose balance.
However, not all women can fit a women’s bike. That is why it’s important to have a professional bike fitting session to get a bicycle that actually fits you regardless of what type it is.
Women’s Bike Size Charts
Below is a comprehensive women’s bike size chart for road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes.
1. Women’s Road Bike Size Guide
| Rider Height (Feet & inches) | Rider Height (cm) | Suggested Frame Size | Suggested Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ 10″ – 5′ 1″ | 147 – 155 | XXS | 44 – 46 cm |
| 5′ 1″ – 5′ 3″ | 155 – 160 | XS | 47 – 49 cm |
| 5′ 3″ – 5′ 5″ | 160 – 165 | S | 50 – 52 cm |
| 5′ 5″ – 5′ 8″ | 165 – 172 | M | 53 – 55 cm |
| 5′ 8″ – 5′ 10″ | 172 – 180 | L | 55 – 57 cm |
Recommended Women Road Bikes:-
- Schwinn Volare 1400 (4.2* rating from over 347 reviews)
- Trek Domane AL 2 (4.8* rating from 492+ reviews)
2. Women’s Mountain Bike Size Guide
| Rider height (Feet and inches) | Suggested frame size (Cm) | Suggested frame size (Inches) | Frame Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4ft 10in – 5ft 2in | 148 – 158cm | 13 – 14in | XS |
| 5ft 2in – 5ft 6in | 158 – 168cm | 15 – 16in | S |
| 5ft 6in – 5ft 10in | 167 – 178cm | 17 – 18in | M |
| 5ft 10in – 6ft 1in and up | 178 – 185cm+ | 19 – 20in | L |
3. Women’s Hybrid Bike Size Guide
| Rider height (Feet and inches) | Suggested frame size (cm) | Suggested frame size (Inches) | Frame Size |
| 4ft 10in – 5ft 2in | 148 – 158cm | 13 – 14in | XS |
| 5ft 2in – 5ft 6in | 158 – 168cm | 15 – 16in | S |
| 5ft 6in – 5ft 10in | 168 – 178cm | 17 – 18in | M |
| 5ft 10in – 6ft 1in and up | 178 – 185cm+ | 19 – 20in | L |
How to Measure a Woman’s Bike Frame
Measuring a bicycle frame is considered the best way to determine a bike’s size. Here’s a detailed guide on measuring a woman’s bike frame.
Measure the Top Tube Length
A bike’s top tube length is the horizontal distance between the centerline of the seat post and the center of the head tube.
Typically, the top tube on women’s bikes is slightly slanted to allow riders to easily get on their bicycles even when wearing dresses or skirts. The sloping design also helps them ride their bikes without their dresses or skirts coming up, making them feel uncomfortable.
Most women’s bikes also have short top tubes, making them suitable, especially for female cyclists with short torsos.
Measure the Seat Tube Length
This is the vertical distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. However, different bike manufacturers consider the seat tube length as the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to either of these points:
- Effective (Head Tube (HT) top): This is the point where the seat tube intersects an imaginary horizontal line that originates from the top of the head tube.
- Top Tube Top (C-TTT): This is where the seat tube meets or connects to the top tube. Only a few bike manufacturers measure to this point
- Effective (Center): This is the point where the seat tube intersects an imaginary horizontal line that originates from the point where the center of the head tube intersects the top tube.
- Top Tube Center (C-C): This is where the seat tube connects to the centerline of the top tube.
While the seat tube length doesn’t affect a bike’s handling qualities, it determines the lowest point of a saddle, especially if it has an adjustable height. This will help you determine whether or not a particular bike’s saddle height is suitable for you, even when adjusted.
Measure the Reach and Stack
These are vital measurements when it comes to measuring a women’s bike frame. A bicycle’s stack is the vertical distance between the center of the top of the head tube and the center of the bottom bracket, while the reach is the horizontal distance between the two.
To measure your bicycle’s stack:
- Begin by measuring the distance between the top of the head tube and the ground.
- Measure the distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the ground.
- After measuring, subtract the head tube’s height from the bottom bracket’s height. The result is the bike’s stack.
To measure the reach, first, place your bike horizontally against a wall. Then, measure the distance from the top of the head tube to the end of the bicycle.
Proceed to measure the distance from the bottom bracket to the bicycle. Subtract the head tube’s length from the bottom bracket’s length to determine the reach.
A bike’s reach and stack ratio significantly determines your riding position on that bicycle. For instance, if the stack is too high, you will have challenges staying in an aerodynamic position while riding.
On the other hand, if it’s too low, your riding position will be unsustainable, preventing you from fully controlling your bike.
If the reach is too long, your hip angle will be closed, affecting your overall riding comfort. If it’s too short, your body may feel cramped when cycling.
Measure the Wheelbase
This is another important measurement when it comes to determining a bike’s frame size. A bicycle’s wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheel axles.
A bike’s wheelbase significantly determines its ride quality. A short wheelbase enables it to maneuver better. However, it negatively affects its stability while riding. On the other hand, a long wheelbase enhances the bike’s stability while negatively affecting its maneuverability.
Measure the Chainstay Length
A bike’s chainstay length is the distance between the center of the rear axle and the center of the bottom bracket axle. The chainstay length plays a critical role in a bicycle’s handling qualities, climbing, and descending abilities.
For starters, a short chainstay length results in a short wheelbase causing the bike to be more maneuverable. This is highly beneficial, especially if you mainly ride on twisty trails. However, as we’ve just mentioned, a short wheelbase means less stability while riding.
The shorter the chainstay length is, the nearer the rear wheel will be to you, which may also affect the bike’s stability, especially when riding at high speeds.
Measure the Front Center
This is the distance from the axle to the front dropout. A bike’s front center length also significantly affects its handling qualities. The longer the front center is, the lower the front wheel’s traction, which affects your comfort and stability, especially when riding on rough terrains.
Related article: 26 Inch Bike for What Size Person?
Measure the Seat Tube and Head Tube Angles
These measurements are quite difficult to obtain, but it’s essential to understand what they are. A bike’s seat tube angle is the inside angle created between the seat tube and the ground, while the head tube angle is the inside angle formed between the head tube and the floor.
A bicycle’s seat tube determines the position of the saddle, which in turn determines the default position of the rider while on the bike. So, the seat tube angle plays a vital role in determining the bike sizes for women and their riding style.
A steep seat tube angle means the saddle is in a much forward position, making it perfect for petite female cyclists with short hands. This allows them to reach the handlebars more easily. This also means that the rider will be in an aerodynamic position while riding, making this angle perfect for racing riders.
On the other hand, a shallow seat tube angle means that the saddle is in a more backward position, making it ideal for taller female riders. A larger seat tube angle also means that the rider will be in a more upright riding position, making it perfect for casual riders.
A shallow head tube angle leads to the suspension fork sticking out further, enhancing stability, especially when riding at high speeds. On the other hand, a steep head tube angle increases the bike’s handling qualities.
Measure the Bottom Bracket Drop
A bike’s bottom bracket drop is the difference between the distance from the wheel axle to the ground and the distance between the crank axle’s centerline and the floor.
A bicycle’s bottom bracket drop plays a critical role in determining its stability and maneuverability. So, the bigger the bottom bracket drop, the more stable the bike will be and vice versa.
Measure the Bottom Bracket Height
This is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket shell to the ground. Like the bottom bracket drop, its height also significantly determines the bike’s stability.
Other Factors to Consider When Getting a Woman’s Bike
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when getting a woman’s bike.
Bike Wheel Sizes
While a bike’s wheel size isn’t the best option for determining the bike sizes for women, it affects other areas used in determining a bike’s ride quality.
For starters, it affects the wheelbase. As we mentioned earlier, a bike’s wheelbase is the distance between the front wheel’s axle and the rear wheel’s axle.
So, the larger the diameter of the wheels, the further their axles will be from each other, resulting in a longer wheelbase. And as you may now know, the length of a wheelbase significantly affects the bike’s stability and maneuverability.
Regarding bike sizing for women, people would expect that a taller woman should ride a bike with larger wheels and a petite woman ride a bike with smaller wheels. Well, it’s actually the opposite.
A tall female cyclist riding a bicycle with larger wheels would raise them, which will increase their center of gravity. This will, in turn, enhance their air drag, which will slow them down while riding.
Related article: 24-Inch Bike for What Size Person?
Hand Size
This is another essential factor to consider when getting a women’s bike. You want a bicycle with handlebars that are big enough in circumference, allowing you to grip them securely and comfortably.
Speaking of handlebars, a bicycle’s handlebar reach also plays a significant role in how to size a bike for a woman. A handlebar reach is simply the distance between the saddle and the handlebars.
So, it’s essential to get a bike with a reach that is not too long to prevent you from reaching the handlebars easily. And as you may know, difficulty reaching the bars means trouble controlling the bicycle.
The reach should not be too short, that it keeps you in an upright riding position, which increases your body’s air resistance, reducing your cycling speed.
Back Length
This narrows down to the frame. It’s advisable to go for a frame that comfortably supports your back length. This will prevent you from being in an uncomfortable riding position, causing you to have lower back pains.
Saddle Shape
Many bike manufacturers include wider saddles to support female cyclists’ wider hips. However, that’s not it when choosing the right saddle for a female rider. Here are a couple more things to keep in mind.
Are Your Buttocks More Outer Side Or the Inner Side?
It’s not something many female cyclists keep in mind, but it makes a huge difference when selecting the proper bike seat.
Female riders with buttocks that are more on the inner side have the upper hand here since they can adapt to almost any bike seat. However, if your buttocks are more on the outer side, it’s advisable to go for a seat with a larger cut-out.
Get Measured
Getting measured for a saddle is just as important as getting measured for a bra. Doing so will help you get a bike seat that is tailor-made for your buttocks. Luckily, many bike manufacturers have made an effort to include the ideal hip measurements for their bike seats.
What Is Your Riding Style?
This is another overlooked factor that plays a critical role in finding the saddle size. If you’re a casual rider who prefers riding in a more upright position, choosing a bike seat with a big cut-out is advisable.
Since you’ll be putting a lot of pressure on your buttocks’ soft tissue when in that riding position, this type of saddle will properly support you, preventing you from feeling sore.
Padding Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Comfort
For most riders, in general, more padding on the bike seat means more comfort. Well, that isn’t always the case. Padding may also cause soreness, among other discomfort issues. That is why it’s vital to try the saddle before buying it.
Fortunately, many bike shops nowadays allow customers to try their saddles and even ride on them for a while before buying them.
Shoulder Width
Typically, women have narrow shoulders, so women’s bike manufacturers fit their bikes with narrow handlebars. But, how do you determine the right handlebar width for you?
Experts recommend getting a bike with handlebars whose width is as wide as the measurement between your AC joints. These are the bumps that are right by your collarbones.
However, if you’re into speed, it’s best to go for handlebars that are slightly wider than your shoulder width. Wider handlebars are known to enhance the rider’s control of the bike. They also help open up the chest, which improves breathing while riding.
Related article: Can a Woman Ride a 24-Inch Bike?
FAQs – Women Bike Sizing
Q: Is 26-Inch Bike Good for What Height?
A: A 26-inch bike is suitable for riders who are 5’5-5’9 tall. But it can also fit bikers who are 4’10. However, keep in mind that this is just the normal height.
To obtain the proper bike fit, you still have to get other height measurements. They include:
- The inseam
- The standover height
The Inseam
A rider’s inseam is the height of the inner side of their leg from the crotch to the floor. So, to your measure your inseam:
- Stand on a flat surface (preferably with your riding shoes on) with your legs about a foot apart from each other.
- With the help of a friend, measure the inner side of your leg from the crotch to the ground.
Your leg’s inseam is crucial when finding the perfect bike size as it relates to the distance between the bike seat and the pedals.
With the right inseam measurements, you will be able to get a bike that is not too big, preventing you from reaching the pedals when riding. On the other hand, it also helps you get a bike that is not too small, making your knees feel cramped when riding.
The Standover Height
This is the height from the bike’s top tube to the ground. To determine your ideal standover height:
- Stand against a flat wall. Then, place a book in between your legs. It’s advisable to leave at least an inch of space between your crotch and the book
- With the help of a friend, measure the distance from the top of the book to the ground. That is your ideal standover height.
Choosing a bike with the right standover height reduces the chances of you getting injured when getting off the bicycle.
The right standover height means that your body will be at the right height when riding, resulting in minimum air drag and higher cycling speeds.
Q: What Size Bike Does a 5’2 Woman Need?
A: A 5’2 woman would be better riding a 24-inch bike since this bicycle’s height range is 4’6-5’6. However, she can still ride a 26-inch bike as many bikes in this size perfectly fit riders who are even 4’10.
Q: What Size Bike for a 5’3 Woman?
A: A 5’3 woman is generally petite, so she would be better riding a 24-inch bicycle. But, like a 5’2 woman, she can ride a 26-inch bike. However, it’s essential to go into the details of the bike’s size to ensure you get the right bike fit.
Q: Can a Woman Ride a 26-Inch Bike?
A: Let’s go back to the basics. 26-inch bike for what size person? This bike is suitable for riders who are 5’5-5’9 tall. So, yes, a woman can ride a 26-inch as long as they feel comfortable on the bicycle.
Q: Can a Woman Use a 24-Inch Bike?
A: As we’ve mentioned earlier, a 24-inch bike is suitable for bikers who 4’6-5’6. Many petite women are within this weight range, so yes, a woman can ride a 24-inch bike.
Conclusion – Women’s Bike Size Chart
Finding the right bike size as a woman is a little bit more challenging as you have to find a bicycle that supports your differently-structured body. However, with the right guide on how to measure yourself and what to look for when choosing the proper bike fit, it actually is not that hard.