Mountain bike frame size usually depends on your height. But it also differs in gender. If a man and woman stand at the same height, there will still be a difference in their mountain bike frame size. Because mountain bike isn’t like other bikes (road bikes or hybrid bikes). It’s truly designed to ride off-road. So the mountain bike you will be riding on must perfectly accommodate your body. This will ensure you enjoy a comfortable and safe ride.
To know what mountain bike frame size you should get, keep an eye on my article till the end. I will walk you through the different mountain bike frame sizes and explain which one is best for you. I will also share men’s and women both size charts, so let’s get started and explore more.
Does Mountain Bike Frame Size Matter?
Yes, mountain bike frame size does matter.
The right-size mountain bike will ensure comfort, prevent injuries, and improve your overall riding experience by allowing you to sit in the correct position. When you have the perfect mountain bike frame, you no longer have to endure back pain, wrist pain, or worry about getting tired due to pedal inefficiency.
Additionally, the wrong-size mountain bike frame can also lead to crashes and severe injuries. So always try to get the right size mountain bike frame to enjoy the sport of mountain biking without fear of injury.
How Important Is Mountain Bike Frame Size
After finalizing the model of your bike, the first important thing you should give your attendance is your mountain bike frame size. Finding a frame that is the right size for your height, weight, and riding style is important. Because frame size affects overall riding performance the most. The right size mountain bike frame will give you the best possible riding experience. It is designed to fit your body perfectly and allow you to ride at higher speeds and with more power. So, now you can ride more easily, safely, and efficiently with comfort.
Mountain Bike Frame Size Chart
Rider height | Bike Size | Frame Size | Frame Size |
4′ 10″ – 5′ 2″ (148 – 158cm) | XS | 33cm – 37cm | 13″ – 14″ |
5′ 3″ – 5′ 6″ (159 – 168cm) | S | 38cm – 42cm | 15″ – 16″ |
5′ 7″ – 5′ 10″ (169 – 178cm) | M | 43cm – 47c58cm +m | 17″ – 18″ |
5′ 11″ – 6′ 1″ (179 – 185cm) | L | 48cm – 52cm | 19″ – 20″ |
6′ 2″ – 6′ 4″ (186 – 193cm) | XL | 53cm – 57cm | 21″ – 22″ |
6′ 4″ + (194cm +) | XXL | 58cm + | 23″ + |
What Size Mountain Bike Frame For 5″ 10 Man & Above
If you are a 5’10 height man (average-sized man) and want to buy a mountain bike, then the best mountain bike frame size for you would be a 17-18 inch medium frame. This frame size is generally designed for people at least 5’7” and a maximum of 5’10” height.
If you are above that, you might need to go with a large size 19-20-inch mountain bike frame.
What Size Mountain Bike Frame For 6” Man & Above
A 6” man will need a larger 19-20 inch mountain bike frame. This size mountain bike frame is the perfect fit for 5′ 11″ – 6′ 1″ men. So if you stand between this height, you can go with this frame without thinking twice. But if you are above 6′ 2″ then you have to shift to another mountain bike frame. Your recommended mountain bike frame size will be 21-22 inches. And you can continue with this frame until your height goes above 6′ 4″.
Women’s Mountain Bike Frame Size Guide
Rider height | Bike Size | Frame Size | Frame Size |
4′ 10″ – 5′ 2″ (148 – 158 cm) | XS | 33cm – 37cm | 13-14 inch |
5′ 2″ – 5 ‘6″ ( 158-168 cm) | S | 38cm – 42cm | 15-16 inch |
5′ 6″ – 5′ 10″ (168 -178 cm) | M | 43cm – 47ccm +m | 17-18 inch |
5′ 10″ – 6′ 1″ (178-185 cm) | L | 48cm – 52cm | 19-20 inch |
6′ 1″ + | XL | 52 cm+ | 20 inch + |
What Size Mountain Bike Frame For 5’4 Women & Above
Women have smaller body dimensions considering men bodies, that’s why women’s mountain bikes are designed with specific smaller bike frames to perfectly accommodate their bodies. According to a report by the CDC ( Centers For Disease Control and Prevention), 5’4 is the average adult height of women. And for this height woman, a small mountain bike with a 15-16 (38-42cm) inch bike frame is perfect. But if you are comfortable with a larger frame, you can go with a 17-18 inch frame.
What Size Mountain Bike Frame For 5’8 Woman
5’8 women are considered medium-sized adult women. They have larger body dimensions than the usual adult women so their mountain bike sizes will also differ. A medium-sized mountain bike with 17-18 inches (43-47cm) is preferable for a 5’8 Woman. Any woman under 5′ 10″ or exact height can ride this frame-size mountain bike enjoying its best performance.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to your body size and riding style. If you have a small frame, for instance, choose a bike with the appropriate size so that you don’t experience any discomfort due to the misalignment of your arms and legs. For everyone else though – just do some math! Calculate your height in meters (m) and pick a bike frame based on that number.
I am Ryan Ford, a mountain biking enthusiast who loves to explore the outdoors. I also like to go on adventures with friends and anything else that involves being outside. I love my bike because it gets me out of the house and gives me an opportunity to enjoy nature.