Frame Size
Frame size is possibly the most important aspect in bike e-bike sizing. Reason being, once the frame size is set, that’s it. There is no turning back from there.
There are few ways that you can find the right size e-bike frame. The first way is to measure your inseam. Measuring your inseam can be done in a number of ways, but I find the easiest way is to grab a notebook. Once you’ve got your notebook, you’ll need to stand against a wall. Then, place the notebook in between your upper thighs so you are straddling it (like you would be if you hopped on a bike). Leave the notebook in place on the wall and measure from the top of the notebook to the floor. This measurement is your inseam. It’s generally a good idea to wear the shoes you’ll be cycling in most frequently as this will probably affect the measurement. Once you have the measurement, reference a sizing chart like the ones listed here:
Road Bike Sizing:
Height | Inseam | Frame Size | Inches |
4’10” – 5’1″ | 25.5” – 27” | 46 – 48 cm | 18-19 |
5’0″ – 5’3″ | 26.5″ – 28″ | 48 – 50 cm | 19-19.5 |
5’2″ – 5’5″ | 27.5″ – 29″ | 50 – 52 cm | 19-20.5 |
5’4″ – 5’7″ | 28.5″ – 30″ | 52 – 54 cm | 19.5-21 |
5’6″ – 5’9″ | 29.5″ – 31″ | 54 – 56 cm | 21.5-22 |
5’8″ – 5’11” | 30.5″ – 32″ | 56 – 58 cm | 22.5-23 |
5’10” – 6’1″ | 31.5″ – 33″ | 58 – 60 cm | 23.5-24 |
6’0″ – 6’3″ | 32.5″ – 34″ | 60 – 62 cm | 24.5-25 |
6’2″ – 6’5″ | 34.5″ – 36″ | 62 – 64 cm | 24.5-25 |
Mountain Bike Sizing:
Height | Inseam | Frame Size | CM |
4’11” – 5’3″ | 25” – 27” | 13 – 15 inches | 33-38 |
5’7″ – 5’11” | 29″ – 31″ | 17 to 19 inches | 43-48 |
5’11” – 6’2″ | 31″ – 33″ | 19 to 21 inches | 48-53 |
6’2″ – 6’4″ | 33″ – 35″ | 21 to 23 inches | 53-58 |
6’4″ and up | 35″ and up | 23 inches+ | 58-64 |
As you can see, you can alternatively use your height as the main measurement. It’s really up to you, but the inseam generally is more reliable.
Ideally, the next thing you want to do in terms of frame size is actually hop on the bike, or a similar style. This isn’t always possible, but if you can you’re checking that you can straddle the frame with your feet flat on the floor. If you have a traditional top tube that is parallel to the ground there should be about an inch or two of clearance.