What frame size do I need on my mountain bike?
The right frame size for a mountain bike - whether MTB hardtail or fully, expensive or inexpensive bike - depends on your stride length. This is easy to determine. Below we show you how to measure your inseam quickly and easily. As a guide to which MTB frame size is right for you, you should take a look at this overview table beforehand. Some manufacturers only specify the sizes of their mountain bikes in S, M, L or XL, as you would expect from clothing. Other bike manufacturers specify the frame sizes of their mountain bikes in inches. One inch corresponds to 2.54 centimetres. However, German and European bike brands in particular also state the frame height in centimetres. The centimetre frame size information for bicycles always refers to the length of the seat tube. In our table, you can easily find the right frame size based on your stride length - whether in unisex sizes, inches or centimetres.
How to measure your stride length to determine the right frame size for your mountain bike
It is best to ask someone to help you measure your inseam length. If you take the measurement on your own, the result will often be inaccurate. Therefore our Tip: Ask someone to help you measure your stride length! Stand barefoot with your back against a wall. Now pull a spirit level or a book upwards at your crotch until you feel a noticeable pressure. Make sure that the spirit level is horizontal to the floor or that the book is resting with one side against the wall.
Using a tape measure or folding rule, you can now measure the length of your stride from the floor to the top edge of the spirit level. Multiplied the measured Step length with 0.226 you get approximately the Correct MTB frame size in inches. If you multiply the measured stride length by 0.574, you get the frame height in centimetres that suits you.
