Choosing the correct size of bike is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Don't buy until you've read our advice so you can get the perfect mountain bike setup for maximum comfort and a reduced chance of injury.
A bike that fits correctly is a joy to ride, while one that's too small can cause handling problems and be uncomfortable on longer rides. Read on for some advice on what frame size to go for, especially if you're in any doubt about it.
Looking for a guide to road bike sizing instead? That's also something we can help with.
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Related: Road bike sizing: what size bike do I need?
Anatomy of a mountain bike
We all come in different shapes and sizes, and so do most mountain bikes, so we recommend using the information below as a starting point and a guide. First, it's good to know the anatomy of a mountain bike, as we'll be referring to these some of these terms.
Frame sizes
Seat tube length and standover
Top tube length and reach
- XS: Bike size 13-14in: generally for riders between 5ft and 5ft 4in
- S: Bike size 14-16in: generally for riders between 5ft 4in and 5ft 7in
- M: Bike size 16-18in: generally for riders between 5ft 7in and 5ft 10in
- L: Bike size 18-20in: generally for riders between 5ft 10in and 6ft 1in
- XL: Bike size 20-22in: generally for riders over 6ft 1in
Frame size problems
- A sore back from overreaching on long rides
- A lack of standover clearance, leading to some particularly wince-inducing experiences
- A lack of control of the bike
- Injury on longer rides from a too cramped position
- Potential toe overlap problems (where your foot clips the front wheel)
- Too much standover clearance, leading to back problems when sitting down on longer rides
More fit adjustments
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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