If you're in the market for a new mountain bike or want to upgrade your ride, choosing the right size is almost always the most important thing. You'll want a bike that feels comfortable, responsive and safe to ride.
If you want your ride to be fast, fun and safe, read on.
If you’ve checked out our range of mountain bikes, you’ll see that mountain bike frame sizes are listed either in incher, or as a range of sizes. You can find mountain bike frames in extra small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), extra-Large (XL) and extra-extra-large (XXL) sizes to suit riders of all shapes, sizes and styles.
Height (Centimetres & Feet) | Inside Leg | Mountain Bike Frame Size(CM) |
152cm / 5'.0" | 71cm / 28" | 15" (X Small) |
160cm / 5'.3" | 75cm / 29.5" | 16" (Small) |
170cm / 5'.7" | 79cm / 31" | 17" (Medium) |
175cm / 5'.9" | 83cm / 32.5" | 18" (Medium) |
180cm / 5'.11" | 85cm / 33.5" | 19" (Large) |
188cm / 6'.2" | 89cm / 35" | 20" (Large) |
196cm / 6'.5" | 93cm / 36.5" | 21" (X Large) |
This simple MTB sizing guide should give you a rough guide to the right frame size for you. The only measurement you need to know is your height.
We recommend that you use this chart to help you narrow down your search. There are many more factors to consider when finding the right bike for you. Let's dive into the dirty details.
If you're looking for a new bike, check out our Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide and Electric Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide. You'll find them filled with the essential information you need to know.
All modern mountain bikes will have suspension at the front, and many bikes also have suspension at the rear. Bikes with only front shock forks are called hardtails, and those with rear and front shocks are called full-suspension bikes.
Both front and rear suspensions eliminate lumps and bumps. When you go over an obstacle, the suspension compresses and absorbs the shock.
The mountain bike frame size you choose and whether it is a hardtail or a full shock depends on the style of riding you choose. The way you ride your bike and where you ride your bike will have an impact on frame size. Downhill riders prefer to use a full-suspension bike with a large frame to get over obstacles, while XC riders often choose a smaller frame so they can get over, over and around obstacles faster.
Here is a brief overview of some of the different types of mountain bikes.
Cross-country or XC - XC can involve anything from gravel riding to running in the center of local trails (and everything in between). Hardtail or full shock? It's up to you.
All-Mountain - All-Mountain riding means actually riding in the mountains. It includes lots of climbs, tricky technical sections, jumps, lumps and bumps, so we recommend a full Susser.
Off-road riding - Off-road bikes are designed to tackle the fast and varied terrain you'll find in the heart of the British backcountry. You can ride a hardtail or full shock bike.
Downhill- Downhill bikes are designed to do one thing: go downhill fast. Full suspension is preferred here.
Supanda Bikes are designed to handle anything, including going up and down hills. Anything.
If you're not familiar with mountain bikes, we think cross-country or trail bikes are probably the best choices. They're designed to handle trails and trail riding and perform well on gravel and even roads. You can find a range of affordable bikes at supanda.
Finding the right size mountain bike is all about safety. You need to be able to control the bike, steer safely and avoid obstacles. Here are some basics of mountain bike fit.
There should be about 2 inches (about 5 cm) of clean air clearance when you stand over the frame with your feet on the floor. (This is a basic guide and does not apply to all riding styles, such as downhill riding.)
Pedaling should be comfortable, with a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of each stroke.
You do not want to feel constricted or stretched out on the bike. You should feel comfortable and relaxed, ready to be in the saddle for hours, free to cruise around the saddle and climb out when needed.
You must be able to reach and operate both brake levers.
Mountain bikes are sized by the length of the seat tube, so the best starting point is your old bike. Simply measure the length of your current bike Seatpost from the BB to the seat clamp and then purchase a frame of the same size.
If you don't have a mountain bike, then it's time to grab a tape measure. By measuring the inside seam, you can get a more accurate guide to frame sizes. Here's how it works.
Inner seam size x 0.67 - 5 inches = your ideal frame size.
This is a little more advanced than using your height and provides a more reliable and scientific method of measuring mountain bike sizes. It won't be perfect, but it can help you narrow down your model choices.
Mountain bike sizes are usually measured by seat tube length, but there's a lot more to getting a bike that fits you like a glove. A professional bike fitter will take all of these measurements into account when looking for the right frame. You may not want or need a professional bike, but it can be useful to know some of the standard terms used.
If you're handy with a tape measure, here's how to measure a mountain bike frame
Seat tube length - the distance between the five-way (crank) and the top of the seat tube (not including the seat post and saddle).
Wheel size - the size of the wheel (usually 27.5" or 29", but some older bikes have smaller 26" wheels).
Effective Top Tube Length - The effective top tube length is the distance between the top center of the head tube and the center of the seat post.
Reach - The range is the distance between the center of the head tube and a line drawn vertically from the bottom bracket. This is a more reliable indicator or range than the effective top tube length.
Head tube angle - The head tube angle is the angle of the head tube to the ground. A shorter head angle makes the bike more agile and responsive on trails but can be uncomfortable on downhills or at high speeds.
Other considerations, such as seat angle and rear lower fork length, may affect the feel and performance of the bike but are not as important when choosing the right frame size.
You may find yourself stuck between choosing a larger mountain bike frame or a smaller mountain bike frame. So how do you choose the right size mountain bike?
If you are stuck between two mountain bikes after measuring your height and inner leg measurements, then your reach may be a good deciding factor. Your reach is affected by your upper body length (also known as "torso length or sit height").
One way to narrow your search is to measure your Ape Index. Your Ape Index is essential whether your arm span is wider than your height.
To find your Ape Index, extend your arm and have someone measure the distance between your two outstretched fingers. Now, subtract it from your height. If your arm span is greater than your height, then you have a wide range of arms, so we recommend you use a larger frame. If it is less, we recommend that you choose a smaller frame.
While these numbers can help you narrow your search, it is not always conclusive. Some riders prefer a larger frame, while others prefer a smaller frame. That's what you get when you zoom in or out on size.
A larger mountain bike frame means a longer wheelbase (the distance between the two wheels). The riding position will be more extended, which means you'll be bouncing over obstacles rather than flicking or whipping around them.
Some riders find that smaller mountain bike frames are more agile and faster. A shorter wheelbase makes it easier to get through obstacles. It will be lighter than a larger frame. The riding position will be more upright.
If you want to install a lift seat post, we recommend a smaller frame.
Finding the right size mountain bike is just the beginning of getting the perfect bike fit.
If you plan to ride your mountain bike longer and more easily, you may need to adjust your bike to put you in a more upright position. You can use an Allen wrench or multi-tool to adjust the saddle to a 30-degree angle between your hips, knees and ankles. This will be more comfortable than a long ride.
Looking for more speed? To get a more aggressive riding position, try leaning your seat forward a little. This will give you a little extra power on the pedals.
In addition to minor adjustments, there are plenty of aftermarket parts and upgrades available to help you personalize and refine your bike. Whether you're looking for a new set of pedals, an upgraded wheel pair, or a different size handlebar, you'll find a ton of great parts and upgrades at supanda.
Here are some quick answers to popular questions about MTB sizing.
1. What is the size of a mountain bike?
Mountain bike sizes are measured in inches, but you'll actually see frames listed by size (extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and extra large). Our supanda mountain bike sizing guide provides an easy way for you to use your height to help you find the best mountain bike frame size for you.
2. Which MTB wheel size is best for me?
You can find mountain bikes with 27.5" (650b) and 29" wheels, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. (Older MTBs also used to come with 26-inch wheels, which we won't go into here, but a bike with 27.5-inch wheels will feel more responsive and nimble. A bike with larger 29-inch wheels will roll better and provide more stability. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and as always, we recommend you try before you buy (if possible).
3. What size mountain bike do I need?
The right size mountain bike is comfortable to ride, puts you in control and - most importantly - safe. We're all individuals, but following our mountain bike sizing instructions, you should have a pretty good idea of whether you need a medium-sized mountain bike or a large-frame mountain bike.
4. Need more help finding the right mountain bike for you?
If you need help finding the right mountain bike frame, please visit www.pandamtb.com where you can chat with one of our bike experts. We'll be happy to help you find the right frame size and provide guidance on how we can help personalize it to provide the perfect ride. We can even build it for you.
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