In this hybrid bike size guide you’ll find my summarized knowledge of 27 years of riding and the answer to the most common questions I get asked around the most important one :
What is the perfect hybrid bike size for me?
It would be great to just look at a hybrid bike size chart and immediately choose your size, BUT, everyone has a unique body and there are bike components and characteristics that need to be considered in the process.
In this guide, I will tackle the questions that will lead to a more informed decision when choosing the perfect hybrid bike size for you.
What is a hybrid bike?
Hybrid bikes are the result of the combination of features from road bikes and mountain bikes.
I will describe hybrid bikes as elegant, fast, and dirty. Why?
Elegant because you can very well ride them in a nice outfit on your way to work. Even though they are a bit heavier than road bikes, they are light bikes and usually with thinner tires than a mountain bike. They are fast, and dirty cause you can go rough on them in dusty and bumpy off-road trails without a blink.
They are a versatile type of bike that will go with you wherever, all day long, every day. You can make them match your riding style and add the features that go with them for example:
- Handlebar shape
- Gears
- Racks and Fenders
- Frame materials
- Brake type
- Suspension
In the last section, we will have a look at the most common styles you can find for hybrid bikes, going a bit deeper into this subject.
Hybrid bike size guide: Choosing the perfect size for you!
Your correct size will be determined by your height and inseam measures. I will not get tired of repeating how important it is to know your inseam as this is a key factor in fitting your bike correctly.
To measure your inseam, take your shoes off and stand with your back against a wall, put a hardcover book between your legs tightly against your crotch (simulating the bike seat) spine up, and with a tape measure, measure from the top of the book to the floor. Centimeters are best for this measure.
Choosing the right size is the first step for a good bike fit, if your bike size is wrong it will be nearly impossible to get a good fit. Just follow these steps, take your measures, and then use a hybrid bike size calculator and you are on the right way to getting the perfect bike size for you.
How are hybrid bikes sized and measured?
The way hybrid bikes are sized is independent of each manufacturer, so you always need to check their size chart and normally they are presented as S / M / L sizes.
Hybrid bikes are measured like pretty much all bikes from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube known as the seat tube length.
Hybrid bike size chart for men
| Height | Inseam Lenght | Frame Size | Bike Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5’0″ 147cm – 152 | 26″ 66cm | 13″ – 14″ | XXS |
| 5’0″ – 5’3″ 152cm – 160cm | 27″ 69cm | 14″ – 15″ | XS |
| 5’3″ – 5’7″ 160cm – 170cm | 28″ 71cm | 15″ – 16″ | S |
| 5’7″ – 5’9″ 170cm – 175cm | 30″ 76cm | 17″ – 18″ | M |
| 5’9″ – 5’11” 175cm – 180cm | 31″ 79cm | 19″ – 20″ | L |
| 5’11” – 6’2″ 180cm – 188cm | 32″ 81cm | 20″ – 21″ | L |
| 6’2″ – 6’5″ 188cm – 196cm | 34″ 86cm | 21″ – 22″ | XL |
| 6’5″ and up 196cm and up | 36″ 91cm | 23″ – 24″ | XXL |
Hybrid bike size chart for women
| Height | Inseam Lenght | Frame Size | Bike Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5’1″ 147cm – 155cm | 26″ 66cm | 13″ – 14″ | XXS |
| 5’1″ – 5’3″ 155cm – 160cm | 27″ 69cm | 14″ – 15″ | XS |
| 5’3″ – 5’5″ 160cm – 165cm | 28″ 71cm | 15″ – 16″ | S |
| 5’5″ – 5’8″ 165cm – 172cm | 30″ 76cm | 17″ – 18″ | M |
| 5’9″ and up 172cm and up | 31″ 79cm | 19″ – 20″ | L |
What if my measurement lands me between two sizes?
In some cases, your measurement will land you in different sizes and you have nothing to worry about. The best thing to do in these cases is to choose the smallest size as it is easier to tweak your bike components like crank arms, stems, or seat height to compensate if needed.
Finally, the choice is yours, and always choose comfort over anything else.
Are there differences between men and women hybrid bike sizes?
Yes and no, yes because women’s bikes are sized smaller compared to men’s, for example, a large women’s size will be smaller than a large size for men. You will tell me: “Frame sizes are exactly the same for men and women: a 20” frame for example measures exactly the same in both cases.” I agree!
The main differences that you’ll find in a woman’s bike are in shorter handlebars, top tubes, smaller crank arms, and seats designed for women.
What is your riding style?
As we saw at the beginning of the article, hybrid bikes will adapt to your riding style and you can find them in different shapes and with different components.
Traditional hybrid bikes
These types of hybrid bikes are great for commuting and short trips, they have an upright comfortable position, top tubes can be step-through and their frame is very distinguishable. Their main focus is on comfort which in turns sacrifices speed and overall performance.
Sport hybrid bikes
Great for fun and exercise. They have the looks of a road bike without the drop handlebar and wider tires, more aerodynamic position but still not as low as in a normal road bike, you can find them with suspension if you plan to go wild in nature. Their focus is on performance and comfort is not lost much in comparison, they are faster with better handling than traditional hybrids.
And if you are looking for more power than your legs can deliver, electric hybrid bikes are equipped with a small motor which is a great help on the hills and can go as fast as 28 mph (45km/h). Careful tough speed limit in the US is 20 mph.
The finish line
Just a quick recap, the most important thing when choosing your hybrid bike size is taking your height and inseam leg measurements correctly, so check twice. Always look at the manufacturer’s hybrid bike size chart and finally choose the type and features that better suit your lifestyle.
Comfort should be above all and if you feel pain of any sort, this is an indication that something is not right and it should not be ignored. Maybe your bike fit or size is wrong but you should take advice from a professional and/or doctor if this is the case.