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What Size Bike For 5’4 Woman: Things to Know!


Written by Gary Johnson / Fact checked by Henry Speciale

what size bike for 5'4 woman

What size bike for 5’4 woman? A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the average height among adult women is 5’4” as of 2018. If you share the same height and want to know which size bike should a 5’4 woman ride, you have come to the right place.

In this guide I will talk about the points to consider in getting a bike for 5’4 woman as well as how to calculate your measurements to ensure that you are getting the perfect size bike frame for 5’4 woman like yourself.

What You Will Need

  • A tape measure
  • A calculator
  • Pen and paper to record measurements

How to Calculate the Best Bike Size for Height 5’4 Women

  • Step 1. Stand with shoes off and your feet spaced 15 to 20 centimeters apart.
  • Step 2. Measure your inseam. This is the distance from your crotch to the ground.
  • Step 3. Depending on your bike type preference, you may calculate the best bike size based on the following formula:

    • Road bike size = leg inseam x 0.70
    • Mountain bike size = leg inseam x 0.66
    • City bike size = leg inseam x 0.685

Bonus step. If you are not too fond of doing the math yourself, use an online bike size calculator. You just need to input your recorded measurements and choose the bike type you want to buy, and it will do the rest.

How to Choose the Perfect Size Bike for a 5’4 Woman

bike-size-for-height

Step 1. Know How Bike Measurements Work

One of the key things to note when it comes to basic bike measurements is the frame size and the wheel size. Frame size refers to the length and height of the bike’s body or frame, while the wheel size is the diameter of the wheel. Frame size is the usual basis for adult-sized bikes, while wheel size is usually used for kid-sized bikes.

Step 2: Determine How Women’s Bike Frames are Sized

Since more adult bikes rely on frame size rather than wheel size, you may determine most women’s bikes by generic sizes: small, medium and large. This is dependent on the type of bike you are leaning towards.

Step 3: Ride the Bike

Before finalizing your purchase, make sure to ride the bike first. While the bike you’re eyeing looks great in theory, you will not be certain it’s the right one until you ride it. Bike shops usually allow their customers to ride on the bikes before purchase; some even give you a day or two to see if it is a perfect fit.

Bonus step: Consider Professional Bike Fitting

While professional bike fitting may cost a fortune, this will guarantee that you will end up with the correct bike size for your build. Everyone has different measurements, so getting a professional to tailor-build a bike for you will make all the difference in your cycling journey.

Road Bike Size Chart for Women

Rider Height Suggested Frame Size
Feet, inches Centimeters Size Centimeters
4’10 – 5’1 147 – 155cm XXS 44 – 46cm
5’1 – 5’3 155 – 160cm XS 47 – 49cm
5’3 – 5’5 160 – 165cm S 50 – 52cm
5’5 – 5’8 165 – 172cm M 53 – 55cm
5’8 – 5’10 172 – 180cm L 55 – 57cm

Road bike wheels typically come at around 622mm wheels (70C) in diameter. Women may prefer smaller wheels at around 571mm (650C). Commuter bikes follow this sizing chart as well.

Mountain Bike Size Chart for Women

Rider Height Suggested Frame Size
Feet, inches Centimeters Inches Size
4’10 – 5’2 148 – 158cm 13” – 14” XS
5’2 – 5’6 158 – 168cm 15” – 16” S
5’6 – 5’10 167 – 178cm 17” – 18” M
5’10 – 6’1+ 178 – 185cm+ 19” – 20” L

Mountain bike wheels typically come in 3 basic sizes: 26-m inch, 27.5 inch, and 29 inch. Smaller than average women may lean towards 26” wheels, but on average, 27.5” or 29” will do the trick.

Hybrid Bike Size Chart by Height for Women

Rider Height Suggested Frame Size
Feet, inches Centimeters Inches Size
4’10 – 5’2 148 – 158cm 13” – 14” XS
5’2 – 5’6 158 – 168cm 15” – 16” S
5’6 – 5’10 168-178cmt 17” – 18” M
5’10 – 6’1+ 178 – 185cm+ 19” – 20” L

Hybrid bikes usually have wheel sizes similar to that of cruiser and mountain bikes. However, there are some brands that emulate the road bike sizing chart instead.

First Timer? What You Need to Know

size-bicycle-for-a-5'4-woman

There are a lot of factors to consider when getting a bike. The perfect size bicycle for a 5’4 woman is one that responds to their needs. Below are what you need to check when making your purchase:

1. Height and Inseam

I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of the rider’s height and inseam when picking out a bike. Everyone has unique body builds and this is crucial to ensure that you buy based on the correct size for your needs. For example, a 5’4 woman with a long torso has a torso of 18”, but another woman of the same height might have a shorter or longer one. If they bought the same bike size, one will likely feel uncomfortable as they have a different bike grasp.

2. Bike Frame Size

You might have a hard time pedaling the bike if the frame size does not fit you well. If it is too small, your torso area would feel cramped and you wouldn’t be able to extend your leg to maximize your cycling power. On the other hand, if it is too large, you will need to exert extra effort in reaching the pedals or handlebars. This makes it hard to rotate and pedal at higher speeds. Check if you can stand over the frame without much effort. There should be an inch or so between your crotch area and the bike’s frame.

3. Seat Position

This is preferential. Many riders like their bike seated tilted forward, while others like a more backward position. The ideal position is to have it leveled. When measuring the bike fit, position the seat in your preferred way and allow your feet to rest on the pedal. Make sure that when you extend your legs, your feet are able to touch the ground.

4. Handlebars

Improperly-placed handlebars can cause you sore wrists, shoulder discomfort, and even back pain. Perfectly-fit handlebars should be the width of your shoulders. Road bikes have handlebars positioned an inch below the top of the saddle, while mountain bikes have lower handlebars to emulate a greater center of gravity. To prevent this from happening, you may consider getting adult size bike types with adjustable handlebars.

5. Wheel Size

The bike wheel size is measured by the diameter of the wheel when it is mounted in the frame. It is usually indicated on the sidewall of the tire in most cases. The wheel size depends on the primary application of the bike. Mountain bikes have larger and wider wheels around 26 to 28-inch wide or more, while hybrids and city bikes have slimmer wheels around 18 to 24-inch wide.

Do I Need a Women’s Bike?

Depending on their overall build, a woman may or may not prefer women-specific bike frames. Generally, women’s bikes are smaller in size to accommodate their smaller body dimensions. These bikes also have women-specific finishing kits, which include a bike saddle.

Would a 5’4 woman need a bike that may be too big or heavy for them? Absolutely not. Most bikes designed for women take into account their narrow frames, and an average woman of 5’4 height can maximize its lightweight features.

Does It Fit: the Key Point to Consider

What use will a bike be if you are unable to ride it? Make sure that you are able to use the bike comfortably. This means that you are unable to stand over the frame of the bike with both feet on the ground. Everything should be within reach so you will not struggle to pedal and maneuver. Is the seat comfortable? What matters most is that you are confident with the performance of your bike. After all, a bike is there to make your travels more convenient.

Conclusion

In this guide on what size bike for 5’4 woman, we have discussed how to compute the best 5’4 bike size, as well as the factors and tips to consider in getting a bike. There is no one size fits all in finding the perfect bike size for 5’4 woman.

Factors like height, inseam, and preference must be considered when making the purchase. The perfect bike height for 5’4 woman depends on where they feel most comfortable. Comfort is key to maximizing your cycling experience. If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider leaving a comment below or sharing this with your friends.

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