Choosing Your Frame Size

Most bike frames are designed to fit average body proportions. If you have the right size, you should be able to extend your leg fully while pedaling, and should comfortably reach the handlebars.

To choose a size, straddle the frame halfway between the saddle and the handlebars (while wearing your usual riding shoes) there should be a gap between you and the frame.

Road bike clearance: 3 to 6cm (1 to 2in.)
Mountain bike clearance: 6 to 11cm (2 to 4in.)

Frame sizes usually increase in set increments, so riders may fit two sizes well. Choose the bike that feels most comfortable when you sit on the saddle and put both hands on the handlebars. This will usually be the smaller size. Keep in mind, the saddle and handlebars can also be adjusted. Smaller frames have more clearance, and are easier to manage when stopping, or when getting on or off. Go for a test ride to determine which size is ultimately most comfortable.

MEC Frame Sizes

Your height is a useful guide for selecting a frame size, but it's most accurate for those with average proportions. Our bikes have extra-long seatposts, and sloping toptubes with more clearance towards the rear. Bikes can usually be adjusted to fit a 3 to 4-inch height range. Stem lengths can also be changed to suit very long or very short torsos. .

MEC Bike Sizes

4ft. 10in. to 5ft. 1in. (148 to 154cm) – XXS
5ft. to 5ft. 4in. (152 to 162cm) – XS
5ft. 3in. to 5ft. 7in. (160 to 170cm) – S
5ft. 6in. to 5ft. 10in. (168 to177cm) – M
5ft. 9in. to 6ft. 1in. (175 to 185cm) – L
6ft. to 6ft. 4in. (183 to 193cm) – XL

Women's urban frames without toptubes

4ft. 9in. to 5ft. 2in. (145 to 157cm) – S
5ft. 1in. to 5ft. 6in. (155 to 168cm) – M
5ft. 5in. to 5ft. 10in. (166 to 178cm) – L

Women's performance road frames with toptubes

4ft. 10in. to 5ft. 2in. (148 to 157cm) – XS
5ft. 1in. to 5ft. 5in. (155 to 168cm) – S
5ft. 4in. to 5ft. 8in. (166 to 178cm) – M

The MEC Skyway is measured in centimetres rather than sizes XXS-XL:

4ft. 10in. to 5ft. 1in. (148 to 154cm) – 50cm
5ft. to 5ft. 4in. (152 to 162cm) – 52cm
5ft. 3in. to 5ft. 7in. (160 to 170cm) – 54cm
5ft. 6in. to 5ft. 10in. (168 to177cm) – 56cm
5ft. 9in. to 6ft. 1in. (175 to 185cm) – 58cm
6ft. to 6ft. 4in. (183 to 193cm) – 60cm

MEC Ace (Kid's)

4ft. 5in. to 4ft. 11in. (135 to 150cm), or ages 8-11.

Related Info

Read more about Frame Geometry

Read about Adjusting Bike Seat and Handlebars

Read more about Choosing a Bike