trek madone frame size guide

Choosing the correct frame size is a crucial component of getting the most out of your road bike. It's not just about comfort: when a road bike fits properly, it's more efficient, easier to handle, and better at transferring your power to the road.

Bikes come in a range of sizes. The best fit for you depends primarily on your height and inseam. That's true whatever your gender, as gender matters far less in finding the bike that's best for you than other factors. Every rider deserves a bike that fits and feels great, no matter their body type, style of riding, or level of experience. That's why we make great bikes for everybody and every body. If you find that you're in between sizes, choose the smaller size for a more aggressive position if you are more flexible or prefer lower handlebars. Choose the larger size for a more relaxed position with higher handlebars. Or, reach out to your retailer or our experts here at Trek HQ for a quick consult.

The Trek Size Finder

This online tool helps determine the bike size that’s best for you. You’ll need a measuring device for your height and inseam. If you find you’re between sizes, we recommend contacting your retailer or calling us at 800-585-8735 (M–F) for a quick consult.

Road bike size chart

Expert advice from Trek

Online resources are great, but there’s nothing like a real person. You can connect with your local Trek retailer directly, call and chat online with us at Trek Headquarters, Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm CT and Saturday - Sunday 9 am - 6 pm CT, or email us. We’re here for you.

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3 fundamentals of correct bike size - 2022 trek madone.

The following chart provides a rule of thumb approach to determine your 2021 Madone bike size based on your height. This is a simple approach to a complex situation, but it is accurate in the majority of cases. Of course, the length of your limbs is not factored into the table below and long or short limbs or torso can play a big role in determining the right bike size for you.

In addition your riding style can influence your choice; if you like a more aggressive bike, you may prefer a smaller frame; if you prefer a more upright position, you may prefer a large frame. If you are 'between sizes', give this consideration when making your selection. 

The 2021 Trek Madone is produced in sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62  

2022 Trek Madone Road Bike Size / Fit Basics

Before you purchase your new road bike, you need to ensure the frame meets 3 basic size requirements: stand-over, reach, seat height. 

1. Stand-over

Stand-over is the measurement of the height of the bikes top-tube from the ground at its midpoint.

Ok, so why is it so important? Simply put, if you are travelling along on your bike and you need to stop in a hurry, you'll have to jump forward, landing on the ground, standing with your legs on each side of the top tube. Having the correct Stand-over will ensure you do not impact your groin area during this situation. 

How to test it.

When you stand-over the midpoint of the bike, with shoes on, you should be able to lift the bike up until there is a 2 cm gap between the tyres and the floor - without the frame coming in contact with your groin. 

If you are looking at the best size option based on a geometry chart, measure from inner leg to floor (with shoes on), remove 2cm and test that measurement against the bikes geometry chart. For the Trek Madone, this is measurement L in the Geometry diagram below. 

Get this one wrong, and you may be in for a world of back pain. Whether that is upper or lower back pain will depend on whether you buy, or are sold , a bike that is too big or too small for you. Buy the correct size bike and your hours of saddle time will actually strengthen your core and back, not hinder it. 

The Reach is the distance your hands project forward to comfortably rest on bars and manipulate the brakes and gears. 

How to test it. 

The quickest test of correct reach is to sit in the correct riding position on the bike (a trainer is great for this or if that is available, take the bike for a quick ride or balance against a wall with someone's assistance).  

Sit on the bike in a neutral position with your hands resting on the hoods (illustrated above) and your head in a natural riding position - eyes looking forward. Now look down at the front wheel hub/axel. If the position is correct the bars should block your view of the hub/axel. If you can see the hub/axel in-front of the bars, the bike is too small.  If you can see the  hub/axel behind the bars, the bike is too large. 

Stem length obviously plays a role here. However, if you are buying a bike from a store, it should be equipped with the correct size stem for the frame. Ideally, you should only have to swap stems if you have a particularly long or short torso. 

Your saddle can be moved forward or back on the 'rails' to make small adjustments to your reach outcome. If the bike is the correct size for you, you should not have to move it all the way forward or all the way back. 

3. Seat Height

Seat height impacts on comfort and performance - correct seat height optimises both. Your seat needs to allow for an efficient and powerful pedal stroke while maintaining you in a balanced, static and comfortable seated position. 

It is also important to note that your seat needs to be in the correct position to properly determine your reach (above). 

This is a simple and quick way to ensure a powerful and efficient seat height position. Sitting on your bike, rest your heal on your pedal when it is in the lowest (6 O'clock) position.

You need to check two things now and you will need another person to assist with this. Check that your leg is fully and comfortably extended. At the same time, when viewed from behind, your hips should be level. If required, adjust the seat height to achieve the ideal balance of full leg extension and level hip placement. When this is resolved, returning you foot the usual cleated cycling position should achieve the correct amount of knee bend.

One Extra! - Bar Drop

The position of the bars relative to the seat. This is the bike fit positioning that can cause a lot of trouble and one that we recommend determining over time and with the assistance of a professional bike fitter.

If you are new to cycling with average fitness and flexibility, err on the side of positioning your bars at the top of the steerer with one spacer above the stem. This will allow options to lower the bars over time as your fitness, flexibility and riding continue to evolve.

Does this position influence which size bike to purchase? That should be a secondary consideration after first determining which frame geometry is appropriate for you. If your flexibility is limited (or not what it used to be), you may be best to consider a frame with endurance geometry to ensure a higher front end and a more relaxed position on the bike. 

Trek Madone SL6 & SL7 Geometry Diagram

Trek Madone SL6 & SL7 Geometry Chart

Trek madone sizes  50,  52,  54,  56,  58,  60,  62.

 Trek Madone SL6 & SL7   Size Chart

The following chart provides a rule of thumb approach to determine your bike size based on your height. This is a simple approach to a complex situation, but it is accurate in the majority of cases. Of course, the length of your limbs is not factored into the table below and long or short limbs or torso can play a big role in determining the right bike size for you. 

Trek Madone sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62

Compare to your bike .

If you already own a road bike and are happy with the fit. It is good to know you bike fit basics by measuring your seat height, reach, and bar drop.

Seat Height  - Your seat height is the distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to top of the saddle when running the tape parallel to the seat post. See the purple line in the diagram above.

Bar Reach   - The distance from the front tip of saddle to centre of the bars (where the stem cap contacts with the stem). Keep the tape running parallel to ground. See the green line in the diagram above. 

Bar Drop   - The handlebar drop is the distance from the centre of the bars to the centre of the hub. See the red line in the diagram above.

Once you have these recorded, you can then quickly check how your bike setup will work with the bike you are test riding, renting or just throwing a leg over in a store. 

About Livelo

We don't sell new road bikes, but we do work with a lot of bike brands across our global road bike rental business. We fit thousands of our clients on bikes each year across a broad range of brands and road models. Based on this experience we know there are lots of great bikes available in todays market, but getting that one that is just right for you is a complex. You have to satisfy, the body, the head and the heart.

We are happy to give you some unbiased advice on your road bike needs. We won't be trying to sell you a bike, we will be trying to be helpful. You can contact us here if you would like to talk bikes, 

We do have Trek Madone's available for rent/test ride a in Thousand Oaks , San Mateo , Arlington, Washington, and Canberra  and can help out in many cities in addition to this. Just reach out. 

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2023 Trek Emonda Size Charts and Guide

This guide provides a detailed sizing chart to help you find the correct Trek Emonda size.

The current model has an H1.5 fit, which Trek claims is the optimal race position for racers . The aggressive geometry places you in a lower and more stretched position than the H2 fit, found on the Emonda ALR.

According to Trek, they introduced a smaller frame (size 47) to cater to a broader range of riders, regardless of gender, body type, riding style, or ability since 2020. The Trek Emonda is now available in eight frame sizes for cyclists from 5’0″ to 6’5″ (152 to 195cm) tall.

Other factors to consider beyond height

Here are important things to consider from my experience working at the bike shop, helping hundreds of customers get their right bike size.

Sizing is different across brands

It’s important to understand that bike sizing isn’t universal across brands. While Trek labels its road bikes with numbers like 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62, these might differ compared to brands like Cervelo or Specialized. 

Always ensure you’re comparing like-for-like when considering sizes across different brands.

Understand the frame’s stack and reach measurements 

Two critical measurements come into play; Stack and Reach to truly compare like-for-like between brands.

If you have a bike that fits you well and is comfortable, use that as a reference point. Find out its Stack and Reach measurements and compare them against the Trek Emonda’s. Pick the closest size.

• Stack is the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube. Stack height influences how high your handlebars will be relative to your saddle. A higher stack leads to a more upright riding position, which can be more comfortable, especially for longer rides, older riders, and those with less flexibility on the lower back.
• Reach is the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the center of the head tube. It determines how stretched or compact your riding position will be. A longer reach results in a more stretched-out, aggressive riding posture, while a shorter reach promotes a more upright position.

The Stack and Reach measurements are on the frame geometry chart below.

Inseam is another key measurement

Your inseam plays a pivotal role in determining the right bike size. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring it accurately.

• Stand barefoot with your back against a wall, feet 6 to 8” apart.
• Place a book spine upwards between your legs, ensuring it’s snug against your crotch.
• Step away, keeping the book in position.
• Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the book spine.

For a visual guide, here’s a video demonstrating the process.

In-between sizes? Here’s what to do

Compared to road bike brands , the Trek Emonda sizing chart is relatively easy to understand. Nevertheless, there will be some cyclists that fall precisely on the upper end of the smaller size and lower end of the larger size.

If that’s you, there are many things to consider, such as your legs-to-torso proportions and the final look of the bike, taking into consideration the number of spacers, stem length, and the amount of exposed seatpost.

Generally, I’d recommend sizing down for most cyclists.

Here’s why. 

It’s easier to make a smaller frame bigger than vice versa. The smaller frame has more room to extend reach, and increase stack. However, there is a limit to these corrective measures to avoid having too many spacers (30mm+) or too much exposed seatpost, which makes the bike look out of proportion.

The smaller frame is also stiffer, more maneuverable, and marginally lighter. If set up right, it’ll have more exposed seatpost, leading to more comfort due to increased seatpost flex.

If you have a normal legs-to-torso proportion, opting for the smaller size would be a better choice.

• If you have longer legs with a shorter torso , consider sizing up to avoid having too much exposed seatpost.
• If you have short legs with a longer torso , consider sizing down and using a longer stem to extend reach.

Try before you buy

Visit your local Trek dealer to test different sizes to get a feel for what suits you best. Most large and reputable Trek dealers can provide a test ride if they have the bike in your size in their demo fleet.

Trek Emonda frame geometry (2017-2023)

The geometry chart below applies to all Trek Emonda frames from the following:

• Years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
• Models: Trek Emonda SLR 9, 7, 6, SL 7, 6, 5
• Frame material: Carbon

Learn more about what the frame geometry measurements mean here.

Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.

If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.

Mr. Mamil's content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content is not a substitute for official or professional advice. Please do your own due diligence.

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Bike Frame Size Chart

Trek Bike Size Charts

By bicycle type:

Trek Mountain Bike Size Chart

• Trek Road Bike Size Chart

Trek Hybrid Bike Size Chart

By bicycle model:

• Trek Domane Size Chart
• Trek Madone Size Chart
• Trek Emonda Size Chart
• Trek Checkpoint Size Chart

Trek Speed Concept Size Chart

• Trek Marlin Size Chart

Trek Supercaliber Size Chart

• Trek Slash Size Chart

Trek Dual Sport Size Chart

Trek fx size chart.

These charts are based upon official Trek website sizing guide for hybrid & city, MTB and road bicycles. Take the charts below as a general guide and check the sizing calculator on the Trek's website for official results.

The Trek bike size chart, taking into account both height and inseam measurements, offers cyclists a comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect bike size for their body proportions. By considering both of these factors, riders can ensure an optimal fit and maximize their comfort and performance on the bike. Height and inseam helps determine the frame size. This chart enables cyclists to find the ideal frame size, for a comfortable riding position. With the Trek bike size chart by height and inseam chart, cyclists can confidently choose a bike that suits their body measurements and enhances their cycling experience.

Most important difference in mtb frames is the frame full suspension or hardtail. Trek offers bikes from both categories and have even more mtb bike types to offer.

Trek Road Bike Sizing

Trek road bicycles are being made in four different categories, depending on the riders needs. Aero road bikes have excellent aerodynamics and they are the choice for riders who are looking for speed and performance. Lightweight road bikes are excellent climbers and all-around bicycles. Endurance road bikes are built for those riders who spend a lot of time in the saddle, their intended use is to make riders as much as comfortable as possible during the long hours of riding. Gravel road bikes are for use on gravel and dirt roads.

Hybrid, as name states, brings a mixture of a road bike and mountain bike. They tend to have narrower tires than mountain bike and usually they have a front suspension (but sometimes comes with rigid fork too). Hybrid frames falls into the specific category between road and mtb bikes. They never come with drop bar, which differs them from road bicycles. They are ok choice for commuting and excellent one for casual fitness riders.

City bikes, as their name say, are intended for urban use on paved, asphalted roads. Main use is for transport and not for recreational riding.

Trek Domane Sizing

Trek madone sizing, trek emonda size guide, trek checkpoint sizing, trek marlin sizing guide.

For models: Marlin 2, Marlin 4, Marlin 5, Marlin 6, Marlin 7 and Marlin 8

Trek Slash Sizing Guide

For models: Dual Sport 1, Dual Sport 2 and Dual Sport 3

For models: FX 1, FX 1 Stagger, FX 1 Disc, FX 1 Disc Stagger, FX 2 Disc, FX 1 Disc Stagger, FX 3 Disc, FX 3 Disc Stagger, FX Sport 4, FX Sport 5, FX Sport 6, 7.1 FX, 7.2 FX, 7.3 FX and 7.4 FX

Trek Bikes Sizing Guide

Words by Beth Noy on 01/03/2016 12:02:00

The right size bike for your body size is essential to ensure the optimum experience, comfort and enjoyment as you ride. With sizing varying between the type of bike and even the model, we’ve compiled a handy guide to Trek Bikes to help you get the correct size…

Trek Mountain Bike Sizing Guide

Trek road bike sizing guide, trek hybrid bike sizing guide, how to measure yourself, measure your height.

Our handy size charts match your height to the appropriate frame size so you need to be sure you’ve measured your height accurately.

• Take off your shoes and stand with your back against a wall.
• Make sure legs are together and your shoulders are back.
• Place a pencil on top of your head and mark the wall (the best and easiest way to do this properly is with a friend to help you).
• Measure from the floor to the pencil mark you have just made with a tape measure.

Range of Reach

For most people to get the right frame size, measuring your height will suffice. However, you may find that your height is on the borderline of the range we suggest for a particular frame. If this occurs you need to measure the range of your reach or “Ape Index”. This will ensure you get a comfortable distance between the handlebars and your saddle.

• Stand up straight with your back against a wall.
• Life your arms out horizontally either side of you.
• Measure the distance from fingertip of one hand to fingertip of the other. This will give you your arm span.
• Subtract your height from this figure to get your Ape Index.
• If the result is positive (your arm span is greater than your height) you should go for the larger size of bike.
• If the result is negative (your arm span is less than your height you need the smaller size.

Stand Over Height

You should also consider your inside leg measurement when choosing your bike to ensure adequate stand over height. Stand over height is the clearance between the top tube and the bottom of your crotch. For mountain bikes we recommend a distance of 2-4 inches and for road or hybrid bikes 1-2 inches of clearance is required. This will ensure comfort when you’re stopped and standing astride the bike.

Our bike sizing charts take stand over height into consideration but if you have a particularly long or short inside leg measurement in relation to your height you will need to bear this in mind when selecting your frame size.

Riding Style

The way you ride and the type of bike you are into will also impact the frame size you should choose. For example, a trail devotee looking for an aggressive ride may prefer a smaller, more manoeuvrable bike size. It all comes down to personal preference and how the bike feels to you.

Our sizing charts aim to be as specific as possible so you can look up the particular type, make and model of bike you’re looking for. Remember, the sizes given in our guides are suggestions and should be used for general advice only. For the best possible fit  we recommend popping in to your local Leisure Lakes Bikes store, or call 0800 083 0888 for expert advice tailored to you.

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Trek Bikes Size Guide

Need to know what frame size you need for your next Trek bike? Checkout the sizing chart below:

To view the latest Trek Bikes:  click here.

This chart use measurements suggested by Trek Bikes:

• Trek Remedy Size Guide Chart
• Trek Slash Size Guide Chart
• Trek Fuel EX Size Guide Chart            
• Trek Rail Size Guide Chart
• Trek Fuel EXE Size Guide Chart
• Trek Powerfly Size Guide Chart
• Trek Top Fuel Size Guide Chart
• Trek Proclaimer Size Guide Chart
• Trek Supercaliber Size Guide Chart
• Trek X-Caliber Size Guide Chart
• Trek Allant+ Size Guide Chart

 For further advice about sizing  please contact us using the form below

What size bike do I need? A comprehensive bike size guide

How to decode a geometry chart to find the right size bike for you

Head tube angle

Seat tube angle.

The most crucial factor when buying a bike is to make sure the frame fits. Just like how you might wear a size 10 shoe in Nike and a 10.5 in Adidas, there is no standardisation when it comes to bike frames, and sizing can vary drastically from brand to brand. Worse, trying to decode a geometry chart for some can be as hard as wrapping their heads around quantum physics.

While minor adjustments can be made with stem length and saddle setback, ultimately if a bike frame is too big or small, the amount of available adjustment won't be great enough, and it will influence the bike's handling characteristics as well as cause issues when it comes to comfort. This is especially true when riding one of the best road bikes because you will essentially maintain that same position for the duration of the ride, and if it’s wrong, you’re in for many hours of pain — the bad kind, that is.

What makes things even more complicated is that people are built differently; some people have short torsos and long legs, while others have a long torso and short legs. This means two people who are the same height might not fit on the same bike.

While we can’t offer a specific chart that will tell you exactly what size frame will be perfect for the dimensions of your body, what we can do is help to demystify the numbers on the geometry chart and show you how to use them to figure out the right size for you.

Luckily, the components on a bike do allow for a little bit of leeway. Saddles usually have around 7cm of fore-aft adjustability, stems can be swapped for shorter or longer versions with shallower or steeper angles that raise or lower the handlebars, and most of the best road handlebars can be bought in a choice of around five different widths. Cranks can be swapped for shorter or longer lengths, many seatposts are available in a couple of shapes that adjust their bend, known as 'layback', and some bikes even come with flip chips that adjust the geometry. 

However, don't think that gives you a free ride when deciding which size bike you need. Just like how a house with poor foundations will fall, if your bike's foundation - the frame - is incorrect, you're setting yourself up for a bad time. 

Bike geometry

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

A geometry chart comprises measurements of almost everything to do with the frame. Some of these numbers are extremely helpful in gauging whether a frame will fit your body or not, while others can be ignored entirely. Here's a rundown of the important numbers, and what they mean. 

Top tube length and effective top tube length

When we request bikes in for review, the first figure we look at is the top tube length or, more often, the effective top tube length. This is the length from the head tube to the seat tube and is the measurement most brands base their sizing around. 

The top tube and effective top tube length can differ because of the modern compact or semi-compact geometry bikes. Old school road bikes see a completely horizontal top tube, while the top tube on most modern bikes slopes downward. This can increase the length of the physical section of tubing but does not increase the actual distance between the head- and seat tubes.

The top tube relates directly to your arm and torso length, and it is a figure that doesn’t leave a ton of leeway to be fixed. If you have a bike with a top tube that is too short or too long, small deficits can be remedied with a new stem of different length. Realistically there is about 20mm of leeway shorter or longer than a stock road bike stem, any longer or shorter, and you will drastically change the handling characteristics of your bike.

Reach is a slightly more difficult measurement to get your head around and refers to the horizontal distance from your bottom bracket to the top of the head tube.

If you were to draw a line from the centre of the bottom bracket straight up through the frame and one from the centre of the head tube back; 'reach' is the horizontal distance between the head tube and the vertical line.

Reach is the key measurement for mountain bikes as the majority of your time on the bike will be in a standing position, with your saddle well behind your body, making the length from the head tube to the seat tube somewhat irrelevant — because you’re not actually sitting on the seat.

For road riders, reach tells us exactly how far you have to ‘reach’ to grab the handlebars and is not subject to wonky measuring and sizing practices between brands. Because of this, it is one of the two key figures to determine how one bike compares to another.

For example, a Trek Emonda has a reach of 386mm in a size 54cm frame, a Specialized Tarmac SL7 has a reach of 387mm also in a size 54cm, and a Scott Addict RC has a reach of 389mm in size 54cm. While the difference is only a few millimetres, each one of these race bikes, which are supposed to be the same size, are actually a little bit different. 

Stack is the other key sizing figure which denotes the vertical distance between the bottom bracket and the centre of the head headtube — measured using the same imaginary line that we drew straight up out of the bottom bracket when we measured reach. 

The frame stack height measurement tells us how upright or aggressive a rider's position will be on the bike. Racers tend to prefer a shorter stack because it allows them to get their handlebars low to remain lower, more aerodynamic, and shift more weight over the front wheel for cornering. Endurance and beginner riders are usually better suited to taller stacks because it allows for a more upright, comfortable position. 

Small adjustments to the overall stack height can, of course, be made by using angled stems and spacers, but again, this is not unlimited.

For example, Cannondale’s endurance bike, the Synapse, has a frame stack of 570mm in size 54, while the SuperSix Evo race bike measures 554mm in the same size.

Other important measurements

When choosing the right size for you, the measurements above will be the go-to numbers, however, if you find yourself between sizes, or you want to choose between two similar-sized bikes from different manufacturers, the following measurements can help when it comes into the nuanced differences that will affect the ride feel, stability, handling and more. 

Seat tube length and standover height

Seat tube length is one of the more simple measurements on a bike and is the distance between the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube (excluding the seatpost, which is adjustable, of course). 

In the olden days, bikes were sized based on their seat tube length because it was usually the same as the top tube length; this was before the introduction of sloping top tubes and compact frame geometries. While a select few brands, like De Rosa, still size their bikes based on seat tube length, most use the top tube length, if they haven’t opted for t-shirt style small/medium/large sizing. 

Seat tube length is still relevant, however, as it provides an insight into a bike's standover height. Too high a standover height, and your bike may leave you with a bruised undercarriage when you stop and climb off. There really isn’t such a thing as too low a standover height; modern mountain bikes are the perfect example of this. That said, as seat tube length and standover height are proportional to the rest of a bike’s geometry, it may signify the need for a bigger frame.

The head tube angle of a bike doesn’t actually tell us anything about the size of a bike, but instead provides an insight into its handling characteristics; although as with everything else, it's not the only determining factor. Fork rake, trail, stem length, handlebar width, chainstay length, and even BB height and drop all affect how a bike handles. 

A steeper head angle will be a higher number, offering sharper, more responsive handling, and delicate inputs can illicit mid-corner line changes. With the handling being so light, bikes with steep head angles can sometimes feel nervous at high speed. A slacker head angle (lower number), on the other hand, will be more stable, especially at speed, but will require a bit more gusto to change your line.

Race bikes generally see head tube angle between 72.5 and 73 degrees, endurance bikes are often between 70 and 72 degrees, and cyclocross bikes usually range from 70 to 71 degrees — of course, there are outliers in every category.

The seat tube angle is, you guessed it, the angle of the top of the seat tube, relative to the centre of the bottom bracket.

Usually, on smaller bikes, the seat tube angle will be a bit steeper as riders with shorter legs need to be closer to the BB than riders with longer legs.

On mountain bikes, seat tube angles have increased dramatically as the geometries have become more progressive to help riders maintain traction on steep and technical climbs. On the other hand, road bikes have remained relatively stable, clocking in around 74-degrees, give or take a few degrees depending on the size and style of bike. 

While the seat angle of a frame is set, adjustments can be made via a setback seat post or the fore and aft on the saddle rails. The position you’re shooting for is to have your knee directly above your pedal axle with the crank when your foot is at the three o’clock position.

Bike geometry comparison

One problem we face when buying a bike is that each brand lays out its geometry charts in a different way, and this makes comparing two bikes from two separate brands difficult. Expand that to five bikes from five brands and you can get lost in the numbers in no time. 

Thankfully, we clearly weren't alone in finding it a headache, as a few clever people have built tools that simplify bike geometry comparison. 

Our go-to choice is Geometry Geeks , where you can simply search for the bikes you wish to select, hit compare, and it will bring up a standardised table that allows you to easily see the differences between your chosen frames. Others such as Bike Insights and Velogic Fit provide a similar solution. 

So what does this all mean?

We have thrown quite a lot of general information at you here, and hopefully, you’re better equipped to decode the geometry chart of that new bike you’ve been lusting over.

But how do you take this information and figure out what size bike is right for you? Below is a basic size chart based on rider height to get you within the ballpark.

Bike size guides

Remember, that table is only providing a rough ballpark. To get a better idea of what size bike you need to choose, you should consult the size guides provided by the brand you're looking to buy. Online retailers like Competitive Cyclist, Jenson USA, and Bicycles Online also have pretty good sizing calculators that provide you with a decent starting point. However, even armed with this information, you should still only use it as a guide. The geometry charts are the true determiner of whether or not a bike will fit, and if so, how it will fit.

You will notice that we have only included effective top tube length in the sizing chart above, and have not included the t-shirt style sizing employed by some brands. This is because even among those that use small/medium/large to size their bikes, there is no standardisation. For example, a size M Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc has an effective top tube length of 555mm while size M Ridley Helium SLX disc has a top tube length of 565mm — the size small has an effective top tube of 545mm. If you look at our basic size chart above, these fall into two different height categories. So if you are 5ft 9in tall, like this writer, you would ride a size M Giant and a size S Ridley.

The best way to find out if a bike fits is to go down to your local bike shop to try a few out and see what feels right. If possible, go and get a professional bike fit before you pull the trigger, or at the very least, get your local bike shop to help you choose the right size. 

If you want to maximise your comfort and efficiency, our bike fit guide explains all the areas that can be adjusted to improve your comfort. Alternatively, a professional bike fit on your own bike will help you to dial everything from your saddle height to how many spacers you need down to the millimetre. 

Now you've got the tools at your disposal, check out our guide to the best road bikes and pick the right bike for you.

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Based on the Gold Coast of Australia, Colin has written tech content for cycling publication for a decade. With hundreds of buyer's guides, reviews and how-tos published in Bike Radar, Cyclingnews, Bike Perfect and Cycling Weekly, as well as in numerous publications dedicated to his other passion, skiing. 

Colin was a key contributor to Cyclingnews between 2019 and 2021, during which time he helped build the site's tech coverage from the ground up. Nowadays he works full-time as the news and content editor of Flow MTB magazine. 

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Results have arrived, what size road bike do i need how to get road bike sizing right.

Road bikes come in sizes for nearly any rider, tall, short, and in-between. Our road bike sizing guide helps you sort out the size you need, whether you want an all-around road bike, an aero bike, a commuter bike, or even a gravel bike.

Written by: Janeen McCrae

Published on: Jun 23, 2021

Posted in: Guides

Like cyclists, road bikes come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find nimble climbers, full-throttle sprinters, and ‘round-town daily drivers. To maximize your riding enjoyment, your bike needs to be the mechanical yin to your physical yang.

If you've been looking for a beginner's guide to road bike sizing, well you've come to the right place.

[button] Shop road bikes [/button]

Why pick a road bike?

Whether you are descending smooth tarmac, exploring backroads less traveled, or simply committing to that one-less-car lifestyle, road bikes are freedom machines. Unlike mountain bikes , which find their sweet spot on twisty singletrack and steep rock gardens, road bikes are born to shine on paved or mixed road surfaces.

Why does road bike size matter?

Not to sound too dramatic, but an ill-fitting bike can become a two-wheeled torture machine. Frame size affects your body position as you ride, and small things (like having to stretch to reach the bars, or poor knee positioning over the pedals), can make the whole experience miserable. Back pain, knee pain, numb hands, and more — all can be caused by imperfect bike size.

To get started on this journey to pain-free riding and maximized fun-time, you’ll need some numbers. Manufacturers will often provide sizing guides online — match your height against a chart and see the suggested size range — so let’s get measuring.

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Finding the measurements you’ll need

Grab a friend (trust us, this makes it easier), and note the numbers you’ll need to help determine your road bike size: height, inseam, and arms.

How to measure your height

First, take off your shoes. Now stand with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Get your friend to lay a ruler lightly on the top of your head, straight back to the wall, and mark it. Now measure from the mark to the floor and note the numbers in total inches or centimeters.

How to measure your inseam

Standover is a word that means what it says — it’s the distance between your crotch and top tube when you “stand over” the bike. If your bike's standover height is too tall, it will feel too big. You might not be able to put a foot down when you come to a stop, and it can cause real a reach ouchie emergency to your … let’s just say undercarriage. For newer riders, it's nice to have at minimum 1" of clearance. To help ensure your standover height will be adequate, you will need your inside leg measurement. You’ll also need a book. Steps to getting your inseam digits: 1. Just like with height, take off your shoes and stand with your back against the wall, feet 6-8 inches apart 2. Take a book, place the spine between your legs and side it up to meet your crotch. Imagine you’re riding the book. No, you don’t look stupid! 3. Mark the wall where the top of the book touches the wall 4. Measure from that mark to the floor and you have your measurement

How to measure the reach of your arms

Height and inseam measurements will put you in the sizing ballpark, but some will end up in between sizes. If so, prioritize your upper body dimensions, which determine your reach, to decide if you should go up or down a size for the best fit. To calculate reach (how stretched out or cramped you are when you reach for the handlebars), you will need to know what’s called your “Ape Index” measurement. This is the measurement of the ratio of your arm span relative to your height.

How to measure your “Ape Index”

1. Stand against the wall and spread your arms out straight from your shoulders on either side 2. Get your friend to mark the tip of the longest finger of each hand on the wall and measure that distance 3. Take the length of your maximum arm span and subtract your height 4. If the number is positive, choose the larger frame size 5. If the number is negative, choose the smaller frame size

A picture-perfect frame

Head tube angle, reach and stack — these are just a few of the measurements that go toward creating the geometry of your bicycle. Take a deep dive into how bike geometry works here , but in a nutshell, frame geometry affects not just how you fit the bicycle, but ride characteristics, too, such as handling, comfort, and responsiveness.

Because of the nuances of frame angles across the different kinds of road bikes, it pays to look at the numbers and compare bikes against each other in your hunt for your perfect ride.

The difference between men and women’s bike geometry and sizing

Some manufacturers have women’s specific road bikes with different geometries. Along with the women’s specific components you’ll often find on these bikes (narrower handlebars and saddles designed for women’s anatomy, for example), when it comes to the frame itself, the top tube will typically be shorter. Why? On average, women have longer legs and shorter torsos when compared to men of the same height — a shorter top tube results in a reach that will likely fit more women.

In general, women’s specific frames also come in smaller sizes. When determining if you’d benefit from a bike designed with women in mind, follow the same measurement protocols featured in this guide to help make that call.

[button] READ THE WOMEN'S BIKE BUYER'S GUIDE [/button]

Different types of road bikes

Road bikes come in many flavors, each catering to a specific purpose. From epic mountain climbs to city streets to bone-jarring gravel, there’s no shortage of ways to scratch your cycling itch. But it’s not just the desired experience that sets these road bikes apart from each other — it’s geometry. Consider both when choosing your bike.

From weekend warriors to racers throwing down in a crit, these are the bikes you think of when you think Tour de France or full-lycra kit. The geometry of a race or race-inspired road bike will be more aggressive (think steeper frame angles and shorter rear ends) to offer a stiffer, more responsive handling experience as you’re chasing down the breakaway or attacking on a climb. Examples: Giant TCR , Trek Emonda , Specialized Tarmac , Liv Avail

Designed for those who like to maximize their wattage and minimize their wind resistance, this is where geometries and tube shapes can get quite aggressive. An aero-focused road bike’s geometry will put your body into a lower, more stretched-out position to reduce drag. Steeper steering angles, stiffer rear ends for more responsive handling, and aerodynamic tube shapes make these bikes ‘slippery’ in the wind but may sacrifice comfort in the process. Are aero road bikes actually faster? Examples: Specialized Venge , Pinarello Dogma , Trek Madone , Cervelo S5 , Cannondale SystemSix

Endurance/Sportive bikes

With comfortable riding positions that help you tap out mile-after-mile in relative comfort, endurance or sportive bikes have a more relaxed geometry and greater stack to deliver a more upright ride position which reduces stress on the body. Lower bottom brackets and a longer wheelbase will help to improve stability overall. Examples: Cannondale Synapse , Specialized Roubaix , Trek Domane , Canyon Endurace , Giant Defy Why you should ride an endurance road bike .

Gravel bikes

Gravel is the new hotness! Built with geo tweaks such as a more relaxed ride position, lower bottom bracket, and longer wheelbase to improve ride comfort on the rough stuff. Some gravel bikes will also incorporate ride-damping technologies to help smooth bumps and reduce fatigue, and wider tire clearance to fit beefier, gravel-grinding tires to help you take it off-road on your mixed-terrain ride. Examples:   Santa Cruz Stigmata , Canyon Grail , Specialized Diverge ,  Giant Revolt

[button] Shop gravel bikes [/button]

Commuter/Hybrid bikes

Road bikes with commutes or errands on their minds feature geometries and frame qualities that are versatile. Once again, many will have a more upright ride position to keep you comfortable and have a longer wheelbase to provide a more grounded, stable ride. The frame itself is designed to handle the weight of panniers, racks, and fenders. Examples: Trek Super Commuter , Spot Brand Acme , Raleigh Sprite

Electric bikes

Our pedal-assist friends are seeping their way into all varieties of road bikes. You’ll find electric bike versions of bikes to commute on, step-through errand runners equipped with panniers and racks, more recreational cruiser-type hybrids, and even high-performance road bikes. Geometries of these bikes are matched to the ride experience and follow similar guidelines as the aforementioned road bike types but have to also take into account the addition of a battery and motor to the frame or rear wheel. Examples: BMC AlpenChallenge , Trek Domane+ , Specialized Turbo Creo

[button] Shop e-bikes [/button]

How bike weight impacts your ride

The lighter your bike, the more efficiently and quicker you’ll climb or accelerate off the line and out of corners. Conversely, while a heavier bike may feel more stable or handle more predictably, it will slow down your rate of acceleration particularly when climbing — it’s a drag, literally.

Putting ride characteristics aside, take the weight of your bike into consideration if you know you’ll be regularly hauling it upstairs for storage, or lifting it in and out of racks (on public transport, for example).

But how much does bike weight really matter? Read our article to find out .

Choosing the right bike size for you

Road bikes are super fun smile-making machines, and the best way to guarantee you get that experience is knowing the ins and outs of how to find one that fits. While knowing your measurements and desired ride experience will help narrow down your bike size, a little knowledge of the nuances of frame geometry will also go a long way on this journey to your perfect ride partner. It’s also worth noting that smaller tweaks to fit can be made by adjusting your bike fit with a professional bike fitter , who can help fine-tune your body position on your sweet new ride.

See you on the road.

Our   Ride Guides   love helping people find the right bike and gear. If you have any questions, give us a call at  1-866-401-9636  and we'll help you out!

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Trek Size Guide

The right size bike for your body size is essential to ensure the optimum experience, comfort and enjoyment as you ride. With sizing varying between the type of bike and even the model, we’ve compiled a handy guide to Trek Bikes to help you get the correct size.

Browse different models & disciplines below or try out Trek’s Size Finder !

The charts below show recommended sizes based on height, but there are some other factors, like arm and leg length, that determine a great fit. That’s why you’ll see some overlap in Trek’s recommendations. Not every rider who’s 5´8˝, for example, will fit on the same size bike.

The best way to find your perfect fit is to consult an expert at your local Leisure Lakes Bikes store!

Trek Men’s Mountain Bike Size Guide

Rail & E-Caliber

Slash, X-Caliber, Procaliber, Roscoe, Remedy, Fuel & Top Fuel

Trek Men’s Fat Bike Size Guide

Trek Men’s Commute/Hybrid Size Guide

Allant, Verve, Dual Sport, District & FX (excluding FX Sport)

Trek Men’s Road Bike Size Guide

Domane, Emonda, Madone & Checkpoint

Trek Women’s Mountain Bike Size Guide

Trek Women’s Commute/Hybrid Bike Size Guide

Verve+ (For Allant, Dual Sport & FX, please see Men’s Sizing)

Roscoe, Wahoo & Kickster

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