Track Bike/Frame Size Guide

When choosing a bike size there is a number of important factors to consider, in this guide we hope to help you make that decision by simplifying the process however if you require any further advice please do not hesitate to contact us

Now that the majority of Road Bikes feature 'Compact Geometry' with considerable slopes in tubing a 58cm Road Bike is not the same as a 58cm Track Bike. Track Bikes have similar dimensions to a road bike with slight differences in tube lengths and angles for each size in order to give a tighter and more sprint specific feel than the endurance specific geometry of a road bike.

This is due to all Track events covering shorter distances than road events however there are still bikes that are more suited to each type of event on the track, be it sprint, endurance or time-trial specific. If you would like any advice on selecting a bike/frame that is right for your event or type of riding contact us.

When referring to a frame/bike as for example a 54cm Bike/Frame, this measurement is generally either the Top Tube or Seat Tube (see diagram) and the measurement is either taken from Centre to Centre or Centre to Top, these are explained in the diagram below.

Centre to Centre Measurements
Seat Tube - Centre of the Bottom Bracket to Centre of the Seat Tube hole
Top Tube - Centre of the Head Tube to Centre of the Seat Tube hole

Centre to Top Measurements
Seat Tube - Centre of the Bottom Bracket to Top of the Seat Tube hole
Top Tube - End of the Head Tube to Centre of the Seat Tube hole

Bike Diagram


Seat Tube: this is the tube on the frame that the seat post fits into and runs from the Bottom Bracket to the top the top tube and seat stays.

Top tube: The frame tube that runs from the head tube to the seat tube.

Head Tube: The shortest frame tube on the bike which the forks fit through

Seat Stays: The two frame tubes which run from the top of the seat tube to the rear drop outs and chain stays.

Chain Stays: The two frame tubes which run from the bottom bracket to the rear drop outs and seat stays.

Down Tube: Usually the largest of all the frame tubes and runs from the bottom of the head tube to the bottom bracket that generally features the largest manufacturer logo.

Forks: The two tubes that run through the head tube and attach to the front wheel.

An important measurement to consider is the Head Tube, bikes/frames with a smaller head tube will give you a lower profile and a more sprint specific feel, for example a smaller head tube will mean you will be lower down over the front end of your bike, whilst this is great for sprint events and achieving an aerodynamic position for time trials it may prove uncomfortable for endurance events so we suggest you look for a bike/frame with a longer head tube if you are looking to ride endurance events or just training/commuting etc.

We understand that every cyclist is unique and just because you are a certain height and have a certain leg length does not mean you will automatically require the suggested size of bike/frame for your measurements. For example you may have short legs for your height or long arms etc, this can be accounted for with adjustable measurements such as Stem Lengths/Saddle Heights etc.

Saddle height can be used to compensate for a rider who is 5ft 10 and requires a 54cm bike/frame but has very small legs for their height, lowering the seat post can enable them to fit on the correct size bike. Stem length and bar width/height can all be adjusted for a rider who is 5ft 6inches and requires a 52cm bike/frame but has very long legs and short arms for their height, decreasing the stem length and narrowing the bar width can enable to fit on the correct size bike.

Angled stems, saddle position adjustment (forward/back as opposed to height) and headset spacers can also be used to ensure your bike is the perfect size for you, however the most important size is the frame size as the wrong sized frame with a saddle too low/high or stem too short/long can compromise handling ability which for Track Cycling is incredibly important.

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Height

So let's take a look at what size bike/frame is right for your height, sizes mentioned below are meant as a guideline for your height any differences in leg length to the average for each category can be compensated for with seat height unless your leg length is over two inches above or below this average range, if this is the case please contact us for further sizing advice

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4 feet, 5 inchs/134.62 centimetres = 43cm
4 feet, 6 inchs/137.16 centimetres = 43cm
4 feet, 7 inchs/139.70 centimetres = 43cm

Average leg length for this category is 19.8 inches/ 50.29 centimetres, it may also be worth considering 650c wheels for cyclists in this category due to the smaller frame size required

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4 feet, 8 inchs/142.24 centimetres = 46cm
4 feet, 9 inchs/144.78 centimetres = 46cm
4 feet, 10 inchs/147.32 centimetres = 46cm

Average leg length for this category is 24.02 inches/61.01 centimetres, it may also be worth considering 650c wheels for cyclists in this category due to the smaller frame size required

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4 feet, 11 inchs/149.86 centimetres = 49cm
5 feet, 0 inchs/152.40 centimetres = 49cm
5 feet, 1 inchs/154.94 centimetres = 49cm
5 feet, 2 inchs/157.48 centimetres = 49cm

Average leg length for this category is 27 to 29 inches/ 68.58 to 73.66 centimetres

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5 feet, 3 inchs/160.02 centimetres = 50cm
5 feet, 4 inchs/162.56 centimetres = 50cm
5 feet, 5 inchs/165.10 centimetres = 50cm

Average leg length for this category is 28 to 30 inches/71.12 to 76.20 centimetres

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5 feet, 6 inchs/167.64 centimetres = 52cm
5 feet, 7 inchs/170.18 centimetres = 52cm
5 feet, 8 inchs/172.72 centimetres = 52cm

Average leg length for this category is 29 to 31 inches/73.66 to 78.74 centimetres

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5 feet, 9 inchs/175.26 centimetres = 54cm
5 feet, 10 inchs/177.80 centimetres =54cm

Average leg length for this category is 30 to 32 inches/76.20 to 81.28 centimetres

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5 feet, 11 inchs/180.34 centimetres = 56cm
6 feet, 0 inchs/182.88 centimetres = 56cm

Average leg length for this category is 31 to 34 inches/78.74 to 86.36 centimetres

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6 feet, 1 inchs/185.42 centimetres = 58cm
6 feet, 2 inchs/187.96 centimetres = 58cm

Average leg length for this category is 32 to 35 inches/81.28 to 88.90 centimetres

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6 feet, 3 inchs/190.50 centimetres = 60cm
6 feet, 4 inchs/193.04 centimetres = 62cm
6 feet, 5 inchs/195.58 centimetres = 62cm

Average leg length for this category is 34 to 37 inches/86.36 to 93.98 centimetres