Updated on 9 November 2026. The recommended products are available at the time of the update.
To choose your gravel bike size, measure your height and inside leg, compare them with the model's size chart and check the frame geometry. If you are between sizes, choose the one that lets you comfortably reach the handlebar and brakes while leaving room to move on gravel: the letter S or M alone is not enough.
How to choose
Two people of the same height can have different leg, torso and arm lengths. A height-based chart therefore helps identify the sizes to consider, but does not settle the choice.
- Measure your height: barefoot, with your back against a wall and looking straight ahead.
- Measure your inside leg: barefoot, hold a book between your legs, positioned like a saddle, and measure from the floor to its top edge. Repeat the measurement to check it.
- Consult the chart for the exact model: the brand, model and generation can change what a size means.
- Compare the geometry: check stack, reach and standover height.
- Check your position: you should be able to pedal and use the brakes without fully extending your arms or tensing your shoulders.
Your inside leg measurement helps assess saddle height and clearance above the frame, but does not tell you how stretched out you will be towards the handlebar. A formula that multiplies your inside leg measurement by a coefficient cannot replace the chart and a position check.
Understanding geometry: stack, reach and standover clearance
You do not need to know every frame angle. Start by focusing on these measurements.
- Stack: the vertical distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the top of the head tube. All else being equal, a higher stack makes it easier to achieve a higher handlebar position.
- Reach: the horizontal distance between the same reference points. It helps compare how far the frame extends forwards, but the actual distance to your hands also depends on the stem, handlebar and controls.
- Standover height: the height of the top tube above the ground at the point specified by the manufacturer. Check that you have clearance at your crotch when standing over the bike, especially when stopping on uneven ground.
- Effective top tube length: another useful reference, to be considered alongside the frame angles and reach.
Comfort depends on your overall position, not an individual measurement. Wheelbase and head angle also affect handling: a smaller size does not automatically guarantee more control.
To relate sizing to your intended use, also read Gravel bikes: how to choose the right one.
Size S gravel bikes: what to check on smaller sizes
A size S gravel bike does not correspond to a universal height range. Numerical sizes can also vary considerably: a 46 in one model is not necessarily equivalent to a 46 in another.
On a small size, you need to check both the frame and the fitted components. A XS may still have a handlebar that is too wide for your shoulders or controls that are difficult to reach.
- Minimum saddle height: it must allow you to achieve your position while staying within the specified insertion limits.
- Reach to the controls: try braking from both the hoods and the drops. Check whether the brake lever reach can be adjusted.
- Handlebar width and shape: these should allow a natural grip without forcing your arms too far apart.
- Crank length: check the specification for the build, as it does not always change on smaller sizes.
- Clearance between your shoe and the front wheel: check for possible contact in tight turns at low speed, including with mudguards if fitted.
For a shorter person with relatively long legs, the problem may be a handlebar that is too far away even when the saddle height is correct. In this case, comparing reach and trying the position is particularly useful.
Between two gravel bike sizes: is smaller or larger better?
The right choice is the one that lets you achieve your position with adjustments compatible with the model. Avoid automatically choosing the smaller size for sport and the larger one for comfort.
- Consider the smaller size if the larger one stretches you out too much or leaves too little standover clearance. However, check that the handlebar is not too low and that the seatpost stays within the permitted limits.
- Consider the larger size if the smaller one feels too short or too low at the front. Check that the longer reach does not make reaching the controls a strain.
- For long rides look for a position you can maintain, with relaxed shoulders and without excessive weight on your hands.
- For technical off-road terrain check that you can move around on the bike and brake confidently, including when standing on the pedals.
A different stem can fine-tune your position, but cannot solve every sizing mistake. Do not move the saddle all the way forwards simply to bring the handlebar closer: its position should first be set according to your pedalling.
A practical example: the size guidance for the MMR Simun 50 lists S for 164-175 cm and M for 173-180 cm. At 174 cm, both are worth considering; these ranges should not be applied to other gravel bikes.
If you are looking for a used gravel bike in size M
If you are looking for a used gravel bike in size M in Lombardy or close to home, the location helps you arrange a test ride, but does not change the selection criteria. Before travelling, ask for the model, generation, stated size and geometry: the letter M alone tells you little.
- Check whether the stem, handlebar or seatpost have been replaced.
- Check that your saddle height can be achieved within the components' limits.
- Ask whether the fork steerer has been shortened: this could limit how far the handlebar can be raised.
- During the test ride, check access to the brakes, freedom of movement and your position in the different hand positions.
A well-maintained bike also needs to be the right size for you. For more information on understanding sizing, see How to choose the right road bike size, including for a used bike, taking gravel-specific geometry into account.
Our recommendations, available now
These options from the Gravel Bikes collection provide different points of reference for comparing sizes and specifications. Always check the listed measurements against your body proportions.
Wilier Jena GRX 1x11 Gravel Bike
It suits riders who want to alternate between tarmac and gravel, with a carbon frame and fork and a Shimano GRX 1x11 single-chainring drivetrain. It is available from XS to XL; on XS and S, the handlebar measures 400 mm, compared with 420 mm on M and L and 440 mm on XL.
Megamo Jakar 30 Gravel Bike
It is an option for riders looking for a gravel bike for mixed routes, with an aluminium frame and carbon fork. Sizes range from XS to XL; the build includes Shimano GRX 2x10 and several mounting points for bags and equipment.
MMR Simun 50 SRAM Rival AXS Gravel Bike
It suits riders looking for a sporty gravel bike with a carbon frame and fork, a SRAM Rival AXS groupset and DT Swiss G1800 wheels. The height guidelines list XS for below 165 cm, S for 164-175 cm, M for 173-180 cm and L for 178-195 cm; crank lengths are 165 mm on XS, 170 mm on S and M, and 172.5 mm on L.
MMR X-Tour 10 Gravel Bike
It is designed for riders who cycle on tarmac and gravel and want a carbon frame and fork with 40 mm tyres. The listed sizes are 49-S, 53-M, 56-L and 60-XL: for M, the recommended height in the data is 169-175 cm, a reference specific to this model.
Orbea Terra M30 Team
It is an option in size S and Caramel Carbon colour for riders who alternate between roads and gravel tracks. It pairs a carbon frame and fork with a Shimano GRX RX820 rear derailleur, a crankset with 30x46T chainrings and 700x45c tyres.
For shipping information, see the shipping policy.
Let's find your size together in Casapulla
Evolution Bikes has been a family-run shop since 1974, now in its third generation, in Casapulla, in the province of Caserta. You can visit to discuss a test ride or have your bike adjusted with support from our workshop and bike fitting service; we also service e-bikes.
Bring your height and inside leg measurements and details of the model you are considering, or ask us for advice before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
What height is a size S gravel bike suitable for?
It depends on the model: S has no universal height range. Compare the model-specific chart with your height and inside leg measurements, then check reach, stack and your position at the controls.
How do you measure your inside leg to choose a gravel bike?
Barefoot, hold a book between your legs with its top edge resting as a saddle would. Measure from the floor to that edge and repeat the measurement to check the result.
If I am between two gravel bike sizes, is the smaller or larger one better?
Choose the one that allows a position you can maintain and good access to the brakes without extreme adjustments. The smaller size may have the handlebar too low, while the larger size may be too long: you need to compare the geometry.
Will a used size M gravel bike fit if I already ride a M?
Not necessarily: M varies between models and generations. Compare the geometry and components with your bike and check that your saddle height and handlebar position can be achieved.
