Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

A Novara bike size chart gives you a starting frame size based on your height, but it works best when you also check your inseam and test the fit in person. This guide walks you through the measurements that matter, how to read the chart, and what to look for when you ride. By the end, you should know which frame size to start with and how to confirm it before you commit.

Why the Novara Size Chart Is Only a Starting Point

Novara sells bikes across several categories, including hybrids, commuter bikes and mountain bikes, and each category can run slightly differently in geometry. A chart is built around average proportions, so two riders who are the same height can need different frames depending on leg length and torso length. Treat the chart as a shortlist generator, not a final answer.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Road Bike Shoe Size Charts (2026): Expert Picks.

Step 1: Measure Your Height and Inseam

Start with two numbers. Your height gives a broad frame range, and your inseam narrows it.

  1. Stand barefoot against a wall with your heels about 2 inches apart and measure from the floor to the top of your head.
  2. For inseam, stand with your back against a wall, place a hardcover book between your legs, and press it up snugly against your crotch. Measure from the top of the book to the floor.
  3. Write both numbers in inches. Most size charts list height in feet and inches and sometimes inseam separately, so keep both handy.

Step 2: Read the Chart Against Your Measurements

Find the row that matches your height, then check whether your inseam falls within the range listed for that row. If your height points to one size and your inseam points to the next size down, the smaller frame often feels more comfortable for riders with longer legs relative to their torso. If you ride mostly for fitness, lean toward the frame where you can comfortably reach the handlebars without stretching.

Measurement What it tells you
Height Gives a general frame range
Inseam Helps confirm standover clearance
Frame size (in inches or letters) The starting point to test ride

Step 3: Check Standover and Reach on the Bike

Charts cannot show how a frame feels, so confirm the fit by testing it.

  • Standover: Straddle the top tube with both feet flat. You should have about 1 inch of clearance for a road or hybrid bike and 2 to 3 inches for a mountain bike.
  • Saddle height: With the pedal at the bottom of its stroke, your leg should be almost straight, with a slight bend at the knee.
  • Reach: In a relaxed riding position, your hands should rest on the grips without your back feeling strained or your shoulders hunched.

Step 4: Adjust What You Can Adjust

Small changes can improve fit within a frame size. Raise or lower the saddle, change the stem length or angle, and adjust the saddle fore and aft. A bike shop can make these changes quickly and check your fit for you, which is often worth the visit for a first purchase. If you are between sizes and still unsure, ask the shop which direction they would go for your riding style.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing a frame based only on height and ignoring inseam.
  • Buying a bike that is too large because it feels like room to grow.
  • Skipping the test ride and checking standover only on paper.
  • Setting the saddle too low, which strains the knees and reduces pedaling efficiency.
  • Assuming a size in one Novara model matches the same size in another category.

A few accessories make a first Novara fit easier to check at home.

  • Bike stand: A stand lets you raise the bike and adjust saddle height without balancing it on your own. View on Amazon
  • Hex and Allen key set: Needed for saddle and stem adjustments during fitting. View on Amazon
  • Digital angle finder or inclinometer: Helps you check saddle and handlebar angles more precisely. View on Amazon

If you are new to riding, it also helps to read about general fit principles in our guide to Women's Bike Size Chart: How to Find Your Right Frame Fit and the broader overview in Women's Hybrid Bike Size Chart: How to Find Your Right Frame Size if you are comparing hybrid frames.

FAQ

Should I size up or down if I am between two Novara sizes?

Riders with a longer inseam relative to their torso often prefer the smaller frame, while riders who want a more stretched-out position may choose the larger one. Test both if you can, and let your comfort on the bike make the final call.

Does the Novara size chart work for kids or teens?

Charts built for adults do not apply to children, whose proportions and growth rates differ. Measure the child and use a youth-specific chart, and consult a bike shop if you are unsure about safe fit.

Can a bike shop change the fit after I buy?

Most shops will adjust saddle height, stem and handlebar position at little or no charge if you purchased the bike from them. Ask about fitting before you leave the store.

Conclusion

Use the Novara bike size chart as a starting point, pairing your height with your inseam to choose a frame size. Confirm the choice with a standover check and a relaxed reach test on the bike. If something still feels off, a bike shop fitting is a quick way to get it right before your first long ride.

Ready to choose one?

Caleb Morgan

About Caleb Morgan

Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our cycling for beginners guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.