Caleb MorganBy Caleb Morgan

Updated November 2026

The louis garneau bike size chart is the starting point for choosing a frame that fits your body. In this guide, you will learn how to read the chart, measure yourself correctly, and check the fit once the bike arrives. Most fit problems come from skipping one of these steps, so it is worth going through all of them before you order.

Step 1: Measure Your Height and Inseam

Size charts are built around two body measurements: your standing height and your inseam. Height gives a general idea of frame size, while inseam tells you whether the top tube and standover will work for you.

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

  1. Stand barefoot against a wall with your heels about 2 inches apart.
  2. Place a flat book firmly on your head, level with the floor, and mark the wall.
  3. Measure from the floor to the mark in centimeters or inches.
  4. For inseam, stand with your back against a wall, place a book between your legs as if it were a saddle, and measure from the top of the book to the floor.

Write both numbers down before you open the chart. Guessing from memory is one of the most common reasons riders end up with the wrong size.

Step 2: Read the Louis Garneau Size Chart

Louis Garneau charts generally list frame sizes such as S, M, L and XL, with matching height ranges and sometimes inseam ranges. Find the row that matches your height, then confirm that your inseam falls within the listed range for that size. If the two measurements point to different sizes, choose the one that matches your inseam, since standover clearance is a safety issue, and then check the reach.

Because charts can vary between road, hybrid and mountain models, always use the chart published for the specific bike you are considering. Manufacturers often specify whether the number refers to the seat tube or the top tube, so read the footnotes.

Step 3: Check Reach and Standover

Once you have a likely size, confirm two things on the bike itself or from the geometry listed by the manufacturer.

  • Standover: Straddle the frame with both feet flat. You should have roughly 1 to 3 inches of clearance for a road bike and more for a mountain bike.
  • Reach: On a road or hybrid frame, your back should be comfortable and your hands should reach the handlebar without strain or locking your elbows.

If you are between two sizes, a shorter reach is usually easier to adjust with a stem change than a taller frame is to shrink, so the smaller size often suits beginners better.

Step 4: Confirm the Fit After Delivery

Even a well-chosen size needs a setup check. Adjust saddle height so your knee has a slight bend, about 25 to 35 degrees, at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Set the saddle level, and raise the handlebars if your back or neck feels strained on your first few rides.

If anything feels wrong after several rides, such as numbness, joint pain or persistent back discomfort, stop and consult a bike fitter or a qualified medical professional.

Quick Sizing Checklist

  1. Measure your height barefoot against a wall.
  2. Measure your inseam with a book.
  3. Match height to the chart, then confirm inseam.
  4. Check standover clearance.
  5. Test reach and handlebar comfort.
  6. Adjust saddle height and fore-aft position.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing a size based on height alone and ignoring inseam.
  • Assuming a Louis Garneau size matches a different brand’s size.
  • Buying a larger frame to “grow into,” which compromises control and standover.
  • Skipping the saddle height adjustment after delivery.
  • Using a chart from a different model year or bike type.

A helmet that fits well matters as much as the frame, so measure your head circumference before ordering one. View on Amazon is a common choice for road and urban riders. A basic View on Amazon makes saddle and handlebar adjustments much easier at home.

If you are comparing options, the guide Women's Road Bike Frame Size Chart: How to Find Your Right Fit covers road fit in more detail, and Women's Hybrid Bike Size Chart: How to Find Your Right Frame Size is useful for commuter and hybrid models. For a broader look at how manufacturers present their numbers, see YT Bike Size Chart: How to Find Your Right Frame Size in 5 Steps.

FAQ

Should I size by height or inseam?

Use both. Height gives a general starting size, but inseam determines whether standover clearance is safe, so if they conflict, prioritize inseam.

Can I size a Louis Garneau bike the same way as other brands?

Not always. Frame sizing varies between manufacturers, so use the chart for the specific model you plan to buy.

What if I am between two sizes?

Choose the size that gives you safe standover and a comfortable reach, then adjust the saddle and stem. A visit to a local bike shop for a fit check can help if you remain unsure.

Conclusion

The louis garneau bike size chart works best when you measure your height and inseam carefully, match both to the correct model chart, and check standover and reach. Take a few minutes to confirm the fit after delivery, and adjust the saddle and handlebars until your first rides feel controlled and comfortable.

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.