Cannondale Size Guide
Cannondale is a premium bicycle manufacturer specialising in high-performance road, mountain, gravel, and commute bikes. The brand's sizing philosophy prioritises precision fitting: the correct frame size is essential for pedalling efficiency, long-term riding enjoyment, and optimal comfort. Cannondale also produces performance cycling apparel using stretch fabrics designed to accommodate a range of body shapes and provide freedom of movement. Whether you're selecting a bike frame or cycling clothing, accurate measurements ensure you'll experience the performance and comfort Cannondale is known for.
How to Measure
- Measure your height: Stand barefoot against a wall with heels touching. Have someone mark the wall at the top of your head, then measure from the floor to the mark in centimetres and feet/inches.
- Measure your inseam: Wearing cycling shorts or trousers, stand with feet hip-width apart. Measure from the inside of your ankle, up the inside of your leg to your groin (the crotch seam of your trousers). This measurement helps confirm frame size, especially if you fall between two height ranges.
- Measure chest (for apparel): Wear a well-fitting shirt. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure parallel to the ground and not too tight.
- Measure waist (for apparel): Measure around your natural waist at the narrowest point, usually where your trousers sit naturally, without pulling the tape tight.
- Measure hips (for apparel): Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, keeping the tape level.
- Consult the product-specific chart: Bike sizing varies between models (road, mountain, commute, gravel), so always reference the exact chart for the bike you are considering.
Bike Frame Sizing
Road & Gravel Bikes (CAAD Optimo, CAAD13, SuperSix EVO, Synapse)
| Rider Height (feet) | Rider Height (cm) | Inseam (cm) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'2"–5'5" | 157–165 | 68–74 | 44–48 |
| 5'3"–5'7" | 160–170 | 75–76 | 48–51 |
| 5'5"–5'9" | 165–175 | 77–79 | 51–54 |
| 5'7"–5'11" | 170–180 | 81–82 | 54–56 |
| 5'10"–6'1" | 177–185 | 84–86 | 56–58 |
| 6'0"–6'4" | 182–193 | 87–90 | 58–61 |
| 6'2"–6'6" | 187–198 | 91–95 | 60–62 |
| 6'5"–6'9" | 195–205 | 92–96 | 62–63 |
Mountain Bikes (Jekyl, Habit, Moterra, Scalpel, Trail, F-Si)
| Rider Height (feet) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4'6"–5'2" | 137–157 | XS |
| 5'1"–5'5" | 154–165 | SM |
| 5'4"–5'9" | 162–175 | MD |
| 5'7"–6'0" | 170–182 | LG |
| 5'11"–6'5" | 180–195 | XL |
| 6'4"–6'8" | 193–203 | XL (larger geo) |
Commute & Hybrid Bikes (Quick, Treadwell)
| Rider Height (feet) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4'10"–5'3" | 147–160 | XS |
| 4'11"–5'6" | 149–167 | SM |
| 5'4"–6'0" | 162–182 | MD |
| 5'9"–6'2" | 175–187 | LG |
| 6'0"–6'5" | 182–195 | XL |
Apparel Sizing
Men's Cycling Apparel
| Size | Chest (inches) | Chest (cm) | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) | Hips (inches) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 31–33 | 78.7–83.8 | 25–27 | 63.5–68.6 | 32–34 | 81.3–86.3 |
| S | 34–36 | 86.4–91.4 | 28–30 | 71.1–76.2 | 35–37 | 89–94 |
| M | 37–39 | 94–99.1 | 31–33 | 78.7–83.8 | 38–40 | 96.5–101.6 |
| L | 40–42 | 101.6–106.7 | 34–36 | 86.4–91.4 | 41–43 | 104.1–109.2 |
| XL | 43–45 | 109.2–114.3 | 37–39 | 94–99.1 | 44–46 | 111.8–116.8 |
| XXL | 46–48 | 116.8–122 | 40–41 | 101.6–104.1 | 47–49 | 119.4–124.4 |
| 3XL | 49–51 | 124.5–129.6 | 42–43 | 106.7–109.2 | 50–52 | 127–132.1 |
Women's Cycling Apparel
| Size | Chest (inches) | Chest (cm) | Waist (inches) | Waist (cm) | Hips (inches) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P (Petite) | 32–33 | 81.3–83.8 | 24–25 | 61–63.5 | 34.5–35.5 | 87.6–90.2 |
| S | 34–35 | 86.4–88.9 | 26–27 | 66–68.5 | 36.5–37.5 | 92.7–95.2 |
| M | 36–37 | 91.4–94 | 28–29 | 71.1–73.7 | 38.5–39.5 | 97.8–100.3 |
| L | 38–39.5 | 96.5–100.3 | 30.5–32 | 77.5–81.3 | 40.5–42 | 102.8–106.7 |
| XL | 40.5–42 | 102.9–106.7 | 33–34.5 | 83.8–87.6 | 43–44.5 | 109.2–113 |
Product-Specific Guidance
Bike Frames
Cannondale produces distinct frame geometries for road, gravel, mountain, and commute disciplines. Road frames are optimised for speed and efficiency on paved surfaces. Mountain bike frames feature slack head tube angles and longer wheelbases for stability on technical terrain. Always consult the specific model's size chart before purchasing, as geometry varies significantly between ranges. If you fall between two sizes, use your inseam measurement as a tiebreaker; longer inseams typically indicate the larger frame size is more appropriate.
Cycling Jerseys & Jackets
Cannondale cycling tops use stretch fabrics that provide a snug, aerodynamic fit without restricting movement. Measure your chest at its fullest point for the most accurate size. Performance jerseys tend to fit closer to the body than casual cycling wear. If you prefer a roomier fit for casual riding or layering, consider sizing up one size. Length is cut specifically for cyclists, so the hem will sit appropriately over your lower back when in the riding position.
Cycling Shorts & Bibs
Cannondale shorts and bib-shorts are designed with performance padding and a tailored cut for the cycling position. Measure your waist at its natural point to determine your size. The inseam and rise are engineered specifically for seated riding, so sizing down should not be attempted. Bib-shorts offer additional support and comfort on longer rides; shorts provide more freedom of movement. Both styles feature four-way stretch fabric.
Cycling Tights & Legwear
Thermal and season-specific tights follow standard apparel sizing based on waist and inseam. Measure your inseam to ensure the leg length reaches your ankle without bunching or excessive length. Cannondale's legwear typically features high-rise cuts and engineered pad placement. Choose your regular cycling size; the stretch fabric accommodates thigh circumference without requiring separate sizing.
Sizing Tips
- Bike frame sizing is critical: An incorrect frame size cannot be easily corrected by seat or bar adjustments. If you are between two sizes, visit a local Cannondale retailer for a test ride before purchasing, or prioritise your inseam measurement as a secondary sizing cue.
- Performance fabrics stretch: Cannondale apparel uses advanced stretch materials designed to move with your body. Sizing should be based on your natural body measurements, not on looser-fitting everyday clothing. Tight does not mean uncomfortable in cycling apparel.
- Measure in the evening: Feet and legs can swell during the day, so take measurements later in the day for greater accuracy, especially for apparel that will be worn during rides.
- Consider standover height for bikes: Ensure adequate clearance between the top tube and your inseam (typically 5–10 cm for road bikes, 7.5–12.5 cm for mountain bikes) to guarantee confident mounting and dismounting.
- Apparel fit varies by discipline: Road cycling jerseys fit more snugly than gravel or commute wear for aerodynamic efficiency. Mountain biking apparel is often cut slightly roomier to accommodate protective gear and layering.
- Check product-specific details: Some Cannondale models (such as Neo and Hi-MOD variants) use different sizing conventions. Always confirm sizing against the exact model you intend to purchase rather than assuming uniformity across the range.
- Account for layering: If you plan to wear base layers under cycling jerseys or jackets, you may wish to size up by one size for comfort. Merino wool or synthetic base layers add minimal bulk but should be considered during warm weather riding.