27 Inch Bike for What Size Person?

27-inch bikes are not popular nowadays as they are no longer the standard size for road bikes. 700c bikes have replaced them, making their sizing confusing for most riders. So, are you wondering, ’27 inch bike for what size person?’

A medium-size 27-inch road bike with a frame size of 54-55cm suits riders who are 5’6″ – 5’9″ tall, while a large frame measuring 56-58cm accommodates riders who are 5’9″ – 6’0″ as the extra-large option is ideal for those averaging 6’0″ – 6’3″ in height.

While the three frame sizes are the most popular, we also have XX-large and small frames. But overall, even though 700c and 27-inch road bikes are different, as I’ll explain later, they share the same sizing guide.     

So, we’ll look at a general sizing guide for 27-inch bikes, which we usually use on 700cc road bikes and other road bikes. Plus, we’ll look at how you can calculate your ideal 27-inch bike frame size.

But first, let me explain what a 27-inch bike is in detail and how it differs from a 700cc bicycle and a 27.5-inch.

What Is A 27 Inch Bicycle?

If we were to use the modern sizing guide for road bikes, a 27-inch bike would mean a bike with a 27-inch frame. Realistically speaking, a 27-inch frame is gigantic, and it will need someone 7 feet tall to fit it.

For that reason, we don’t refer to the frame size when mentioning a 27-inch bike. Instead, we refer to the wheel size. So, yes, a 27-inch bike has 27-inch wheels, and to be precise, it’s a road bike with 27-inch wheels.

And when it comes to the wheel diameter, 27-inch bikes measure 680-684mm, while their tire width usually is 25-27mm.

These bikes used to be the standard road bikes in the 80s and before then. However, they are no longer that as the new standard is the 700c, which is why their sizing confuses most people who come across them.

27 Inch Bike for What Size Person?

All road bikes employ the same sizing model, including 27-inch bikes. In that case, the wheel is not the primary consideration, but the frame is.

That brings us to the sizing chart below.

Note that since 27-inch bikes are quickly fading away from the market as 700cc options are taking their place, you are more likely to find them in medium, large, and X-large frame choices.

How to Determine if You Can Fit a 27-inch Bike

As far as road bikes (of which 27-inch bikes are one of them) go, you can determine your frame size by multiplying your inseam length (in cm) by 0.70. That brings us to the formula below:

Frame Size = inseam (cm) X 0.70

In general, here are the steps for determining your inseam length:

• Remove your shoes and step on the flat ground barefoot
• Set your feet 6-8 inches apart
• Use a tape measure to measure the distance between your crotch and the ground in cm
• Now multiply the centimeters by 0.70 to find your ideal frame size

Once you do the calculation, you can use the table below to know your frame size.

Are 27 Inch Bikes the Same as 700c?

Even though 700c road bikes are the new standard bike size, they are not the same as 27-inch bikes. These two bikes differ in rim and wheel diameters and tire width.

For example, while a 27-inch bike has a 27-inch rim diameter, a 25-22mm tire width, and a 680-684mm wheel diameter, a 700cc road bike has a 28-29-inch rim diameter, 20-25mm tire width, and a 622mm wheel diameter.

That means that a 700cc road bike has a bigger rim diameter but a smaller wheel diameter than a 27-inch bike. And when it comes to the tire width, 700c tires are slimmer than 27-inch tires.

So, while you can swap their inner tubes because their rim diameters are close, you cannot exchange their tires as they are miles apart.

You’ll also notice that while 27-inch wheels are limited to road bikes, especially vintage road bikes, 700c wheels are compatible with not only road bikes but also hybrids, MTBs, and city bikes.

Below is a table differentiating 27-inch bikes from 700c bikes.

27 Inch Vs 27.5 Inch Bike – What’s The Difference?

If you are extra attentive to the wheel size when shopping for a bike, you must have seen some bikes having a 27.5-inch wheel size. Such wheels are pretty popular on mountain bikes.

While 700c wheels are prevalent on road bikes, 27.5-inch wheels are widespread on mountain bikes. But what’s the difference?

The two wheels differ in rim and wheel diameter and tire width, just like the case of 27-inch vs 700c.

While 27-inch bikes have a 27-inch rim diameter, 680-684mm wheel diameter and a 25-27mm tire width, 27.5-inch bikes have a 27.5-inch rim diameter, 584mm wheel diameter, and a tire width of up to 56mm.

Principally, 27.5-inch bikes have a bigger rim and broader tires, but they have an overall smaller wheel diameter than 27-inch bikes.

Below is a table differentiating 27-inch bikes from 700c bikes.

Note that the difference in specs between a 27-inch and 27.5-inch bike brings about a difference in riding experience, among other factors.

Generally, these two bikes differ in the following ways:

Terrain Suitability

While a 27.5-inch bike is best for off-road, a 27-inch is suitable for on-road riding. Simply put, you can take on trails with a 27.5-inch bicycle, but you can only take on paved roads with a 27-inch unless it’s a cyclocross, gravel, or touring 27-inch bike.

Geometry

A 27.5-inch bike enjoys an upright geometry like every other MTB. In contrast, a 17-inch bike enjoys a race geometry that is more aggressive and speed-oriented. So, while an upright geometry allows you to ride casually, a racing geometry offers you a speed advantage and leverage against the wind.

Suspension

Unless it’s a rigid type, a 27.5-inch bike comes with suspension. Interestingly, while modern road bikes don’t come with suspensions, you are likely to find suspension on 27-inch bikes, as it’s the case with the LYTRON Carbon Fiber Road Bike (View on Amazon).

The road bike comes with dual suspension, uncharacteristic of road bikes.

Handlebar Type

Expect 27-inch bikes to come with drop bars and their 27.5-inch siblings to feature flat bars. 27-inch bikes’ drops bars help in the bike’s fast navigation, putting you in an aerodynamic position.

A 27.5-inch bike’s flat bars, on the other hand, are likely to put you in an upright posture, which means you are less likely to ride faster.

Bike Weight

Overall, a 27-inch bike is less weighty than a 27.5-inch bike. The fact that a 27.5-inch bike has bigger rims than a 27-inch bike means the wheels are heavy, impacting the bike’s overall weight.

People Also Ask

1. How Tall Should You Be for A 27 Inch Bike?

Ordinarily, you should be 5’6″ – 5’9″ to ride a 27-inch medium size bike, 5’9″ – 6’0″ for an extra-large bike, or 6’3″ – 6’6″ for an XX-Large option. So, anyone who is above 5’6″ can find a fitting 27-inch road bike to ride.

2. What Size Bike for 27 Inch Inside Leg?

If your inseam is 27-inch, you need a mountain bike, city bike, or hybrid bike with extra small frame size. Such a bike size also suits guys with a height of 4’10” – 5’1″.

3. What Size Is A 27 Wheel Bike?

A 27-wheel bike is a road bike with a 27-inch wheel diameter and a tire width of about 1-1/4, 1-1/8, or 1-3/8 inches. This bike is slightly bigger than a 700c road bike.

4. Is A 27 Inch Tire the Same as 700c?

Even though 700c and 27-inch tires have almost the same rim diameter, they differ in tire width and wheel diameter. As a result, while it’s possible to interchange their inner tubes, you cannot interchange their tires. So, no, 27-inch tires and 700c tires are not the same.

5. Is 27 Inch Bigger Than 700c?

A 27-inch bike has a slightly wider tire than a 700c bike, given that its tire width is 25-27mm while that of a 700c is 20-25mm. Its wheel diameter is also bigger, given that it measures 680-684mm while that of a 700c is 622mm. So, yes, a 27-inch bike is bigger than a 700c.

6. What’s the Actual Diameter of A 27 Inch Bike Wheel?   

A 27-inch bike has a rim diameter of 27 inches and a wheel diameter of 680-684mm.

Also Read:

• 28 Inch Bike for What Size Person?
• 24 Inch Bike for What Size Person?
• 20 Inch Bike for What Size Person?
• 26 Inch Bike for What Size Person?

27 Inch Bike for What Size Person? Closing Thought!

Generally, while 27-inch bikes are rarely made nowadays, you can get a few options on the market that are sized similarly to 700c road bikes. So, provided you are at least 5’6″ – 5’9″ to about 6’6″ tall, you can find a 27-inch bike that also matches your inseam.