How much smaller frame is ok?

Asked by: Takahiro Helstrom

Is it OK to ride a smaller bike frame?

Finally, you should consider how you will be using the bike. Professional road racers, for example, will often ride what appear to be small frames, which most of us would be uncomfortable with. If you want speed over comfort, a smaller frame could suit you better, for example. There are no hard and fast rules here.

How do I know if my bike frame is too small?

One of the main factors in determining when a bike is getting too small is the saddle height and seat post length. If a bike is too small you will no longer be able to set the saddle height high enough. Every seat post should have a minimum insertion line marked onto the metal.

Is it better to ride a bike that is too small or too big?

Neither a smaller or bigger frame is better for everyone and generalizations in frame sizing are almost always risky. If your riding position is established first the best decision for you will likely become much more clear. Consider bike fit the holy trinity of comfort, power, and efficiency.

Does frame size really matter?

The bike frame size matters because it determines your cycling posture and comfort. A wrong frame size messes up your posture, translating to body pains like backache, wrist pain, and knee pain, among other issues.

Why do pros ride smaller frames?

In more modern times, pros often use a smaller frame that a similarly sized recreational rider because they want to ride a big drop to the handlebars. As head tubes continue to grow for a given frame size, pros are forced onto smaller frames to maintain their positions.

Is it better to size up or down on a bike?

Quote from video: So to summarize if you're in between sizes. And if you value standover height over anything else then size down however if you know that you're going to want to raise your handlebars. You know fairly

Is a 16 inch bike frame too small?

But a bike that’s too small can be twitchy, nervous and uncomfortable on longer rides, technical descents or when you’re just pootling along the flat.



What size mountain bike do I need?

Should I be able to touch the floor on a bike?

The height of your saddle is important for the most comfortable position and safe riding style. When you sit on the saddle, both feet should reach the floor and the balls of your feet should be touching the ground.

How do I know if a bike is the right size for me?

Look for listed standover heights, and compare that number to your inseam. The difference between your inseam and the standover height should fall within the target ranges. (For example, if you have a 30” inseam, you’ll want a road bike with a 29” standover height.)

How important is bike frame size?

Riding a frame that is the wrong size will eventually lead to pain in your lower back, especially if you’re on a road bike. Adjusting a seatpost or handlebar won’t compensate for the frame. Fatigue – Pedal efficiency is a major reason for getting a bike that’s perfect for your size.

Is a smaller bike faster?

Push bikes with larger wheels can go faster than the ones with smaller wheels because the radius of the wheel is larger they are also more stable at higher speeds.

How do you know if your bike is too long?

“If your arms are dead straight, this indicates the reach is too long and you may end up with neck pain as the shoulders and neck take the brunt of road buzz and bumps. “Your shoulder or arm flexion in relation to your torso should also be around 90 degrees.”

What frame size does Peter Sagan use?

He races on the size 56cm Tarmac SL7 which is the same size as his previous Venge but with some slight difference in the geometry. Specialized recommends the size 56cm to riders from 1m75 to 1m80 tall.

Why do pro cyclists have long stems?

In contrast to the short stems on mountain bikes, which we’ll come on to, road bike stems are much longer to give stability in the fast, wide turns that are more typical on the road. A longer stem also helps provide the racier, stretched out and more aerodynamic position preferred by road cyclists.

Do pros get bike fits?

Quote from video: They do a lot of their bike fits based on center of gravity. Because when you with their mountain bikes for example they set them up mostly.

Is a 16 inch bike frame too small?

But a bike that’s too small can be twitchy, nervous and uncomfortable on longer rides, technical descents or when you’re just pootling along the flat.



What size mountain bike do I need?

How can I make my bike fit too small?

Having too small of a bike places you too far forward on the bike. Sliding your saddle back can help solve this. The first way to do this is to loosen the bolts on the rails of the saddle and slide it back as needed. If you find you can’t slide it back far enough, you can get a seat post that has increased set-back.

How can I tell if my bike is too big for me?

If you struggle to make turns or need to sit up straight to reach the handlebars, the frame is likely too large. You may also notice that you cannot quickly turn or pick up speed easily due to the way that you sit in a larger frame. Pain or discomfort after riding also indicates that the frame is too big for your size.

What age is a 17 inch frame bike for?

Kids Bike Size Chart & Frame Size

Does frame size matter on a bike?

Riding a frame that is the wrong size will eventually lead to pain in your lower back, especially if you’re on a road bike. Adjusting a seatpost or handlebar won’t compensate for the frame.

How tall should you be for an 18 inch bike?

What age is a 18 inch bike for? A bike with 18 or 20-inch wheels will be suitable for riders that are 7 to 9 years old and of average height (47.7″ – 52.5″).