I have a hybrid bike which the frame is too big, is there any modifications I can make to make it more comfortable?

Asked by: Leon Bell

What can I do if my bike frame is too big?

If you’re current bike seems too big, you can get some relief by pushing the stem further down the seat tube and adjusting the saddle position to compensate for the larger frame. For example, lowering the handlebars and saddle height and removing all the spacers from the seat post may help the bike fit a little better.

How do I know if my hybrid bike is too big?

Generally speaking, while pedaling the bike, when your leg is at the 6 oclock position (the lowest point), your leg should be about 80-85% extended. Not fully extended but almost. If you have to lean off the seat for every pedal stroke, it’s too big.

Can a bike frame be made smaller?

On a bike that’s too big you can lower the bars a fair amount by making sure the stem is at the lowest point on the steerer tube without any spacers underneath. If your bars are already at this point, the next way to lower the bars is to get a stem with a high angle such as 15 or so degrees.

What size hybrid bike frame should I get?

What’s the right hybrid bike size for me?

Rider Height		Suggested Hybrid Frame Size
Feet & Inches	Centimetres	Frame Size (inches)
5’2″” – 5’6″”	158cm – 168cm	15″ – 16″
5’6″ – 5′ 10″	168cm – 178cm	17″ – 18″
5’10” – 6’1″	178cm – 185cm	19″ – 20″

Is it better to get a bigger or smaller bike frame?

If your arm span is longer than your height, go for a bigger frame. If it’s shorter, get the smaller one. On a bigger bike, the reach to the handlebars will be longer. If you have proportionally longer arms, you are likely to feel more comfortable on a bigger frame.

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.

Should your feet touch the ground on a hybrid bike?

The only time your feet should be flat on the ground is when you are straddling a bike while sizing it.

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.

How should you fit on a hybrid bike?

Proper position: With your foot at the bottom of the pedal stroke, you should see a slight bend in the leg, reaching about 80-90 percent of full leg extension. This is true for road, mountain and hybrid bikes.

What bike size should I get for my height?

Fitness And Hybrid Bike Size Chart

Rider Height		Suggested Frame Size
Feet and Inches	Centimeters	Inches
5′ 1″ – 5′ 5″	155 – 165	15 – 16
5′ 5″ – 5′ 9″	165 – 175	17 – 18
5′ 9″ – 6′ 0″	175 – 183	19 – 20

Should I ride a smaller frame?

A smaller frame can provide more traction and responsive handling. Yet if the frame is too small, it may become too difficult to handle. Instead of making a dramatic change, consider going one size smaller. If you ride a bike with a 17-inch frame, try a 16-inch frame for mountain biking.

How do you know if your bike is the right size?

Method Two: Calculating the bike size

Take off your shoes and stand with your legs about 6″ – 8″ (15 – 20 cm) apart. Measure the height from the ground to your crotch.
Be sure of the type of bicycle you want: Mountain bike, city bike or road bike. …
Now you can take your calculator and calculate the right size:

Should you 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.

Is it better for a mountain bike to be too big or too small?

Reach. When it comes to sizing, reach tends to be what changes more from Small to Large than stack. If you have a proportionally longer torso, you’ll want to size up your mountain bike in order to get a more natural fit. Flexibility and range of motion in your hips is also something to consider.

What happens if you ride a bike too small?

There are mostly two issues with bikes that are too small: A frame that’s too short may cause problems for steering (toe strike against the back of the front wheel and/or the handlebar colliding with your legs). This is safety critical. It may not be possible to put the saddle at the appropriate height.

Should you be able to touch the ground when sitting on your 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 you tell if a bike is too tall?

How to tell if your bike saddle height is too high. A saddle that is too high will cause the hips to rock back and forth. Not only does this detract from pedalling efficiency, but it can also be extremely uncomfortable. Discomfort can show up in your lower back or as knee pain (especially in the back of the knee).

What size bike should I get for my height?