Is it better to have a slightly big or slightly small bike?
6 min read
Asked by: Brian Bjorke
As several have pointed out, it is best to get something that actually fits you but with that in mind, it is better to go a little smaller than a little larger of a frame.
Is it better to have a bike slightly too big or too small?
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.
Should I go bigger or smaller on bike size?
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.
Is it OK to buy a bike one size smaller?
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.
Can I riding a bike slightly too big?
Due to the issues with handling and posture, bikes with larger frames are likely to cause discomfort. You may feel the strain on your back, neck, knees or shoulders. Stretching your arms to reach the handlebars also puts strain on your wrists and arms.
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 do I know if bike is too big?
We are going to look at the 5 most common signs your bike is too big:
- Struggling in Tight Turns. …
- Lack of Front Wheel Grip. …
- Challenging to Lift the Front Wheel. …
- Feeling Like a Passenger. …
- Not Comfortable. …
- Feeling Squashed. …
- Feeling Unstable at Speed. …
- Not Comfortable.
How do I know if bike 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.
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.
Does bike frame size really matter?
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.
What size bike should I get for my height?
Fitness And Hybrid Bike Size Chart
| Rider Height | Suggested Frame Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Feet and Inches | Centimeters | Inches |
| 5′ 5″ – 5′ 9″ | 165 – 175 | 17 – 18 |
| 5′ 9″ – 6′ 0″ | 175 – 183 | 19 – 20 |
| 6′ 0″ – 6′ 3″ | 183 – 191 | 21 – 22 |
How do you pick the right size bicycle?
Just follow this simple formula to get the right bicycle size: Bike Type: Select your bike type from the following: Road bikes – x 0.70.
Calculate:
- Road bike – 0.70 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
- Mountain bike – 0.685 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
- City bike – 0.685 x Leg inseam = Your frame size (cm)
What is the average weight of a pro cyclist?
On average, professional cyclists weigh 70 kilograms (155 lbs). However, their weight differs heavily based on their specialty. The difference between the lightest (climbers) and the heaviest group (time trialists) is 21%. Climbers are the lightest of them all.
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.
Does being tall help cycling?
The relatively low body mass for better climbing, high surface area for better cooling, low frontal profile for lesser drag, yet long legs for generating power, all play to the cyclist’s advantage. The very tallest riders in cycling must abide by such proportions to the extreme.
Does it matter if your bike 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.
What happens if a bike frame is 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.
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.
Does bike frame size really matter?
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.
How do you tell if your bike fits you?
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.)
Is a bigger bike frame faster?
It might have to do with a longer wheelbase (3-4 inches longer), but the bigger bike performs better. Fast going downhills (faster than the Cannondale and everyone else I have ever ridden with) and much more stable. Quick on starts too. Slower climbing and not as many gears.