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Kids bike overlapping frame sizes, can you go up one size?

6 min read

Asked by: Rodney Brightblade

What happens if I’m in between bike sizes?

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 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 it better for a bike to be 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.

How do I know if my kid 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.

What happens if bike is 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.

How do I know if my bike is too big?

We are going to look at the 5 most common signs your bike is too big:

  1. Struggling in Tight Turns. …
  2. Lack of Front Wheel Grip. …
  3. Challenging to Lift the Front Wheel. …
  4. Feeling Like a Passenger. …
  5. Not Comfortable. …
  6. Feeling Squashed. …
  7. Feeling Unstable at Speed. …
  8. Not Comfortable.

Why do pros ride smaller frames?

So, why do pro cyclists ride small frames? Pro cyclists choose smaller frames to acquire a more aerodynamic position thanks to the lower head tube. Also, compact frames are more agile, easier to manipulate, and have a shorter wheelbase resulting in more stability when cornering.

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.

Should I size up or down half size?

Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly. If your finger slides in easily with space to spare, you should probably go down a half size, while if it’s a tight squeeze, go up half a size.

Can you ride a bike that is 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.

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.

Should my feet be able to touch the ground 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 you adjust a bike that is too big?

Lowering the Bars.



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 bike frame should I get?

Bike Size Chart/Bike Frame Size Chart

Height Bike Size
4’11” to 5’3” (150-160 cm) 13 to 15 inches
5’3” to 5’7” (160-170 cm) 15 to 16 inches
5’7” to 5’11” (170-180 cm) 16 to 17 inches
6’0” to 6’2” (180-188 cm) 17 to 19 inches

How is a bike supposed to fit?

They should be able to sit comfortably, see around them easily and grip the handlebars with a slight bend in their elbows. Their legs should be slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Is it OK to ride a smaller bike?

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.

What size should your bike be?

Bike Size Chart/Bike Frame Size Chart

Height Bike Size
5’7” to 5’11” (170-180 cm) 16 to 17 inches
6’0” to 6’2” (180-188 cm) 17 to 19 inches
6’2” to 6’4” (188-193 cm) 19 to 21 inches
6’4” or taller (193+ cm) 21 plus inches

What size bike frame should I get?

City bike (Also commuter/hybrid bikes) size chart

Rider height Suggested Frame Size
Feet/Inches Centimeters Inches
4`10”-5`1” 147-155 cm 14”
5`1`-5`5` 155-165 cm 15”
5`5`-5`9` 165-175 cm 16”

What size mountain bike should I get if I’m 5 10?

What size mountain bike do I need?

Rider Height Suggested Mountain Frame Size
Feet & Inches Centimetres Frame Size (inches)
5’6″ – 5′ 10″ 168cm – 178cm 17″ – 18″
5’10” – 6’1″ 178cm – 185cm 19″ – 20″
6’1″ – 6’4″ 185cm – 193cm 21″ – 22″

How do you measure kids bike size?

Measure the bike’s frame from the center of the crank axle to the top of the seat tube. Using the frame to size a bize is the measuring system you’re probably familiar with, as it’s common practice for adult bikes. However, youth bike sizing is usually done by the wheel size and inseam.

What is the right size bike for a 10 year old?

24-inch

Most 8 and 9-year-olds will fit on a 20-inch wheel bike. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old (or older) will likely use the 24-inch size. Keep in mind that if your 10-year-old is smaller, they may still be more comfortable with a 20-inch bike wheel.