How Should My Mountain Bike Fit Me

You should have the correct size bike for your height, body type, and riding style.

Bike fit is one of the most important factors for a comfortable and safe ride. The best way to find the perfect mountain bike is to get fitted by a professional at a local bike shop.

The first step in finding the correct size bike is determining what type of riding you plan on doing most often. If you plan on trail riding, it will be more important for you to have a bike that fits your body type and riding style than if you are just going to be commuting or doing errands around town.

How do you know if a mountain bike is too small for you?

Feeling Squashed. Bikes that are too small force the rider into a hunched position which reduces the amount the rider is able to move around on the bike. Feeling Unstable at Speed. Not Comfortable.^[1]

Is it better to have a bike 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.^[2]

How do you know if a mountain bike is too big?

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.^[3]

How do I know if my 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.^[4]

How do you tell if a bike is the right size?

Using your child’s inseam in relation to the bike’s seat height is the best and most accurate way to ensure a perfect bike fit. The frame and the wheel size work together to determine the seat height of a bike.^[5]

What height is a 27.5 bike for?

What height is a 27.5 inch bike for? 27.5 inch bikes are suitable for adults between 5’2” and 5’10”. That said, adults of all heights can ride this wheel size. Some brands claim that 27.5” wheels are especially useful for riders 5’7” and under.^[6]

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.^[7]

Can I ride a bike that is too big for me?

Beyond the standover clearance issues, if you ride a bike that “too big” for you, your riding position will be stretched out more and may not be as comfortable to ride, meaning you will have to reach further to grab the bars causing you to be bent over a little more.^[8]

Why do pro cyclists ride small 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.^[9]

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.^[10]

What’s the difference between 29 and 29er?

29er bikes also referred to as two-niners and 29″ MTBs, are mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels. The “29” refers to the diameter of the wheels these bikes use (with a tire mounted). 29″ MTB wheels are also the same diameter as a 700c road bike wheel.^[11]

What size 29er frame do I need?

Many 29ers are therefore available in medium, large and extra-large frames, with small frames and women’s specific frames just starting to catch on. If you are under 5’6” tall, a 26-inch mountain bike is still likely to be a better fit. If you’re 5’6′ or taller, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you.^[12]