How To Know What Size Mountain Bike To Get

A mountain bike is a type of bicycle that is built to withstand rugged terrain. Mountain bikes are built with a heavier frame and lower gearing than other types of bikes. They have wide, knobby tires that provide more traction on dirt and gravel roads.

Mountain bikes come in different sizes, depending on the height of the rider. The first thing to consider when purchasing a mountain bike is how tall the rider is and what type of riding they will be doing. Mountain bikes can be broken down into four categories: cross-country, all-mountain, downhill, and freeride.

How tall should you be for a 26 inch mountain bike?

26-inch bikes are a common size for adults. Riders with a height of 5′ and above are typically tall enough to comfortably fit on bikes with 26” wheels.^[1]

Is 29 inch bike good for what height?

If you’re 5’6′ or taller, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you. Riders more than 6′ tall can rejoice: You’ll definitely enjoy a more natural riding position with the size and frame geometry of a 29er.^[2]

What size is a 27.5 bike frame?

A mountain bike with wheels that are approximately 27.5 inches in diameter is typically referred to as a 27.5 bike and sometimes called a “tweener.” A 27.5 bike fits in between the traditional 26-inch wheels and the 29ers with even larger wheel sizes.^[3]

How tall is a 27.5 inch bike?

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.^[4]

What does a 26 inch bike mean?

And what does it mean when they say “26 inches”? A 26 inch mountain bike means that the wheels have an internal diameter of 26 inches. This measurement is commonly used in reference to mountain bike. For example, a man who stands 5’8″ would be best suited for a 26-inch frame.^[5]

Is 26 inch bike good for adults?

Most adults will find the 26-inch bike suitable. It’s one of the most popular hybrid bike sizes. The 26-inch bike is best for those with a height of more than 6.2 feet.^[6]

What age is 26 inch bike for?

What age is a 26 inch bike for? A bike with 26-inch wheels will be suitable for riders that are 12 or older, with an average height of (59″). Once a child reaches 12 years old or is taller than 59″ (150cm), they’re ready to use an adult bike. If they’re taller than average, they may benefit from using a 27.5″ bike.^[7]

What is the difference between 26 and 29 inch mountain bike?

The difference between the strike angle of a 26-inch wheel and a 29-inch wheel (over the wooden block) is only about 5 percent, but the cumulative effect of rolling up and over a 5-percent steeper angle thousands of times a mile adds up quickly. The larger-diameter 29-inch wheel has noticeably less rolling resistance.^[8]

What is the advantage of 29er mountain bikes?

A typical 29er will feel more stable than your average 26in or 27.5in bike. That’s partly because of the longer wheelbase and the longer back end to make room for the bigger wheels, but also because your bottom bracket is further below the wheels’ axles – known as BB drop – than on 26in and 27.5in wheeled bikes.^[9]

How big is a 29 inch mountain bike?

29er rims have an interior diameter of 622 millimetres (24.5 in) and the average 29″ mountain bike tire is (in ISO notation) 59-622 – corresponding to an outside diameter of about 29.15 inches (740 mm).^[10]

What wheel size is better 27.5 or 29?

27.5 in. wheels have faster acceleration while 29ers are more efficient on longer rides. Smaller wheels accelerate faster than larger wheels. This is due mostly to where the weight of the wheel is distributed.^[11]

What age is a 27.5 inch bike for?

Most adult bikes that are small enough for an 11-year-old or 12-year-old will most likely come with 26 inch or 27.5 inch wheels.^[12]