Should I Size Up Or Down For Mountain Bike

There are two ways to look at the answer to this question. The first is to take a look at the terrain you will be riding on, and the second is to take a look at your own body size.

If you are looking for a bike for difficult terrain, such as steep hills or rocky paths, then you should size up. This way, your bike will have more power and durability than if it were smaller. If you are looking for a bike for leisurely rides on flat ground or paved roads, then sizing down would be best. This way, your bike will be lighter and easier to maneuver than if it were larger.

Should I size up on a mountain bike?

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.^[1]

Is it better to go bigger or smaller on a mountain bike?

The best-case scenario is to choose a bike the correct size for your body, but if you are in between sizes a smaller mountain bike will be more playful and will offer more maneuverability but a bigger bike will be more stable, feel better on climbs, and will be overall more comfortable.^[2]

How do I know if my mountain bike is the right size?

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 mountain bike with about a 28” standover height.)^[3]

What happens if your mountain bike is too big?

Bikes that are too big can also cause a great amount of discomfort on your neck, back, knees and shoulders. If you find yourself overly stretching to reach the handlebars you will find it uncomfortable, especially on longer rides around your arms and wrists.^[4]

How do I know my MTB is too small?

If you notice that your arms and legs are more sore than normal after a long ride, the frame may be too small. A bicycle frame that is too small could also be uncomfortable to ride. If you feel awkward or cramped, the frame is probably too small for your height.^[5]

Why are mountain bike frames smaller?

Note that mountain bike frames are generally smaller than road bike frames. The smaller size is intended to make them easier for you to handle on rough terrain. If you are able to put both feet on the ground while you are sitting on the seat, the bike is too small or the seat is too low, or both.^[6]

What happens if bike is too big?

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.^[7]

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.^[8]

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.^[9]

How do I choose a beginner mountain bike?

Get the right size. First up, everything else is secondary to the right frame size. Choose a wheel size. Choose hardtail or full-suss. Don’t obsess about weight. Beware the flashy trinkets. Choose suspension quality, not quantity. Look for futureproof design. Keep some budget back.^[10]

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.^[11]

What size is 27.5 mountain bike?

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.^[12]