Will I sit comfortably on a 20" bike as a 5'10" rider?

Question

Hello everyone,

I'd like to know whether or not I will sit comfortably on a 20" bike as a 5'10" rider. How will I know if I fit a bike properly, and what will be the marker for comfortability? Is there something that you feel, something you should reach or be able to touch when on a bike to know that it fits and you'll not have any problems?

Btw, I am closer to 5'11" than 5'10".

Thanks,

Av

Answer 1

My guess a touch big , but certainly worth a try. If you adjust the seat up to the right height (see links) and feel comfortable. go for it. The thing to watch wood be how far you need to stretch for the handle bars.
(You previously stated nothing too extreme)

There is a good link on the subject of frame sizing here.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

You will find this useful also
http://bikefitting.com/English/Frame.aspx

If you have a scratch around Sheldon Brown's site it will get you upto speed on the servicing side of things

(P.s. We are still talking mtb aren't we. A 20" road bike would be too small)

Answer 2

Please disregard the two previous posters, as they think 20" is the wheel size.

You should go to a local bike store where there are sales people who would know how to fit you to a bike.

I think that a 20" bike is too big for you. You probably won't have an issue with seat height, but mounting your bike might be a tad dangerous.

I ride two bikes: one is 20" and the other is 22". I am 6'3.5".

FYI: The majority of mountain bikes have 26" wheels, and the majority of road bikes have 700mm wheels.

Answer 3

A 20" frame should be fine for you. You should be able to stand across the top tube and have a little clearance where it counts. Position the saddle so that your legs are almost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke. You should be only able to touch the ground with the tip of your toe.

Answer 4

20 inch is like a little kids bike size man thats way too small for you get like a 26 "

Answer 5

depends what kinda riidng your doing. i race 20" bikes & im 5'10". if your looking for mountain bike like the person before me said 26". but for bmx yes 20.. but xl.