Ive been looking at mountain bikes online...but when they list it as a 26" bike or whatever, what does that mean? where are they getting that measurement from? Also, what size would you recommend for a 6'00" with a 32 inseam? Ive read on other sites that i would need a 20" - 22", but that seems tiny because my freestyle bike is 20", but then another site says I would need a large bike, which they say is 26"....im confused now, the only local place to buy a bike is the department stores...wal-mart and such....
2007-05-29 21:10:36 · 9 answers · asked by piecies_81 3 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Bikes are measured by wheel diameter. The best way to gage what size you need is to sit on one. You should be able to straddle the seat and put your feet on the ground. Remember the seat height is adjustable.
Walmart carries the Mongoose line of mountain bikes, a good bike for a low price. Definitely great to start out.
2007-05-29 21:20:01 · answer #1 · answered by trai 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you see 26" it means that the wheel size is 26" in diameter, which is the most common size. The other size is 29".
But.... that's not how a bike should be measured. If you see 26" as a size, probably they don't really offer any sizes.
Traditionally, bikes are measured in inches, from the bottom bracket to the point where the top tube meets the seat tube. So you can find sizes like 15", 17", 19", 21" or similar.
For full suspension bikes, this measure is not quite accurate since frames come with different designs, and so, most full suspension bikes are measures like S,M,L,XL and so forth.
2007-05-30 01:23:28 · answer #2 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mountain bikes are measured by frame size. The 26" is the diameter of the wheel. A small ladies bike and a chuffing great huge blokes bike will have different frame sizes, but will still have 26" wheels.
Your frame is measured from the canter of the crank to the top of the seat tube. 20/22 inches is quite small for a road bike, but because of the ground clearance needed on mountain bikes, the frame geometry is quite different. 20 - 22 inches is quite large.
Forget your instep. Sit on the bike. Adjust the saddle until your leg is straight, with the heel flat on the peddle, with the crank at the lowest point (When you put the ball of your foot on the peddle, your leg will be slightly bent.). This is how you should be sitting to get the most efficient peddling action. Now step off of the bike. There should be 2-4" clearance between the horizontal frame bar and your family jewells (To save a nasty incident if you come off sudenly).
This is your corect size. If you get it wrong, you are either scrunched up or pushing too much metal. Go to this site and try their frame guestimator:
www.evanscycles.co.uk
Luck
2007-05-29 22:44:24 · answer #3 · answered by Alice S 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Department store bikes are sold by wheel size. A 26" bike fits most adults, 24" for juniors and teens, 20" and smaller for kids. This is not really a good system, since people are all different sizes. Better bikes are sold by frame size, measured from the center of the bottom bracket (where the cranks are mounted) to the top of the seatpost tube or top tube depending on bike manufacturer. I am 5'11" and ride a 19" mountain bike, so a 19" or 20" would be just about right for you. Go to a website that sells trustworthy brands, such as Trek, Gary Fisher, or Specialized. Check out this web site for a good fit guide. This is not as good as going to a bike shop for a professional fitting, but it's a lot better than just buying a 26" bike from a dept. store. http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCM?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO
2007-05-29 21:52:36 · answer #4 · answered by carguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 26" refers to the wheel diameter. Almost all mountain bikes come in 26" wheels w/ a few exceptions (29" for extreme offroad activities).
What you're referring to as 20-22" is the frame size which I think for a 6' guy is just about right.
Don't buy a bike from a dep't store if you're serious about biking. Go to a decent bike shop. They can help you out with the proper bike for your size.
2007-05-29 21:53:42 · answer #5 · answered by riqtan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally there are two measurments used here, one is wheel size the other is frame size. the one you are concerned with is frame size. That is measured from the top of the seat post tube, not the seat post itself down to the bottom of the frame along the seat post tube.
I ride a Trek 6000 Im 5'10" with a 30 inch inseam and my bike frame size is 19.5 inches. Hope this helps. Keep in mind that different type of bikes are measured differently.
2007-05-30 15:08:44 · answer #6 · answered by Michael A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bike’s size is generally measured by its frame, specifically the bike’s seat pole tube. The seat tube is measured from its collar to the chainring hub.
This url/website will give a detailed info:
http://www.grouptrails.com/bike_size.htm
2007-06-01 11:07:53 · answer #7 · answered by rajsram 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the 26" is the size of the wheel itself. the 20-22" the site was referring to was frame size. you need a proper sized frame to accommodate your proportions or you wont be comfortable riding.
what you need is a 26" wheel size (the standard for adult bikes) with a 19-20" frame. my inseam is almost the same as yours and i ride an 18" frame with a long seat post.
the best place is to go to a shop and check out their lineup. they can answer all you questions too.
2007-05-30 05:22:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hope this helps!
2015-05-01 22:35:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋