Re-sizing a bicycle?

Question

I have a bike that I got from Canadian Tire years ago, still works fine, however, the seat is too low for me. The bike was intended for a youth, probably target age early/mid teens, and while I am now an adult (approx 5'5" tall), the frame doesn’t seem to be terribly small for me (though I am by no means well-informed in the area of proper bicycle fit). The main problem seems to be the seat height. I have raised the seat as far as it can go, but the metal tube that the seat is mounted on (sorry, I don’t know the technical term) is very short and doesn’t allow me to raise it very far. My question is – does anyone know whether it’s possible that simply replacing the seat with a taller one would be enough to allow me to keep using this bike?
And if so, does anyone know the approx. $ this might involve?

(Also, I don’t know if this is important or not, but the bike has a lowered crossbar (“girl’s/woman’s” frame), and is mountain-bike style).

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Yes, you should be able to get either a saddle with a longer seatpost (that's the proper term of that metal tube the seat sits on), or just a longer seatpost if the one on your present seat is detachable.

Take it to a bike shop and have them determine the diameter of the seatpost, then they should be able to sell you a proper one.

Saddles and seatposts vary in cost.. Anywhere from $20 to a few hundred depending on features, materials and workmanship.

Handlebars are also easy to fit-- The bike shop should be able to sell you a proper-length stem with varying degrees of rise if necessary to adjust your fit.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 2

You could try a longer seat post.

You may, or may not need to replace the seat. Seats (saddle is the term used) do not come in different heights per se though some may be thicker than others.

Different lengths, yes. But not hight.

You should never, ever, ever have LESS than 1/4th or about 4" of the lenght whichever is more of the seat-post in the tube of the bike.

Mountain bike styles often have lower top tube, this is not necessarily a womens bike.

Find a good local bike shop, have the bike fit for you. It may be time for a new bike or frame.

Answer 3

Easily done! A new shaft for the seat is going to be under $20 bucks. The shaft comes off the seat and out of the frame and you can do this your self. You might want to adjust or replace the Handle bar tubing as well.
PS; Most bike shops will do this for you in a couple of minutes and might have some good insights for you. Also, There are many new reflectors and gadgets that make bikes safer to ride at night. Check it out!

Answer 4

I think having a very long seat post over a small frame is not a good idea. It may throw your balance off and be structurally dangerous.

Old wisdom says you should never have more than 1/2 the length of the post out of the down tube on your bike. And then there's the issue of proper reach to the handlebars.

But, some people disagree about this:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

If I were you, I'd buy a bigger frame.

Cheers.

Answer 5

You might be able to find a longer seatpost. You might also be able to raise the handle bars a little.

1. Bring the old post with you to the local bike shop and ask them.

2. Scout the nicer neighborhoods on garbage day. You might find a post, or you might find a better bike altogether.

That said, it probably wouldn't be much good for anything but putzing around town. If you tried to ride it any distance you'd find a lot of shortcomings resulting from the odd spacings.

Answer 6

yes, you can get a longer seatpost. your local bikeshop can do this and should check it out. They use a caliper to measure the correct diameter which is critical to keeping it tight.

Next you will find your riding posture uncomfortable due to the handle bar position being too low. check out handlebars and stems as long as you are at the bike shop. they also have to me measured for fit to the bike frame parts.

and if you move the handlebars very far, the cables may not reach so they may have to be replaced.

slime the tires, oil the chain and enjoy yourself.

Answer 7

Send it back to canadian tire.They dont known more on bike.Its like wall mart just to sell.Go to the right bike shop that are more experience technician regarding bike.They will help you to find the right size for your height.They are proffesional .

Answer 8

get a longer seat tube