You can ride a bicycle of any size but that does not mean it will be safe, easy, fun, and comfortable. So here are some tips on how to choose the right size bike.
How to Choose the Right Size Bike for Kids:
Do not choose a bigger bicycle for your kid thinking that he will grow into it. A bicycle that is too big would be difficult for him to handle and may make riding difficult for your child. This can damage his confidence and can even lead to accidents.
There must be 1-2 inches between the bike’s top tube and your kid’s crotch. Be sure your kid is not wearing a heeled shoes and he’s standing flat-footed when you measure. For girls, measure between an imaginary top tube and the crotch. If you are purchasing a bicycle for a child who’s not there with you, as a surprise gift, for example, measure the kid’s inseam and subtract 1-2 inches. This is the right standover height, or the height you would want the bicycle to be from the ground to the top tube.
How to Choose the Right Size Bike for Adults:
Choosing the right size bike for adults is not much different from sizing bike for children. Most bicycles for adults have 26-inch wheels, a sloped top tube for women and a top tube for men.
When measuring for a man, straddle the bicycle using your feet flat on the floor and then check to be sure you have 1-3 inches of space between your crotch and the top tube.
When measuring for women, straddle the bicycle in the same way and then measure 1-3 inches between your crotch and an imaginary top tube. Both men and women must be able to reach the handlebars comfortably. The handlebars must not feel to close or too far.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your comfort — how does the bicycle feel when you go for a test ride? Is it easy to control and comfortable? If so, then you have probably chosen the right size bike.
Visit www.Zize Bikes.com, the maker of bicycles for every body, including bicycles for heavy people that can support riders up to 550 pounds.
Watch this video to learn more tips on how to choose the right size bike.
