Let's figure out how to choose a bike by height and weight, because the comfort of the cyclist and, more importantly, his safety depend on the correct choice. In addition to height and weight, when buying, you need to pay attention to the type of vehicle - road, mountain, city, road, cruise, folding, stunt, etc.
Since there is a lot of material to be studied, let's not smear the introduction too much - let's go straight to the main thing.
How to choose a bike for height
For those who do not know how to choose a bike according to the height and weight of a person, we will give a short instruction with which you can safely pass for an experienced rider in a sports materials store.
- The first step is to measure your height, without shoes. You cannot make a mistake even by 5 cm, especially if you want to choose the right bike size for your child's height;
- Additionally measure your length from groin to floor;
- Decide on the riding style you are going to practice and the type of great.
If you want to choose a bike according to the height for adults and children on the same table, this will be the wrong decision. For children, their own tables have been developed, which take into account not only the size of the bike, but also the diameter of the wheels. A child's bike should be lightweight and more maneuverable, so that its owner feels confident in the “saddle”, regardless of weight. This is especially important if the child is just learning to ride properly.
How to choose a bike by height according to the table, in which, in addition to, in fact, height, there are also frame dimensions in conventional units, in centimeters, and even in inches?
Let's figure it out. The size is large - this is the size of its frame, which is measured in inches and centimeters. A universal dimensional grid is also used in conventional units - XS, S, L, XL, etc. The more the frame is in weight, the thicker the tubes from which it is made, respectively, the more weight the bike can support.
Devices with a large frame allow you to develop tremendous speed and, at the same time, feel stable and safe behind the wheel. A thin frame provides room for maneuvers and tricks, but it is less stable and reliable for fast driving.
To find a bike according to height and weight, study the size line of the selected manufacturer. Below is a universal table with which you can choose the right size for an adult bike.
Height, cm | Frame size in cm | Frame size in inches | Frame size in conventional units |
130-145 | 33 | 13 | XS |
135-155 | 35,6 | 14 | XS |
145-160 | 38,1 | 15 | S |
150-165 | 40,6 | 16 | S |
156-170 | 43,2 | 17 | M |
167-178 | 45,7 | 18 | M |
172-180 | 48,3 | 19 | L |
178-185 | 50,8 | 20 | L |
180-190 | 53,3 | 21 | XL |
185-195 | 55,9 | 22 | XL |
190-200 | 58,4 | 23 | XXL |
195-210 | 61 | 24 | XXL |
If you are trying to choose a bike for a man in height via the Internet, it will be useful to check the size using a special formula. You will need your height from groin to floor, which will need to be multiplied by a factor of 0.66 or 0.57, depending on whether you want to choose a bike - road or mountain. To convert numbers to inches, divide by 2.54.
How to choose by type
In order to correctly understand what size a men's bike should be in terms of height, you need to briefly dwell on the types of bikes and their features.
- Mountain - suitable for both off-road and highway driving, and therefore, it is considered universal. It has wide tires with large treads and a thick frame. It is great, heavy in weight and powerful, so it will not suit beginners and lovers of gentle riding.
- Road bike - lightweight bike with narrow wheels, fast and agile. Ideal for comfortable driving on asphalt;
- Urban is a mix of the first two models, their golden mean. It rides well in the city, and on the highway, and on the ground. It has medium-sized protectors. The folding type of city bikes is distinguished separately - they are conveniently transported in a car.
- Stunt or BMX - ideal for performing spectacular stunts, jumps.
How to choose a female great for height and weight
We told you how to choose a bicycle size for an adult man, but we did not mention the features of choosing a bicycle for women. In fact, they can use the same table, but in addition there are some aspects to consider:
- If you are planning to ride in a dress or skirt, you should choose a bike with a low frame;
- It is advisable to choose a steering wheel narrow, with thin handles;
- Pick up a wide saddle;
- A basket for a purse or backpack will be useful.
Otherwise, you can safely choose a women's bike by height according to the table above.
How to choose a children's bike
Many parents go down the wrong path when buying a baby bike for growth. Well, of course, the child is growing rapidly, and the big ones are very expensive nowadays, especially if the model is from a well-known brand.
However, it is just the same for a child that it is important to choose a bike that is ideally suited to his height and weight. This is important both in terms of safety and comfort. On a bike with a large frame, the baby will have difficulty reaching the pedals, will sit unstable on the seat, will fidget and may lose balance. Also, bikes designed for adult children have tight brake levers and it will be difficult for a small child to cope with them quickly. But during emergency braking, the reaction speed is the most important thing.
Try to choose a bike where the height of the saddle and the distance to the handlebars are well regulated.
The previous table helped you choose a bike for the height and weight of an adult, below is a grid for choosing children's bikes:
Child's height, cm | Age, years | Wheel diameter, inches |
75-95 | 1-3 | Less than 12 |
95-101 | 3-4 | 12 |
101-115 | 4-6 | 16 |
115-128 | 6-9 | 20 |
126-155 | 9-13 | 24 |
How to choose by weight
Well, now you know how to choose a bike frame according to a person's height correctly, then we will consider how to choose a bike by weight.
- People with a lot of weight do not always need a very large bike, because high-speed riding on a high bike is extremely traumatic;
- It is better to choose a model with a thicker frame and wide wheels, which is more suitable for overweight riders;
- If your weight is more than 85 kg, bikes with a drop frame design and a long seat post will not work for you.
How to choose wheels
We told you how to choose a bike by height for a woman, a man and a child, and now we will find out how not to miscalculate the diameter of the wheels. To do this, we will consider their size range:
- 20 inches - found on children's bikes, as well as folding and stunt bikes;
- 24 inches is the size of a teenage bike as well as a foldable adult bike;
- 26-inch is the most versatile size for entry-level city or mountain bikes;
- 27 inches is a size for a road bike with thin tires;
- 28 inches - the diameter of the city is great, which drives perfectly both on asphalt and off-road;
- 29 '' and up is a diameter for mountain bikes with a high off-road capability.
What else you need to know to find the right model
Now you can easily find a road bike for the height of an adult or a child, but there are a few more nuances!
- If you do not buy online, be sure to test your chosen bike. Place the transport between your legs so that the tip of the saddle touches your back. At the same time, the distance from the groin to the frame should be at least 10 cm, otherwise you can hit it painfully during an emergency jumping.
- If you plan to ride fast, in a sporty style, you should choose a model that is + 10 cm in height;
- Older and obese people should choose a thicker frame, but smaller (- 10 cm). Let the great itself not be very heavy in weight;
- For tricks, you need a bike with a low frame (two steps down the size chart);
- There are no universal bikes for you (190 cm) or your wife (155 cm). The same applies to attempts to pick up a children's bike for two children - for example, 4 and 10 years old;
- Don't try to buy a small bike hoping to lift the handlebars and saddle. The thin frame may simply not support you.
Well, that's all, now you know exactly how to choose the right bike in terms of height and weight for a child and an adult, starting not only from physiological characteristics, but also from the type of bike. In conclusion, we recommend not to skimp on the purchase and never buy a bike for growth. A high-quality and suitable model is a guarantee of your safety and convenience during the ride!