Even some 20 years ago, the question of choosing a bike for height was not even worth it. Teenagers were bought by standard Storks and Schoolchildren, women were content with Salutes, and men proudly pedaled heavy models like “Minsk” or “Ukraine”. That is, there were only three sizes per se: small, medium and large. Today's bikes have become much more diverse and more convenient - now we can choose the model that is ideal for us, taking into account our height and physical characteristics.
Content:
The best bicycle manufacturers - which company to choose
Famous manufacturers of bicycles are not only the most expensive, but also the most reliable. Serious companies work for their reputation, because it is they who provide their products with access to sports arenas - and this is already an excellent advertisement, which promises considerable profit from sales.
In addition, bicycle brands themselves are actively engaged in the development and improvement of bikes, each year offering new materials and non-standard technical solutions that bring their bikes closer to the ideal.
The best models are produced by firms:
- Specialized;
- Giant;
- Trek;
- Merida;
- Scott.
There are other good brands, but this five is more widely represented in our market, so that they can easily find a bicycle for your height.
We have already considered the best bike models for different cycling directions in our ranking, and now let's focus on the choice of the model, the main characteristics and dimensions.
The principle of operation and device bike
Over the past fifteen hundred years, the design of the bicycle has not undergone any special changes - the progress has affected only the materials used and the layout of the individual working units.
There were damped front forks, absorbing shocks and vibrations on a rough road, various types of brake systems, and in some models began to install a transmission that allows you to use dozens of high-speed transmissions.
The main elements of the bike remained the same:
1. Frame - supporting structure to which all other parts are attached.
2. Two wheels: directing front and leading rear; it is with his help you can control the bike.
3. Steering wheel connected to the front fork.
4. The carriage with the rods of the pedals and the leading star (one or more).
5. Rear sprocket or whole system connected by a chain with front gears.
6. Brakes and saddle.
Bicycle types
Mountain
Mountainbikes are designed for off-road driving, but they can also be used in the city, especially if the asphalt surface leaves much to be desired.
Externally, they differ from the rest of the bicycles by large wheels with a diameter of 26 inches and a highly raised carriage. This allows MTV to overcome obstacles on the road more easily, and wide tires with an aggressive tread adhere perfectly even on slippery and loose ground.
Mountain bikes have a relatively light, but very strong frame, often made using tubing technology with thickened ends. It is rarely tough: usually a long-stroke shock-absorbed fork is installed on such bikes, and in some models a rear suspension is also installed.
In addition, the design of the MTV provides for the presence of transmission (a kind of gearbox) and ultra-reliable disc brakes.
Pros:
- Very durable and reliable;
- Allows you to save power on the climbs due to gear changes;
- Confidently stand on the roads and calmly overcome major obstacles;
- Have good shock absorption and responsive brakes;
- Can be used at any time of the year.
Minuses:
- Some of the most expensive bikes.
The wheel of a mountain bike almost always comes with a large unregulated extension, and the front frame triangle is slightly longer here than on urban models. Because of this, it is necessary to select not only the overall height of the frame for your height, but also to check how comfortable the “sporting” landing with the body tilted forward will be for you.
Road (road)
Unlike mountain biking, these bikes feel better on a level road. They are tall, light and very fast.
On road bikes put big wheels with a diameter of 28-29 inches, but with narrow and almost smooth tires (slicks). Roadmasters' frames are always rigid, without shock absorbers, can be made of titanium alloy, carbon or aluminum, although there are steel models.
The main difference of road bikes is a low, bent “ram” steering wheel and a long seat tube. This design provides a landing with a horizontal position of the body, which reduces the resistance of oncoming air flow.
Pros:
- On a flat track develop high speed;
- Very light - the weight of a road bike does not exceed 8.5-10 kg;
- Equipped with reliable brakes;
- Some models may have a transmission with a large number of gears (about 30).
Minuses:
- Unstable on bad roads;
- More suitable for racing than for a comfortable ride.
Stunt (BMX)
Small bikes on 20-inch wheels with a very short, almost childish frame. Outwardly, they look like teenage models, have a low-mounted saddle or do without it. But despite the “toy” look, the safety margin of BMX bikes is unrealistically high.
All thanks to the simplest and most reliable design - without unnecessary components and unnecessary details. Depreciation is absent here in principle, and the braking system is not mandatory.
Pros:
- Very strong and easy to carry jumps from a height;
- Manoeuvrable and light;
- Short base allows you to perform spectacular stunts;
- They are relatively inexpensive.
Minuses:
- Not designed for high-speed and any long ride.
Urban
Cute walking patterns for a pleasant, non-aggressive ride. They differ from sports bikes by the short base of the frame and the curved steering wheel. Thanks to this design, you can sit on them with a straightened back and relaxed hands.
The low center of gravity gives the city bikes good road holding, and the various protective covers eliminate the need to clean the bike’s working units too often. In general, continuous comfort and no hassle for the owner.
City bikes are rarely equipped with a transmission, but you can find models with switches for 3-7 speeds. Here, under the cover more often means the presence of small but pleasant additions: baskets, trunk, wide wings, steps.
Fast driving or serious loads of the city bikes are not designed, so they can have a folding frame and the simplest rigid fork without shock absorbers.
Pros:
- Light and maneuverable;
- Stable on the road;
- A good level of protection of the main working mechanisms from dirt;
- Large selection of folding models;
- Affordable price.
Minuses:
- Not too fast;
- Poor fit for driving over rough terrain.
Select bike size
Size (frame size)
It was not in vain that we dwelt on the varieties of bicycles in such detail, since in each considered family the optimal frame size for the same person will be different.
Manufacturers traditionally designate this parameter with the letters S, M, L, XL, etc. But such marking does not give an exact idea of the height of the bike - these are just landmarks (and very approximate).
For cyclists 150-160 cm tall, small frames are suitable:
1. In the case of mountain bikes, this XS is a 15-inch model (37.9 cm);
2. Riders are shorter and taller, so here the frame size is 49-51 cm;
3. BMX stunt should go 20 inches in size.
With height of 160-170 cm:
1. For MTV need a frame S or M - these symbols correspond to 16-17 "or 40.6-43.0 cm;
2. Road bikes fall only into the Small category and come in sizes of 51-54 cm;
3. In the case of BMX, take the same 20-inch.
Tall people from 170 to 185 cm fit bikes with such dimensions:
1. L - for mountain models with frames of 18 or 19 ″ (45.7-48.0 cm);
2. M - for road bikes (55-57 cm);
3. 20.5 inches - for stunt.
With growth up to 190 cm you need to choose large frames:
1. XL, if you are looking for a mountain bike - in numbers it is 20-21 ″ or 50.8-53.1 cm;
2. L, if you need a road bike - its dimensions should correspond to 58-60 cm;
3. 21 inches for BMX (above this value should not rise, even if your own height under two meters).
Two-meter athletes will need the largest bikes:
1. Mountain size XXL - this marking corresponds to 22-23 ″ or 55.8-58.1 cm;
2. Road models with two "X" is not available - here the maximum size corresponds to 61-63 cm and is written as XL.
For urban bikes, such careful selection of frame sizes is not needed, so manufacturers offer only three options:
1. Small - for people not taller than 165 cm;
2. Middle - for those who fall in the range of 165-180 cm;
3. Large - for tall cyclists from 180 cm and above.
You can determine your “own” size using a calculation method. To do this, you need to measure the length of the inside of the leg from groin to heel. Multiply the value obtained by a factor of 0.66, if you buy a highwayman, or by 0.57 (for mountain biking). The result is the optimal frame size for you. The finished figure in centimeters can be converted to inches, dividing it by 2.54.
This method will help you choose the right bike when buying from an online store. But it is better to find the opportunity to “try on” the model you like and make sure that you are close to each other.
Wheel size
This parameter also depends on the height of the cyclist, although it does not play such an important role as the size of the frame. In addition, the diameter of the wheels is determined by the appointment of the selected bike.
For example, for MTV, the use of a rim of 26 ″ is considered the norm, although it will be more convenient for people taller than 180 cm to ride so-called reiners with 29-inch wheels. Almost all trick models come with 20 ″ rims, and put 28-29 ″ wheels on roadbirds.
It is very important to choose this indicator correctly when buying a children's bicycle - the wheel diameter should clearly correspond to the height of the child:
1. For three-year-olds no bigger than a meter, you need wheels up to 12 ″;
2. 14- or 16-inch models will be suitable for pre-schoolers with a height of 100-120 cm;
3. Up to 10 years old, if your child is 115-135 cm tall, you can use a bicycle with 18-inch wheels;
4. Teens up to 145-150 cm fit 20-inch rim or 24 ″ in the case of MTV.
Rules of "fitting"
If you buy a bike in a store or on the market, you have the opportunity to try on a particular model. To do this, put the bike between your legs. In this position, the upper tube of the frame should be no less than 10-15 cm from the groin.
Well, if the seller will allow you to ride on the selected bike. This will help you understand how comfortable it will be to use it at your build.
Remember that while driving, the foot in the knee should be fully leveled when the pedal moves to the lowest position. The difference of a few centimeters is not critical - it is quite possible to level it by adjusting the seat.
Children's bikes pick up otherwise. It is necessary that the child easily gets his foot to the ground, without getting up from the saddle - only this will save the baby from unsuccessful falls.
What size bike to choose
1. If you are a fan of aggressive or just high-speed driving, take the bike a little smaller in size than the manufacturer suggests - it will be easier to control them.
2. If you are overweight or have problems with joint mobility, you should also deviate from the proposed size and take the model an inch or two less. Pay attention to the location of the upper tube of the frame: to make it easier for you to sit down and get up from the bike, it should fall at a large angle to the horizontal.
3. To perform tricks and feints, again, look for a shorter frame - ideally 2 inches.
4. Tall and thin cyclists are better off buying a slightly larger bike than is prescribed to people of their height. This is due to the peculiarities of the constitution: as a rule, these athletes have very long arms, which allows them to ride large bikes comfortably.
How much is a bike
1. The cheapest mountain bike will cost you 9-12 thousand rubles. The cost of good-quality models starts from 40-50 thousand and comes to half a million.
2. A simple highwayman can be bought for 14-20 thousand rubles, but if you want a really good road bike, get ready to part with a sum of 70 to 200 thousand.
3. Stunt BMX-models are in the range of 10-40 thousand rubles.
4. A good city bike can be purchased for 4000-12000 rubles, and an advanced model of a famous brand will be no more than 50-60 thousand.
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