Bicycle dimensions: dimensions and features of choice
A bicycle is a vehicle that is well known to everyone from childhood. It is on a bicycle that a small child begins to learn to ride, and after that the "iron horse" is used for walks or professional sports.
Today, there is more than a wide range of bicycles on the sporting goods market. At the same time, there are certain standards in size. It is about the dimensions that will be discussed in this article.
Features of choice
The first step is to figure out why you need to know the size of the bike. So, such parameters are, of course, very important, since the following depends on them:
- will it be comfortable to ride on it, will it fit the rider's parameters;
- method and possibilities of its transportation;
- where you can store it.
Also, attention is paid to the dimensions of the bike if it is bought in an online store: the cost of delivery often depends on its size in the box, if it is paid.
Varieties of bicycles
The first thing that determines the size as a whole, the dimensions of individual components and parts, is the type of bike. It happens:
- road;
- single-suspended or double-suspended;
- mountainous;
- highway;
- urban;
- cruise;
- tracking;
- tourist;
- BMX;
- hardtail;
- hybrid;
- for women, teenagers, children, classic.
Each of the above types is used for different types of driving in a certain area and territory. For example, design features mountain bike designed for skiing on mountainous, rocky terrain, and urban great for normal driving on a flat road.The trekking bike is preferred by cyclists who like high speed and are cycling professionally.
Standard sizes
Every manufacturer who is engaged in the manufacture of bicycles, from the simplest "iron horses" to professional models, is obliged to take into account the standards clearly spelled out in the norms and requirements. According to the rules and regulations, the maximum length of the bike can be 2 meters, the minimum is 1.8 meters, and the height is 1.2 meters. Now let's take a closer look at this.
Frame dimensions
The data that correspond to the parameters of the bicycle frame of the mountain and city bike types are shown in the table below.
Table 1
Frame size | Size in centimeters | Size in inches | Human height in cm |
XS | 33 – 35,6 | 13 – 14 | up to 155 |
S | 38,1 – 40,6 | 15 – 16 | 145 – 165 |
M | 43,2 – 45,7 | 17 – 18 | 156 – 178 |
L | 48,3 – 50,8 | 19 – 20 | 172 – 185 |
XL | 53,3 – 55,9 | 21 – 22 | 180 – 195 |
XXL | 58,4 – 61 | 23 – 24 | 190 – 210 |
But the parameters of folding mountain and folding city bikes do not correspond to those indicated in the table. There is only one size available for them, which is suitable for people with a height of 155 to 185 centimeters.
In table # 2 you can see the dimensions of the road bike and road bike frame.
table 2
Frame size | Size in centimeters | Size in inches | Human height in cm |
XS | 41 – 59 | 13 – 14 | 157 – 163 |
S | 51 – 54 | 15 – 16 | 163 – 170 |
M | 55 – 57 | 17 – 18 | 170 – 178 |
M / L | 57 – 59 | 19 – 20 | 178 – 183 |
L | 58 – 60 | 21 – 22 | 183 – 190 |
X L | 61 – 63 | 23 – 24 | 190 – 198 |
These models are suitable for walking and competition. So, when choosing a bike of this type, you must take into account the parameters of the frame.
Steering wheel types
The steering wheel is an integral part of every bicycle, thanks to which transport is controlled. A bicycle handlebar can be:
- direct;
- steering wheel-riser, or as it is also called "horns".
A straight bar is most often installed on mountain and trekking bikes. Experts say that more comfortable for driving is the "horn" steering wheel, as it makes it possible to adjust the position of the hands. But behind the steering wheel of a direct type, the hands are held exclusively in one position.
Wheel dimensions
The diameter of the bicycle wheels is what the buyer pays attention to when choosing a vehicle. If we talk about models that are designed for an adult, then the diameter of their wheels can be 26, 27, 27.5, 28 and 29 inches. The diameter of the wheels depends on:
- the effort that will need to be made to accelerate;
- the maximum speed that the vehicle can develop;
- how easy and convenient it will be to manage it.
Also worth noting is the fact that wheels of a certain diameter are designed for each type of bicycle. For example, bicycles with 26-inch wheels are ideal for off-road riding, pits and obstacles. Wheel sizes 27.5 and 28 inches are the average size preferred by most cycling enthusiasts. There are manufacturers who sell adult models with 20-inch wheels. Such models are used by fans of extreme driving.
Dimensions in packing
Earlier in the article, we said that the size of the bike in the box is of great importance. Of course, when buying a vehicle, you can check the packaging information from a sales assistant. But there are approximate parameters that can be guided by.
Wheel diameter, inches | Length, cm | Height, cm | Depth cm |
12 | 80 | 40 | 19 – 22 |
16 | 90 – 100 | 45 | 19 – 22 |
20 | 110 – 115 | 55 – 60 | 19 – 22 |
24 | 120 – 127 | 62 – 67 | 19 – 22 |
26 | 135 – 141 | 72 – 76 | 19 – 22 |
27,5 | 137 – 142 | 72 – 76 | 19 – 22 |
28 | 138 – 143 | 73 – 78 | 19 – 22 |
29 | 140 – 145 | 74 – 80 | 19 – 22 |
Folding | 80 | 40 | 20 |
Fetbike | 156 | 76 | 26 |
In most cases, manufacturers and sellers will pack the goods in a box that is larger than the size of the bike. For example, a model with 28 "wheels will be packed for shipping in a 2 meter long container.
Criterias of choice
The size of different parts of the bike determines how comfortable and convenient it will be to ride on it, whether riding on it will harm a person's health. When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to:
- the height and weight of the person who will ride the bike;
- wheel diameter;
- frame size;
- type of steering wheel;
- type of terrain on which the ride will be carried out.
The ideal option is to purchase such a product exclusively in a specialized store, where you can get on a bike, spin the pedals, and hold the wheel. Such an experiment will make it clear if it is right for you.
For information on how to choose a bike for height, see the next video.
