Bike size
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Bike size
My son is 5"8" and his inseam is 30inches. I'm so confused as to what size bike. Most bikes are advertised online as 26" or 28". Would one of these be appropriate?
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26” and 28” are wheel sizes.
They are about as useful in determining bike fit as shoelace length is to determine shoe fit.
You can get a crude idea of fit from FRAME size, which ranges from about 14-22”.
If you insist on DIY, do a net search for ”bike fit calculator”. Follow the instructions. Wrenchscience and competitive cyclist have some decent ones.
They are about as useful in determining bike fit as shoelace length is to determine shoe fit.
You can get a crude idea of fit from FRAME size, which ranges from about 14-22”.
If you insist on DIY, do a net search for ”bike fit calculator”. Follow the instructions. Wrenchscience and competitive cyclist have some decent ones.
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Making sure your son (or anyone wanting to ride) is on a bike that fits them is the most element in making cycling fun/comfortable. Good bikes aren't cheap, it will be worth your time/money to invest in getting fit for the bike you want to buy. Having the wrong size bike won't be comfortable, efficient, or fun.
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Hi-ten steel, Shimano Tourney, CST Tires, two bolt stems, quill stems, multi speed freewheels, full suspension bikes for under $1500, front suspension bikes under $800 and any bike that is listed with just wheel size are generally good things to avoid when looking at a new bike because those tend to be a good sign of a low end product. Granted for some of that stuff it is not a hard fast rule but a decent guideline to help you get off to the right start. Feel free to ask the salesperson or mechanic about that stuff.
Avoid online shopping because you won't know if the bike actually fits and cannot really test ride it. Also with bikes bought online you have to get it assembled unless you know what you are doing and have the tools then you can do it yourself. Also Amazon, Wal-Mart and other type sellers that aren't bike focused tend to sell the lowest end bikes at inflated prices (maybe in weight of scrap) Plus when you buy from a shop they will usually give you some free service or at least tune the bike up once you have ridden it for 30-90 days or about 20 hours or so.
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A hard working bike shop owner will happily help you out.