What happens if you ride a bike that is too big?

Beyond the standover clearance issues, if you ride a bike that "too big" for you, your riding position will be stretched out more and may not be as comfortable to ride, meaning you will have to reach further to grab the bars causing you to be bent over a little more.
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What do you do if your bike is too big?

Lowering the Bars.

On a bike that's too big you can lower the bars a fair amount by making sure the stem is at the lowest point on the steerer tube without any spacers underneath. If your bars are already at this point, the next way to lower the bars is to get a stem with a high angle such as 15 or so degrees.
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Is it okay to ride a bike too big?

Due to the issues with handling and posture, bikes with larger frames are likely to cause discomfort. You may feel the strain on your back, neck, knees or shoulders. Stretching your arms to reach the handlebars also puts strain on your wrists and arms.
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Is it better to get a bike too big or too small?

Neither a smaller or bigger frame is better for everyone and generalizations in frame sizing are almost always risky. If your riding position is established first the best decision for you will likely become much more clear. Consider bike fit the holy trinity of comfort, power, and efficiency.
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What happens if you ride the wrong size bike?

Riding a frame that is the wrong size will eventually lead to pain in your lower back, especially if you're on a road bike. Adjusting a seatpost or handlebar won't compensate for the frame. Fatigue - Pedal efficiency is a major reason for getting a bike that's perfect for your size.
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10 Clues You Bought The Wrong Size Bike!



Is it better to get a bigger or smaller bike frame?

If your arm span is longer than your height, go for a bigger frame. If it's shorter, get the smaller one. On a bigger bike, the reach to the handlebars will be longer. If you have proportionally longer arms, you are likely to feel more comfortable on a bigger frame.
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How important is bike sizing?

Frame size is literally the most important thing about a bike. Wrong size can easily make the ride not very enjoyable. Or trying to make the bike fit can throw the handling all off. That doesn't mean a "size chart" means a alot for bike size.
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Why do pros ride smaller bikes?

In more modern times, pros often use a smaller frame that a similarly sized recreational rider because they want to ride a big drop to the handlebars. As head tubes continue to grow for a given frame size, pros are forced onto smaller frames to maintain their positions.
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Why do my hands go numb when mountain biking?

Numbness occurs as a result of excessive pressure or stress on nerves. Biking affects the median and the ulnar nerves (if you have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, then you have heard of median nerve problems). The median nerve and several tendons go through a “tunnel” across the underside of the wrist.
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Can a small person ride a big bike?

There's no height requirement for riding a motorcycle, and folks who are a little lower to the ground can have just as much fun tearing up the roads and talking smack on their motorcycle intercoms as taller individuals can. However, being a shorter rider does require finding a bike that's the right height for you.
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Are your feet supposed to touch the ground on a bike?

The height of your saddle is important for the most comfortable position and safe riding style. When you sit on the saddle, both feet should reach the floor and the balls of your feet should be touching the ground.
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What happens if mountain bike frame is too big?

Not Comfortable. Bikes that are too big can also cause a great amount of discomfort on your neck, back, knees and shoulders. If you find yourself overly stretching to reach the handlebars you will find it uncomfortable, especially on longer rides around your arms and wrists.
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How do you tell if a bike is too tall?

The hip wobble should be easy for them to see, and you'll want to bring your seat down a little. Or, if you bring your foot to the bottom of the pedal stroke, your heel should barely be able to touch at the bottom when your leg is fully extended (see photo above).
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How tall should I be for a 26-inch bike?

26-inch bikes are a common size for adults. Riders with a height of 5' and above are typically tall enough to comfortably fit on bikes with 26” wheels. However, riders taller than 5'5” may be better suited to the slightly larger 27.5” or 29” models that offer better traction and stability.
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How tall should you be for a 29 bike?

If you're 5'6' or taller, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you. Riders more than 6' tall can rejoice: You'll definitely enjoy a more natural riding position with the size and frame geometry of a 29er.
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Are smaller bikes easier to ride?

Quicker Acceleration. When you're riding in downtown traffic and need to stop frequently, you will appreciate fast acceleration. Because smaller wheels weigh less, they create a lower moment of inertia. As a result, they get up to speed quicker and climb better.
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What is the average weight of a pro cyclist?

Rider Weight and Body Composition

Climbers, of course, tend to be whippet thin at an average height of 5'8” to 5'10” and an average weight of just 132 to 145 pounds. Time trial specialists, while still very lean, are bigger and heavier, averaging 5'10” to 6'0” in height and 154 to 165 pounds in weight.
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How much should I drop on a road bike?

Generally, drop bars are used for road bikes to optimize the biker's performance, because they provide an aerodynamic position. Most bikers adjust them to about 3/4 cm below the saddle.
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How does frame size affect a bike?

The frame size influences your riding comfort and affects your agility, speed and safety. Determining which frame size fits you best is a matter of variables such as your height, inseam and riding style, but it is also a matter of personal preference, so sizing a bicycle is not an exact science.
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Why do my knees hurt on the bike?

Most cycling knee pain results from a condition known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. This condition is commonly brought on by athletic overuse or high-impact use of the knees (among bikers, overuse is the more common culprit.) Malalignment of the patella (kneecap) can also cause or exacerbate issues.
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