Is it better to size up or down on a bike?

Is it better to size up or down on a bike?

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.

Is it OK to buy a bike one size smaller?

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.

Is it OK to ride a smaller bike?

There are mostly two issues with bikes that are too small: A frame that’s too short may cause problems for steering (toe strike against the back of the front wheel and/or the handlebar colliding with your legs). This is safety critical. It may not be possible to put the saddle at the appropriate height.

Can you ride a bike one size too big?

If your bike frame is too big, your handling, comfort and posture will likely suffer. So riding on a bike frame that’s too big does matter, and so does riding on a bike frame that’s too small. The size of the frame should accommodate your height, proportions and riding preferences. Bike fit is the key to comfort.