simon D

hello everyone

i just recently started biking and i am thinking about getting a new bike because the bike that i have now is abit too small. The problem is i have a difficult time getting on a full sized adult bike that has 26 inch wheels.

the label on the bike that i have now says its for people who are 5'3 to 5'5 but i feel like my knees are cramped


any tips and advice on how to get on a bigger bike for a shortie would be appreciated

alaskanb3arcub

There are several sites out there that have frame size calculators that take inseam into account. When I go to the LBS later today I'll write a couple down. In the mean time, what frame style do you have now? What have you tried? Have you considered a longer seat tube?

rica rica

i knew someone a foot taller than me who had the same size torso, his height was all in his legs. So a frame may fit that height on average, but it might not work for you.

simon D

thank you for your replies guys!

i just looked on the bike the inseam is listed as 24-27 inch and the frame 17inch and i think its a mountain bike frame

i also found out that the bike is not even adjustable the pole is welded on the frame .. gosh for a $200 bike i cant even adjust the height!

alaskanb3arcub

https://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-too.../mountain-bike

try that and see what it says.

Leebo

What about a step through frame or one with a sloped top tube?

goldfinch

I have had bikes where the top tube is too high for me. I am very short. In recent years I have been able to find better fitting bikes as bikes now are readily available with sloping top tubes. How tall are you? What is your cycling inseam? That is, the distance from your crotch to the floor.

To specifically answer your question, this is how I get on bikes that are too big for me:

I straddle the bike. To do this, the bike will have to lean to one side.Otherwise, I can't clear the top tube. I lean my bikes to the left.
I put my right foot on the right pedal so I can push off.
I push off while simultaneously rising to the seat. The bike will straighten itself up as you push off.

I stop by dropping my right foot to the ground, again leaning the bike to the left.

Of course, it is best to find a bike that fits.

Is the bike you got used? I have never heard of anyone welding the seat post into the frame. If you can't get the seat at the right height no matter what you will be uncomfortable and it will limit the amount you can ride.