Emilydel

Jarrettsin

I'm confused, if it said for 5'2" 24" or 26" why buy the 28"?
Personally I would return it and go to a real bike shop.
For probably a few bucks more you'll wind up with a better bike, one that fits, and have a place to take it for service now and then.

hokiefyd 

Hello, and welcome! The measurements the Target tags show are general tire sizes (28" overall diameter, 26" overall diameter, 24" overall diameter, etc). Target is marketing the bikes this way because they don't offer the same model of bike in different frame sizes. With most bikes, you can get a bike with 26" tires in a small frame, medium frame, large frame, etc. The same is true of bikes with what Target is calling 28" tires. You can get small frames to fit smaller folks, medium frames to fit medium folks, etc. Target doesn't offer that type of selection, so the way they sell bikes to different people is to recommend a smaller tire'd bike for shorter folks. Obviously, this is not ideal from a number of perspectives.

I imagine you spent $250, give or take, for the bike at Target.

A local bike shop will be able to fit you to the proper size of bike. Maybe they have a small frame bike with 28" tires that will work. Maybe they'll recommend you go down to a bike with 26" tires. They will have the experience to fit you properly to a good bike. And they'll also have entry-level bikes (which are actually better than what Target sells) for around $300-350. This is a case where spending a little more will get you a lot.

Emilydel

Emilydel

subgrade

Feeling wobbly and nervous definitely comes from not having ridden in a long time. There is no way of telling if the bike is too big for you without seeing or at least knowing the frame size (which alone also doesn't tell the whole story).

Pompiere

Putting your feet flat on the ground is usually an indication the bike is too SMALL, not too big. More important is how it fits while riding. You should have the seat adjusted so your leg is nearly straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Handlebars should be where you can lean forward with your elbows bent. If you find yourself having to stretch out to reach to handlebars, that is an indication the bike is too big. A bike shop can help you sort it out if you decide to keep the bike.

a1penguin

While it might feel safer to you to be able to put your feet on the ground while sitting on the bike, the seat is probably too low for optimal riding position. Riding with the seat too low is very difficult on your knees. A rough guide to proper seat height is that your leg should be straight (fully extended) with your heel on the pedal. My knees hurt when I see people riding bikes with the seat really low. It often looks like someone is riding a tiny clown bike!

Perhaps you can leave the seat where you can reach the ground until you feel comfortable riding and no longer feel wobbly. A bike that fits properly will be more enjoyable to ride.

pjthomas

Can you stand over the frame, not on the seat but in front of the seat, with both feet flat on the ground? If not then the bike may be too big.

When riding do you feel that you have to stretch to pedal or that your hips rock? If so then seat is too high. If so and seat is all the way down then the bike is too big. General rule, with your heel on the pedal and the pedal all the way down your knee should be straight. Once you put the ball of your foot on the pedal you knee should be ever so slightly bent. If the seat seat is too high and you have rock your hips to pedal this might cause your wooble.

Do feel like you have to stretch to reach the handlebars? If so adjusting the seat forward or the handle bars back. If seat is already forward and the bars back, then the bike is too big.

Like others mentioned, a bike shop will fit you properly and more than happy to sell you an affordable bike.

BiciMan

Welcome: great gift and great that you're going to be riding again. No reason why you shouldn't be able to find a bike that fits at Target or virtually any other store; but, you need to take someone else with you. Also, "this Schwinn bike" is a little vague to get help here. Even a picture would help (of the bike). Also, you never did tell us what bike sizes are available. A Target Schwinn would probably be offered in S, M, or L, if they offer sizes; Small is likely for a 5'2" frame, regardless of tire size. Good luck getting on the right-size bike, and wear a helmet and be careful even with the most-perfect fit bike.