26 Inch Bike For What Size Person?[Exact Bike Size With Charts]

January 20, 2022 | Editor

Are you purchasing a bike for the first time? Or you are just fed up with your old bike? If so, you might need to consider the right bike size before purchasing a new one. The 26-inch bike has gained much popularity in recent years, and every cycling enthusiast wants to know about it. In fact, these bikes are perfect in durability, speed, and stability.

If you are a newbie with the least knowledge of bikes and want to know about a 26-inch bike for what size person, here’s the short answer. Basically, 26-inch is the size of the wheel, not the bicycle. A 26-inch wheel bike is for a person with a height between 5 and 6 feet. You should purchase a bike with larger wheels and more length space if you’re taller than 5’7.

Internet is flooded with queries related to a 26-inch bike. Finally, we’ve decided to cover all the answers of the 26-inch bikes for what size person in this post. So, read it till the end if you want to choose the right bicycle size.

What Is A 26-Inch Bike?

If you buy a bicycle from a local market, you can check it from every aspect. You can ride on it and decide whether it suits you or not. In the case of an online purchase, the size 26-inches is confusing for newbies. Therefore, it is crucial to know what a 26-inch bike means.

Before heading towards the bike size chart, let’s clear what does a 26-inch bike means? The 26-inch bike is a mountain bicycle, and 26 inches is the internal diameter of its wheels. Most people use measurements like 24 inches or 26 inches while talking about bikes and their size. The average American men’s frame is between 20 to 24 inches, and the women’s frame is 22 to 23 inches. The 26-inch bike is suitable for many new biking enthusiasts because it is easy to ride on and control.

The wheel size of a bike matters a lot while purchasing. But this is not the only thing to consider; the frame size, handlebar, and seat position are equally important when choosing the right bike.

What Size Person Is 26 Inch Bike For?

Firstly, let’s answer one of the most frequently asked questions that 26-inch bike for what size person? Typically, bikes with wheels of 26 inches diameter are for 5 feet to nearly six feet tall person. If you’re taller than 6, purchase a bike with 700c, 27.5-inch, or 29-inch wheels. Here, the 700c stands for the wheel diameter.

How To Determine The Right Bike Size?

If you buy a cycle from a local market, you can check it from every aspect. You can ride on it and decide whether it suits you or not. In the case of an online purchase, the mentioned size 26-inches is confusing for newbies. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to determine the right bike size.

To determine the bike size, you’ll need to measure your height or inseam length(the length of the inside of your leg) and then compare it with the bike frame or wheel size mentioned in the product features.

In the first method, measure your height from head to foot by standing straight. Now take the inseam length by measuring the inside of your leg. Compare both measurements with the bike frame size. The bike’s frame size is the length of the seat tube from the bottom to the top.

The second method of determining the bike size includes comparing the rider’s height or inseam with the tire size.

Here’s a table comparing a person’s height and inseam length to the bike frame and wheel size.

Height(Feet/Inches)	Inseam Length(Inches)	Mountain Bike Frame Size (Inches)	Mountain Bike Wheel Size (Inches)
4’10 – 5’3″	25 – 28″	13 – 14″	26’’
5’4 “- 5’7”	25 – 30″	15 – 16″	26’’
5’5″ – 5’9″	26 – 31″	16 – 17″	27.5’’
5’9″ – 6’0″	27 – 32″	17 – 18″	27.5’’
6’0″ – 6’3″	28 – 33″	18 – 19″	29’’
6’1″ – 6’6″	29 – 34″	19″ +	29’’

Is 26 Inch Wheel Bike For Adults?

The 26-inch wheel bike is for adults or not; it depends on the rider’s height and weight. Mostly, these bikes are designed for teens aged 13 or more and 5 to 6 feet tall. Even a person taller than 4’11’’ can also use the 26-inch bike. But this bike is slightly smaller for adults taller than 5’8’’ and more.

If you’re 5’5’’ to 6’0’’ tall, it is recommended to select a 27.5-inch bike instead of a 26-inch bike. Also, the wheel diameter between 26-29 inches is suitable for adults. Plus, sitting on a smaller bike frame will be uncomfortable for taller riders. Therefore, they need a bike larger(50 to 52) than the standard frame size. A maximum seat height is another essential factor that a taller biker should consider since it helps maintain good control.

Weight is another factor determining whether a 26-inch bike is for adults or not. Almost all adult bicycles can carry a person weighing 68 kg to 90 kg.

What Age Is 26 Inch Bike For?

Age is not the priority factor other than height and weight in determining the exact person size for a 26-inch bike. However, a 26-inch bike is typically designed for teens of 11-13years or more with a height 4’10 to 5’7”. For instance, if your kid has outgrown his 20-inch bicycle, a 26-inch bike will be perfect for him. Plus, it is more stable and durable than the 24-inch variety.

The table below will guide you on the bike wheel size, depending on the age.

Age(Years)	Height(Inches)	Inseam(Inches)	Wheel Size(Inches)
2	2’9″ – 3’1″	12″ – 14″	10″
3-4	3’1″ – 3’3″	14″-17″	12’’
4-5	3’3″ – 3’7″	16″-20″	14’’
5-6	3’7″ – 3-8″	18″-22″	16’’
6-8	3’8″ – 4’0″	20″-24″	18’’
7-9	4’0″ – 4’5″	22″-25″	20’’
9-11	4’5″ – 4’9″	24″-28″	24’’
11-14	5’+	28″+	26’’

26 Inch Bike For What Height?

The 26-inch bike is for kids or adults with a height between five to 6 feet. Maybe, it is a good fit for you even if you’re taller. The only way to check if it suits you or not is to ride on it.

The best way to check if a bike fits you or not is to measure your height and inseam length. Then, compare the values with the manufacturers’ sizing chart. Typically, the height of a 26-inch bicycle is 17 inches, while an average man is 5’9” tall. Therefore, if a taller man rides a 26-inch bike, he is more likely to experience knee pain.

26 Inch Bike For What Size Person In cm?

The 26-inch bike is designed for 147cm to 170cm tall people. Similarly, you should have an inseam length of 62cm to 72cm if you want to purchase a 26-inch bike.

The person height chart in centimeters suitable for a 26-inch bike is mentioned below;

Height(cm)	Leg Inseam(cm)	Bike frame size	Bike wheel size
147-160	62-70	13-14’’	26’’
160-170	63-76	15-16’’	26’’
165-175	66-78	16–17’’	27.5’’
175-183	68-81	17-18’’	27.5’’
183-190	71-83	18-19’’	29’’
190-200	73-86	19+	29’’

How To Select The Right Bike Size?

Before buying any bicycle, you should visit the local market and try a test ride on your favorite model. To see whether it fits your body or not, consider these points.

Make sure to select the seat position that suits you.
Your feet should easily touch the ground while you sit on the seat.
Your hands and wrists should comfortably hold the handle without any pressure. Also, The handlebar should be adjustable.
Ensure to check gender preference before purchasing a bike. Some frame sizes are suitable for female riders, while others are for males.
If you stand on the seat with your feet touching the ground, the gap between your crotch and bicycle frame should not be more than 1 inch.
When holding the handle, your elbow should make a 90-degree angle.
Pedals should not hurt your feet.

If you are between 4’6’’ to 5’8’’ tall, a 24-inch bike will be a good fit for you. A bicycle will be a good fit for you if your legs reach halfway to the point where the peddles are attached.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you get the answer for “26-inch bike for what size person. The 26-inch bike is for you if you are 4’10 to 5’7’’ in height and 150 to 200 pounds in weight. If you are taller, purchase a bike with a larger wheel diameter.

Check out the bike size charts mentioned in the post and select the right bike size. If you want to buy a bike online, it is better to visit a local market and test a suitable bike ride. Plus, never choose a cycle based on its fancy appearance. Consider all the factors, including your height and bike frame size. After knowing what size fits you, you can order online.