The position of your handlebars is determined by four things: Your elbows should be slightly bent and your fingers light on the handlebars - they could freely play the piano if there was one there. Most beginner riders want the handlebars to be even with saddle, or 1-2" lower for racers and mountain bikers. You want to feel in control of the bike without lower back pain. You want to ride in a way that's comfortable for you, and that changes from person to person. X Research sourceĪdjust your handlebars to ride comfortably. They are very adjustable to compensate for quickly growing kids. Kids bikes have smaller frames similar to mountain bikes, helping them keep their balance with a lower center of gravity.Fitting these bikes is less about measurements than pure comfort on a test ride. Sometimes called "city bikes" or "commuter bikes," these are made for short distances. The handlebars are high above the seat and the pedals slightly in front of you so that you comfortably cruise around town. Cruiser bikes have odd, sideways S-shaped or curved frames that allow you to sit nearly upright while riding.These frames are usually measured in centimeters. You can use these for both street riding and casual trail riding. Hybrid bikes combine features of road and mountain bikes.Mountain bike frame sizes are measured in inches. The center triangle is more compact, with the top tube sometimes angling down, away from the handlebars.
Road bikes are most often used by commuters, fitness, and racing fitness riding.However, the general shape of the bike helps determine its function more often than not: Know, however, that there are as many different frame configurations as there are bike makers, each with "specialized" functions. There is a variety of frames available on the market, but the frame shape generally changes based on the type of riding the bike is made for. Thus, buying the proper frame is the most important thing you can do when shopping for a bike. The frame is the metal or carbon-fiber body of the bike, and, unlike the handlebars or seat (known as a "saddle"), it is not adjustable. Know that you must buy the right frame for your style of riding.