When talking about bike sizes, a measurement usually refers to one of two things: the wheel size or the bike frame size. A 26 inch bike typically refers to the wheel size, since 26 inch bike frames are not a normal size (for example, a 21 inch bike frame is big enough for a 6’2″ person).
A 26 inch bike is usually for people who are between 4’10” and 5’7″ tall. While a 26 inch bike could fit someone taller than 5’7″, it will likely feel a little small and not be the ideal sized bike for someone that tall. It is considered one of the three main standard sizes in adult bikes (the other two being 27.5 inches and 29 inches), both of which are suited for people taller than 5’7″.
Bike wheel sizes for adults
There are three main bike wheel size options for adults: 26 inch, 27.5 inch and 29 inch. These three sizes are generally recommended based on height:
| Height | Wheel Size |
|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5’7″ | 26 inch wheel |
| 5’5″ – 6’0″ | 27.5 inch wheel |
| 6’0″ – 6’6″ | 29 inch wheel |
Bike Size: Wheel size vs. frame size
The wheel size refers to the diameter of the wheel itself, while the frame size is the size of the bike frame itself. Both are important to consider when purchasing a bike, but the size of the frame is usually what you should be paying more attention to when it comes to finding the right fit. At the end of the day, nothing beats actually testing out a bike to feel how comfortable it is for you, but this guideline will help you determine what the right bike size for you is.
The perfect frame size for you will depend on your height, your inseam length and the type of bike you are purchasing. In order to measure your inseam length, stand up barefoot with your feet 6-8″ apart. Then, measure the length between your crotch and the floor to determine your inseam length. With this information, you can use the following table to determine your ideal bike size:
| Height | Inseam Length | Road Bike Frame Size | Mountain Bike Frame Size | Hybrid Bike Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5’1″ | 24 – 29 inches | 47cm – 48cm | <= 14 inches | 14 inches |
| 5’1″ – 5’5″ | 25 – 30 inches | 49cm – 53cm | 15 – 16 inches | 15 inches |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 26 – 31 inches | 54cm – 55cm | 16 – 17 inches | 16 inches |
| 5’9″ – 6’0″ | 27 – 32 inches | 56cm – 58cm | 17 – 18 inches | 17 inches |
| 6’0″ – 6’3″ | 28 – 33 inches | 58cm – 60cm | 18 – 19 inches | 18 inches |
| 6’3″ – 6’6″ | 29 – 34 inches | 61cm – 63cm | 19+ inches | 19 inches |
Bike Size Chart Kids
Looking for the right sized bike for your kid? Kids bike sizes are best determined by looking at the wheel size. Although you can roughly estimate which size would be needed based on the child’s age, basing it on height yields better results. Use the table below to determine what sized bike you should be getting for a kid:
| Rider Height | Rider Age | Bike Wheel Size |
|---|---|---|
| 28 – 38 inches | 1 – 4 | 12 inches |
| 36 – 40 inches | 3 – 4 | 14 inches |
| 38 – 48 inches | 3 – 7 | 16 inches |
| 42 – 52 inches | 5 – 9 | 18 inches |
| 48 – 60 inches | 7 – 13 | 20 inches |
| 56 – 66 inches | 10 – 15 | 24 inches |
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is 26 inch bike for?
A 26 inch bike is good for adults and older teenagers. A 26 inch bike is not necessarily for a certain age, but for a certain height. Depending on the height of the person, a 26 inch bike could be a good fit for you, usually for people who are between 4’10” and 5’7″ tall.
Is 26 inch bike small for adults?
A 26 inch bike is considered on the smaller side for most adults, since they are ideal for people who are between 4’10” and 5’7″ tall. If you are taller than 5’7″, a 26 inch bike could fit but is likely to be a smaller fit.
What height does a 26 bike fit?
A 26 bike fits people of height between 4’10” and 5’7″. If you are a little taller it could still fit OK, but it wouldn’t be the perfect fit and is likely to feel a little small when riding, which is not the most efficient way to ride a bike and will make you waste more energy.
