Which bike would be best for me?

[Dandelion8]

I am a man with an inside leg measurement of 29" and want to know what size bicycle would be most comfortable for me. I am a total novice, and want a mountain bake or a 'hybrid' type so I can use it off road, too. Could anyone advise me on this one, please?
That's mountain 'bike, of course, not 'bake'...

 

[Yahoo]

how many legs do you have
i have a left and right leg
my inside leg drags on the ground

 

[Alex]

A lot depends upon how tall you are as well. But as a general rule:

Stand over the bike with your feet about 1 ft apart. There should be about 2" - 4" clearance between the top tube and your family jewels. Anything less will be painful if you dismount.

Use a wall for support. Sit on the bike and rotate the crank to the lowest position, with your heal on the peddle.Adjust the saddle height until your leg is locked out. this means that your leg will be slightly bent when riding.

Having done this, if the saddle is right down on the frame, then the frame is too big. If the seatpost is less than 1 1/2" into the top tube, but frame is too small. Ideally, you want about 12" of seat tube showing. This will give you some flex and suspension.

Having sat on the bike, take it for a spin around the car park. Any place that doesn't allow you to do this, walk away. What you want to find is how stretched etc. you feel. It could be that it is too small and your knees hit the handlebars, or too big and you feel stretched. Just because the bike is the right size for you does not mean that it is the most comfortable.

Hope this helps

Luck

 

[IanD]

I suggest that you go to a local Halfords shop where you can try them size and type. If there is nothing that you want then walk out again!

 

[wleatlantalII]

go to a bike store
you don;t say you can;t do that
so go
wle

 

[pmt853]

Inside leg measurement is, at best, a rough guide to the size of bike you need. Visit your local professional specialist bike shop (not a supermarket of car shop that sells some bikes) for proper advice on the best type of bike for you and the right size for your body shape and comfort. Do try before you buy unless you are confident and competent to buy online or unseen. A decent bike shop will give you a short trial ride to see if the bike suits you. You don't have to buy from them, but many will do a price match with the best online retailers, and they are there when the bike needs a service or repair. Remember to budget for lights, pump, repair kit, hi-viz clothes etc.

 

[JohnM]

Go to the local bike shop and tell them where you want to ride. Department store bikes are junk and only come in one size.