Keep reading to learn about mountain bike geometry and what to do if you are stuck between two sizes. There are so many bike shapes, sizes, and designs available, so head over to our catalog to shop all mountain bikes. In mid-1968, Huffman released the Flaming Stack chain guard, which was designed to look like the distinctive side exhaust pipe covers on the Corvette sports car.
Older mountain bikes used seat tube length, or the vertical distance from the bottom bracket up to the seat post clamp. Check out our mountain bike size chart or the sizing tools on a brand’s website to determine the correct size for you. Many bike manufacturers have moved away from gender-specific designs and, instead, offer their bikes in a variety of sizes to fit any rider.
The new frame was approximately 4″ to 5″ longer than previous models. In 1968, in an effort to market a children’s bicycle with an automotive theme, Huffman designers added a car-type steering wheel in place of handlebars to the Rail frame, which became the Huffy Wheel. Since wheelbase is essentially a measurement of the frame from one end huffy bikes to the other, wheelbase is made up of other metrics like reach, head tube, angle, and chainstay length added together. It’s important to recognize where the extra length (or lack thereof) is coming from to understand how the overall bike will feel out on the trails. The slightly shorter wheelbase provides a more nimble and zippy ride feel.
MTB frame designs today have quite low standover heights, so it’s never a worry that it’ll be difficult to swing your leg over the frame to mount the bike or that you won’t be able to comfortably straddle the frame. That said, always check you have enough clearance to allow for quick huffy cruiser bike and safe dismounts. Bike manufacturers like Trek and Giant have realized that matching smaller wheels to smaller frames can make for a better overall fit. Trek’s Smart Wheel Size approach pairs 29” wheels with M, L, and XL frames and puts 27.5” wheels on XS and S frame sizes.
Later that same year, Huffman released a new Slingshot model with 16″ front dragster wheel, and 20″ rear. The new 1969 models where the last year for the three-bar Rail frame style. In 1970, Huffman deleted their three-bar frame and went to a two-bar Rail frame, eventually adding additional two-tone fade paint jobs along with Persons striped seats.
If stack height feels too high or low, it can be adjusted with headset spacers or handlebar rise to fit the specific rider. Too much reach and you’ll be leaning too far forward while in the normal riding position. Short reach means the handlebars are relatively close to your body— riders can feel overly upright with not enough weight over the bottom bracket to pedal efficiently. A great 20-inch mountain bike to inspire him to explore trails outside the neighborhood.
Bike size charts are simply suggestions and are often based on a single height measurement, so they fall short of telling the whole bike fit story. Follow this advice to pick the correct size when you’re right on the edge of two frame sizes. Traditionally, frame sizes were listed in inches, but modern mountain bike designs with their low standover height and diverse geometries prevent seat tube length from being a representative measurement. Bike brands have realized that “size S” is much more intuitive for customers than listing a frame as “15 inches”.
27.5” wheels are more agile and responsive on technical terrain when compared to their 29” counterparts. They are big enough to roll over obstacles better than 26” wheels and small enough to provide nimble handling. As long as you’re not doing intense downhill riding, 27.5” wheels are the ‘goldilocks’ middle wheel size compatible with most terrain and rider heights. 27.5 inch bikes are suitable for adults between 5’2” and 5’10”. That said, adults of all heights can ride this wheel size.
Manufacturing is based outside of the U.S.[19] Crown Equipment Corporation now uses the former Huffy U.S. bicycle factory in Celina, Ohio, to produce forklifts. Explore the ideal new ride in our range of kids’ bikes, electric bikes, ride-ons, and more! Whether you’re shopping for the family princess or the local superhero, we’ve got you covered with Disney and Marvel bikes.
MTB riders are frequently standing out of the saddle on descents or while climbing steep sections. Riders need sufficient room to maneuver on technical terrain, but not so much that they are too stretched out. Reach is the most important metric to pay attention to because it changes the between frame sizes.