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.
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.
If you are on the hunt for a retro bike or are fixing up that bike in the garage, odds are it’s paired with a 26” wheelset. Remember that back in the day almost all mountain bikers regardless of height rode bikes with 26” wheels, so if that’s what works for you, feel free to buck the current trend of larger rims. A 26” mountain bike is the ideal set-up for younger riders or shorter adults who are between 4’10” and 5’5”. This smaller size is also great for riders that are not as confident on the trails. The smaller diameter 26” wheels are more agile out on the trails and are easier for shorter riders to maneuver over tricky terrain. Large wheels also have a larger contact patch, meaning more rubber touches the ground to boost traction.
A longer wheelbase is more stable and is easier to control at high speeds, useful for steep descents or fast trails. Shorter wheelbases means the bike is a bit more compact and will be more maneuverable on technical terrain and around tricky obstacles. Choose the smaller size if… you are a less aggressive rider or desire a more huffy bikes upright riding position and nimble bike handling. This 21-speed mountain bike shifts into gear with ease on tires that handle whichever path you choose to ride. Adventure calls…what better way to answer than with this men’s 24-inch hardtail mountain bike from Huffy! This bike has the right specs for a great ride, every time.
Some brands claim that 27.5” wheels are especially useful for riders 5’7” and under. Most models share the same wheel size across the various frame options, but some brands put smaller wheels on their XS or S frames. Large 29” wheels are appropriate for all adults, but smaller riders might find them a bit unwieldy. A medium mountain bike typically has a frame size of between 16” to 18”. Reach determines how far riders need to lean forward to grab the handlebars while standing on the pedals.
Feeling cramped, high knees while pedaling, and sitting too upright can be signs that your bike is too small. The reach, or horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the center of the head tube, should be long enough that you can have a good range of motion both in and out of the saddle. The company lost much of its market share in the 1980s after failing to capitalize on the mountain-bike craze and losing its appeal to younger bikers. Huffy, which makes bicycles and basketball backboards, has suffered in recent years because of competition from foreign manufacturers.
In 1999, Huffy closed its last two U.S. bicycle-making plants and moved production to Asia and Mexico because of price competition from Chinese manufacturers. This extended set up is best for riders with relatively long torsos or who are flexible enough to handle the longer reach. Going a size up means a longer bike with more space between the pedals and handlebars and bigger range of motion when standing up on the pedals. By 1953, a Huffy logo was created and Huffman switched all its bicycles to the Huffy brand. A few of the most popular models included the Special Roadster, the Racer, the LaFrance, and the Streamliner.
The overall shape and geometry of a mountain bike is composed of many specific measurements beyond just the frame’s size. Some of the most important measurements to pay attention to when it comes to size are reach, wheelbase, standover height, and stack. These dimensions make a big difference to how a bike will fit your body and perform on certain terrain. Smaller frame sizes have a shorter reach so the handlebars are closer to the seat, placing the rider in a more upright position. This is ideal for less flexible riders or riders with relatively long legs compared to their torso.
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.
Even with all the information and advice out there, there’s nothing like test riding the real thing. If you’re still undecided on which size is right for you or want some additional assistance, our bike experts are ready to help. There can be a little bit of number crunching when it comes to frame geometry, but understanding these metrics is key to getting the most out of your bike. There’s plenty to geek out on but don’t worry, we won’t go too far down the rabbit hole. Sizing down is the right option for people that want a more relaxed, comfortable riding position or like agile and responsive bike handling. The design, product development and marketing (majority of all business functions) for Huffy is based in Dayton, Ohio.