This is a commonly asked question by female cyclists who are often unsure whether to opt for an oversized adult bike or attempt to ride on a much smaller 24-inch version. To give the question a simple answer – yes, an adult woman can ride a 24-inch bike.
However, in reality, the answer is much more complex than that. For example, a woman can only ride a 24-inch bike safely if their weight and size fall in line with the carrying capacity of the bike. What’s more, there are a number of other important factors to take into account such as the type of terrain they’ll be looking to cycle on.
This guide will take an in-depth look at why, for some women, using a junior 24-inch bike is the best option. We’ll also explain the impact of frame and wheel sizes, and much more.
Why 24-Inch Bikes?
One of the most common misconceptions among many cyclists is that there’s no need to design bikes specifically for women.
In fact, some manufacturers simply paint a bike red or pink, shrink it a little, and then call it a women’s bike. It’s ingrained behaviors such as these that contribute to the difficulty of small-statured women finding the right-size bike for them.
Women are naturally smaller than men – not just in height, but in several other areas significant to bike design. For example, on average they have a lower crotch height, narrower shoulders, wider hips, and so on. Measurements such as these translate directly into bike features, therefore, an ideal bike for most women will have the following:
- Lighter frame
- Narrower handlebars
- Shorter seat post
- Lighter suspension
- Narrower pedals
- Shorter cranks
- Smaller grips
As you can see by the list above, if all you know about a bike is the size of its tires, it’s impossible to determine whether it’s a suitable bike for an adult woman to ride. To get that answer, you have to check the bike against this list of features.
To help inform this decision-making process, we’ll now take a closer look at the frames and wheels of 24-inch bikes and how these components have a considerable impact on who’s able to safely ride them.
Frame Size
The size of a bike’s frame is the main determining factor for knowing the ideal height meant for a 24-inch bike. Frames help you gauge how big or small a bike is and then how this size fits you.
As a general rule, women whose heights are 5’4” and below can ride a 24-inch bike. This is because the frame is the correct height to effectively accommodate the length of their legs and will ensure that they’re able to pedal easily.
In fact, the typical 24-inch bike will possess several features better suited to an adult female than an adult male. This is mainly due to the fact that they’re sized for children, so the frames are lighter and many of the components are smaller and narrower.
Just be mindful that many 24-inch bikes are made for the proportions of young people, so while an adult may share a young person’s height, it’s likely that they’ll have different proportions. For example, women naturally tend to have wider hips which may well prove to be uncomfortable when sitting on a narrow seat.
Wheel Size
The size of bike wheels can range from large to small and thick to thin. Different types of 24-inch bikes can accommodate a wide range of wheel sizes, depending on their manufacturers. Moreover, they also come with a set of instructions that typically include the weight limit the bike and its wheels can carry.
A bigger wheel can support a woman with a larger weight because they have the solidity and thickness to withstand the extra pressure exerted on them. Unsurprisingly, a smaller wheel is usually far slimmer, and therefore, unable to hold a weight that’s too substantial. The wheels will end up bursting if anyone significantly over the weight limit gets on them.
To pedal effectively on a bike you need to be comfortable first and foremost. However, a woman above the weight limit of a bike will find it difficult to steer forward and if they do, there’s every chance they may end up causing a puncture. This is why it’s always important to check the weight limit of a bike before getting on it.
Are 24-Inch Bikes Safe?
As mentioned previously, if a woman’s size isn’t compatible with the characteristics of a 24-inch bike, then it isn’t safe to ride. The saddles of the bike need to fit your heel comfortably on the lower pedal and the leg should be completely straight.
If you feel any kind of discomfort in the front knees, try raising the saddle or move it back slightly, depending on the height of the handlebars. If, however, it’s the back of your knees that are hurting, try lowering the saddle or move it forward to a better position.
To avoid getting tired quickly when riding a bike, your knee needs to have a slight bend. If you’re over the recommended height for a 24-inch bike, your knees will bend too much and they’ll soon lock up as a result. This then makes it stiff and difficult for you to straighten your legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of a woman riding a 24-inch bike?
If a 24-inch bike fits a woman’s body well and they’re comfortable riding it, it will be a great exercise. This is because the bike will stretch the legs a perfect amount and thoroughly engage all lower body muscle groups.
