Bigger wheels will roll easier over obstacles than smaller wheels and can maintain higher speeds on rough terrain. The main wheel sizes available on mountain bikes are 26”, 27.5” and 29”. Choosing the right wheel diameter for you can help narrow down your search and help you find the perfect bike to fit your needs. This chart is a great starting point, but isn’t always the definitive answer due to varying frame geometry and riders having unique proportions.
As a less aggressive set-up overall, a smaller frame is the right choice for beginner to intermediate riders. Bigger bikes will naturally have a slightly longer wheelbase. Wheels farther apart means the bike will be more stable at high speeds and feel hefty rather than nimble on technical trails.
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 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.
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.
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.
Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe’s reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies huffy cruiser bike or omissions including after an order has been submitted. Schwinn, founded in Chicago in 1895, was the dominant bike-maker for much of the 20th century; by the 1950s, one in four bikes sold in the United States was a Schwinn.
Chainstay length, or rear center, is another measurement to look at. Chainstays connect the bottom bracket to the rear axle, and longer chainstays provide huffy bikes more stability at speed, while shorter ones feel more nimble. Some models utilize the same chainstay lengths across the size range, but not all.
The large diameter wheels can feel a bit unwieldy or bulky for shorter riders or riders who aren’t as confident on the trails. Many brands put 29ers on larger frame sizes and 27.5” wheels on small frames to offer a consistent bike fit. Modern mountain bikes use alpha sizing to categorize frames as XS, S, M, L, or XL.