24 Inch Bike For What Size Person?

Not many bike sizes can fit both kids and adults, and one of those fewer options is the 24-inch bike. So, are you asking, ’24 inch bike for what size person?’

24-inch bikes are generally kids’ bikes, best for children aged 9-11 years or 4’5”-4’9” tall. However, shorter and not-so-heavy adults can ride some 24-inch bikes provided their frame sizes match their height.

I’ll talk about how you can use age and height to determine if a given 24-inch bike is best for you or your kid. But before that, let me explain what we mean by a 24-inch bike.

In a rush? Check out my most recommended 24-inch bikes on Amazon below.

3 Best 24 Inch Bikes for Kids and Adults

Schwinn High Timber AL: Best 24-Inch Mountain Bike
Sixthreezero Around the Block: Best 24-Inch Cruiser Bike
Mongoose Title Elite 24 BMX: Best 24-Inch BMX Bike

What Do We Mean by a ’24 Inch Bike’?

We use the term ’24 Inch’ to describe a bike with 24-inch wheels. This is usually the largest wheel size for kids, which means 24-inch bikes are best for older kids.

But given that some kids can also ride 26-inch bikes, which are ordinarily adult bikes, shorter adults can ride some 24-inch bikes.

But unlike kids’ bikes, which usually are sized according to the wheel size, adult bikes are sized according to the frame size.

In that case, a 24-inch bike frame refers to a giant frame that’s best for the tallest adults, at least 6 feet tall.

24 Inch Bike For What Size Person?(Going Into Details)

If we focus on the wheel size, a 24-inch bike is best for 7-9 years or 4’5”-4’9” tall kids.

And when it comes to adults, it’s pretty unlikely that a 24-inch bike will fit men unless they are short. It’s more likely to fit some women as women are inherently shorter than men.

Adults up to 5’5” or slightly taller can ride 24” bikes whose frames match their height.

What Age Is A 24 Inch Bike For? (Bike Size Chart By Age)

Age-wise, 24-inch bikes are best for kids aged 7-9 years.

So that you can have a good understanding of the sizes, below is a table matching kids’ ages with the most recommendable wheel size.

Wheel Size (Inches)	12”	16/18”	20”	24”	26”
Age (Years)	2-4 years	5-7 years	7-9 years	9-11 years	11 years +

What Height Is A 24 Inch Bike For? (Bike Size Chart By Height)

In terms of height, 24-inch bikes are best for riders who are 4’5”-4’9” tall, and they are most likely to be kids.

Adults with the same height can ride 24-inch bikes that are either adjustable or come with frame sizes that match their stature.

Below is a table matching different wheel sizes with the right rider’s height.

Wheel Size (Inches)	12”	16/18”	20”	24”	26”
Rider’s Height	2’10”-3’4”	3’4”-4’0”	4’0”-4’5”	4’5”-4’9”	4’9”+

Is A 24 Inch Bike For Adults?

24-inch bikes are historically kids’ bikes because they are naturally smaller. However, adults who don’t weigh much and are about 5’0”-5’5” or slightly taller can ride some 24-inch bikes.

24-inch bikes are different from others bikes, and it’s not just about having a smaller (24-inch diameter) wheel.

Here are the general features of 24-inch bikes:

Narrow handlebars
Shorter seat tubes
Lightweight frame
Thin suspension
Shorter crank
Smaller pedals
Shorter handgrips

As you might have noticed, the above features suit cyclists with more petite body and that’s why these bikes are ideal for kids.

However, shorter adults can ride them if they aren’t overweight.

And when speaking of a shorter adult, I’m talking about:

Narrow shoulders
Shorter hands
Smaller feet
Low seat height
Low crouch height

Note that since 24-inch bikes are kids’ bikes, taller adults may have an uncomfortable experience going for a 24-inch bike that’s not easily adjustable or whose frame doesn’t match their height.

The most serious risk is that you are likely to bend your knees. The knees are also likely to be stiffer, thus less flexible and painful.

How Can You Ensure You Get a Comfortable 24-Inch Adult Bike?

Well, you’ve to ignore the wheel size and concentrate on the frame size.

Generally, you can determine your frame size using any of these options.

Option 1 – Using your inseam

This is the most accurate approach and more advisable if you are not afraid of going the long road.

You need to measure your inside leg (what we call the inseam) and then use any of the formulas below to get your frame size:

Mountain bike – Multiply the inseam (cm) by 0.60
Road bike – Multiply the inseam (cm) by 0.685
Hybrid/city/trekking/comfort bike – Multiply the inseam (cm) by 0.70

Option 2 – Using your height

This is the lazy option, which may not be the most accurate but the quickest.

Here’s a bike frame size chart to help you get a 24-inch adult bike with the correct frame size.

Height	Frame Size (inches)
4’11”-5’3”	13-15”
5’3”-5’7”	15-16”
5’7”-5’11”	16-17”
6’0”6’2”	17-19”
6’2”-6’4”	19-21”
6’4” +	21”+

Can a Woman Ride a 24 Inch Bike?

Since they are inherently shorter than men, women can ride some 24-inch bikes, especially when not taller than 5’5.

The bikes, however, have to be specifically designed for their requirements. In that case, the bikes should preferably have a low-swooping frame for easy access and to save you from bending the knees too much.

What Bike Types Can You Get in 24-Inch Size?

There aren’t many 24-inch bike types for adults compared to larger wheel sizes.

Here are the most familiar three types of bikes you can get with 24-inch wheels:

1. 24-Inch Mountain Bikes

24-inch mountain bikes are more common than any other bike type. They are generally best for kids about 7-10 years old, but adults with a smaller body can ride them too.

These bikes come with lighter frames, mainly aluminum, and are usually multi-geared.

Most of them are designed for trail riding, and nothing fits the description more than the Schwinn High Timber AL Mountain Bike.

This 24-inch youth mountain bike comes with a rigid frame, 21-speed drivetrain, and wide knobby tires, features that make it trail-ready.

Moreover, it features a quick-release seat post that allows it to accommodate riders up 56 inches tall.

2. 24-Inch Cruiser Bikes

Beach cruisers come in different wheel sizes, often starting from 24-inch. Since these bikes are traditionally adult bikes, you have to ignore the wheel size and consider the frame if you want an option that fits you.

The good thing about these bikes is their laidback geometry, which makes them a great casual choice.

They might not be as hardy as the MTBs, but they are generally cheaper.

One 24-inch beach cruiser that’s best for women, and to an extent, men, is the Sixthreezero Around the Block Beach Cruiser (View on Amazon).

This three-speed beach cruiser has the build quality that allows you to ride it around the block comfortably.

3. 24-Inch BMX Bikes

With BMX, it’s rare to find an option with a wheel size bigger than 24 inches.

An option like the Mongoose Title Elite 24 BMX, for example, is best for cyclists who are at least 5’7”, making it comfortable for taller kids and adults.

Unlike most BMX bikes, Mongoose Title Elite 24 comes in an aluminum frame that makes it extra lightweight, thus a comfortable choice for racing.

The aluminum is also high-grade, therefore strong enough to take on aggressive usage. On the other hand, its Chromoly handlebar makes its handling and steering more comfortable.