Can A Woman Ride A 24 Inch Bike?

We know 24-inch bikes are kids’ bikes, especially for those less than 5 feet. But how about women? Can a woman ride a 24 inch bike?

Women who are about 4’5″-4’9″ tall and sometimes up to 5’4″ can ride 24-inch bikes, provided they don’t exceed the bikes’ weight capacity.

But since these bikes are ideally designed for kids, some women may find them slightly uncomfortable to ride long-distance.

There are a few exceptions, however, as you’ll discover in today’s post. So, I’ll share some 24-inch bikes that women can ride.

I’ll also provide you with a sizing guide, given that not all 24-inch bikes are the same.

who can ride a 24 inch bike

In a hurry? Check out my most recommendable 24-inch bikes for women below:

Best 24 Inch Women Bikes

  1. Diamondback Bicycles Tess 24: Best 24-inch Women’s Mountain Bike
  2. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney:  Best 24-Inch Women’s Hybrid Bike
  3. Sixthreezero Around the Block: Best 24-Inch Women’s Beach Cruiser

Can A Woman Ride A 24 Inch Bike? (Detailed Explanation)

Women have an inherently more petite frame than men. They have shorter feet and hands, lower seating and crotch height, and a shorter shoulder-to-handlebar distance.

In essence, such qualities make them good candidates for 24-inch bikes.

Ordinarily, 24-inch bikes are designed for 4’5″-4’9″ tall kids. So, for as long as a woman falls within this height range and she’s not too heavy for the bike, she can ride a 24-inch bike.

So, 24-inch bikes are generally designed for shorter women.

Note, however, that we are only talking about the wheel size/diameter when mentioning 24-inch bikes.

So, you have to keep in mind that some 24-inch bikes are extendable, especially their seat height and handlebars, to fit women who are up to 5’4″ tall.

That means we can conclude that 24-inch bikes are for women who are shorter than 5’4″.

Is a 24-inch Bike Safe for a Woman?

Since 24-inch bikes are generally built for kids, there are always safety concerns when adults try them.

Let’s face it; these bikes are lighter than adult bikes. So, women could easily break or bend them if they are heavier.

That by itself is a safety concern. So, check the bike’s load capacity to avoid exceeding it.

The other thing is that these bikes may not be the most comfortable over long distances. Your knee and back could begin to hurt unless you make the necessary adjustment.

So, what can you do to ensure you safely ride a 24-inch bike? Here are the chief considerations:

  • Longer handlebars
  • Adjustable seat
  • Step-thru frame
  • A bike that can tolerate your weight
Who Can Ride A 24 Inch Bike

Who Can Ride A 24 Inch Bike? Bike Sizing Guide for Women

I’ve already given you a general height range for 24-inch bikes. Let’s now compare the individual bike types.

1. 24-Inch Women Mountain Bikes

When it comes to women mountain bikes, the frame size is more important than the wheel size. So, you have to consider a frame size that matches your height and inseam.

Here’s a table guide you can use to find a 24-inch bike that matches your stature.

Height (ft.)Inseam (inches)Frame Size (inches)Size Name
4.10-5.022613-14Extra Small (XS)
5.02-5.062615-16Small (S)
5.06-5.1026-2717-18Medium (Large)
5.10-6.0127-3019-20Large (L)
6.01 plus3119-20Large (L)

Best Recommendation: Diamondback Bicycles Tess 24

(Rider’s Height – Up To 5’2″)

The Diamondback Bicycles Tess 24 is everything shorter women need to conquer trails. This mountain bike can accommodate women who are up to 5’2″ tall.

Thanks to its 40mm travel fork, the trail bike absorbs lots of bumps to smoothen your ride. And owing to its 3X7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain, you can comfortably ride uphill.

Its linear-pull brakes are ever reliable and enjoy an adjustable-reach lever for safe control.

Moreover, it features an aluminum frame for comfortable cycling and comes in a stylish blue feminine design.

24-Inch Women Mountain Bikes

2. 24-Inch Women Road Bikes

Just like women’s mountain bikes, you also have to consider the frame size when picking a woman’s road bike.

Note, however, that women’s road bikes have more extended frames than other bikes. As a result, it’s hard to fit 24-inch wheels on the frames.

So, expect women road bikes to come with wheels larger than 24-inch, mostly 700c.

Here’s a table guide you can use to find a perfect woman’s road bike.

Height (ft.)Inseam (inches)Frame Size (cm)Size Name
4.10-5.012644-46Extra-Extra Small (XXS)
5.01-5.032647-49Extra Small (XS)
5.03-5.0526-2750-52Small (S)
5.05-5.0827-3053-55Medium (M)
5.08-5.103156-58Large (L)

3. 24-Inch Women Hybrid Bikes

You also have to consider the frame size when picking a 24-inch women’s hybrid bike. Usually, the sizing for women’s hybrid bikes is the same as that of their mountain bikes.

So, use the table under women’s mountain bikes to find a perfect hybrid bike for women.

Best Recommendation: Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Bicycle

(Rider’s Height – 4’2″-4’11”)

The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Bicycle is a dream hybrid bike for most women.

It comes with a step-through aluminum frame that makes it easy for women to ride, even in skirts. Its 14-inch low-swopping frame makes it ideal for leisure cycling, cruising, and urban commuting.

This hybrid bike is all feminine, and it’s not just about its step-thru frame. The frame has a curvy feminine design and comes in stylish womanly color.

This 24-inch hybrid bike is available as a three-speed to allow you to take on light hills.

The fact that its frame is aluminum means it’s comfortable to carry and move around.

Its tires are 1.95-inch wide and have a semi-sleek design for a stable and smooth roll. Plus, it comes with reliable coaster brakes and Shimano internal hub with Nexus shifters.

More importantly, the hybrid has an upright geometry and a foot-forward design for more relaxed cycling.

Other features include a dual spring saddle, rear rack, matching fenders, and hand grips.

24-Inch Women Hybrid Bikes

4. 24-inch Women Beach Cruisers

Usually, you size a woman’s beach cruiser as a hybrid option. So, you’ll still use the exact measurements as that of hybrid bikes and mountain bikes.

Like hybrid bikes, beach cruisers are for recreational cycling.

Best Recommendation: Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Beach Cruiser

(Rider’s Height – 5’0″-6’0″).

Designed for women who are 5’6″ tall, the Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Beach Cruiser is perfect for cruising the neighborhood and short-distance commuting.

This bike enjoys an upright cycling geometry to relax your shoulders and back when riding casually.

Its cruiser handlebars feature foam grips for comfortable handling and control.

Impressively, its 17-inch steel frame has a classic curvy design that’s all feminine.

We also cannot forget its coral color, which is distinctively feminine.

This bike’s 2.125 waffle treaded tires smoothly roll on flatter surfaces while its dual spring saddle cushions you on bumpy roads.

And thanks to its 21-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain with friction shifters, you can ride uphill and take on long stretches more comfortably.

FAQs

1. Can A Short Woman Ride A 24 Inch Bike?

A short woman, shorter than 5’4″, can ride a 24-inch bike if her weight doesn’t surpass the bike’s weight capacity. Note, however, that the bike is more comfortable for 4’5″-4’9″ tall women.

2. Can A 5’6 Woman Ride A 24 Inch Bike?

A 24-inch bike is only best for women who are not taller than 5’4″, but more preferably for those who are 4’5-4’9″ tall. So, a 5’6″ tall woman will find such a bike smaller and quite uncomfortable.

3. Is A 24 Inch Bike Too Small For A Woman?

Women who are not taller than 5’4″ can ride 24-inch bikes with ease, provided that they don’t exceed the bike’s carry capacity. It’s essential, however, that you match the bike size with your inseam as 24-inch bikes come in different frame sizes.

4. Can A Man Ride A 24 Inch Bike?

Shorter men who are not taller than 5’4″ can ride some 24-inch bikes if they don’t surpass the bike’s weight limits. But even so, some of them may find them uncomfortable, more so over a short distance.

5. What Size Bike Should A 5 6 Woman Ride?

A 5’6″ woman with a 27-30 inch inseam should ride a road bike with a medium frame size(53-55cm) or a mountain bike, hybrid bike, or cruiser bike with a large frame size (19-20 inches).

Relevant: 26 Inch Bike For What Size Person?

In conclusion, can a woman ride a 24 inch bike?

Though it doesn’t apply to all 24-inch bikes, women shorter than 5’4″ can ride some 24-inch bikes comfortably or with a few adjustments.

It’s essential, however, that you first match the bike frame with your inseam before you even consider the wheel size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 24 bike too small for a woman?

Absolutely not! It’s entirely feasible for a woman to comfortably ride a 24-inch bike. In fact, the world of bicycling isn’t foreign to the concept. Many renowned bicycle manufacturers consider the 24-inch wheel size as a standard for women’s bikes. You’ll come across many models designed specifically with a 24-inch wheel size and a 15-inch frame. These bikes are perfect fit for women who stand between 4 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 2 inches tall. Personal experience and market trends also solidify this popular belief. Nevertheless, the comfort might vary among individuals as everyone has unique bodily proportions and preferences, but generally speaking, a woman in the mentioned height range should have no problems.

How tall should you be for a 24 inch bike?

The height of the rider plays a vital role when it comes to choosing the right bicycle size. If you fall in the height range of 4’11” to 5’3″, a bike with 24-inch wheels should be a suitable match for you. This isn’t a random assumption, but rather an outcome of years of industry experience and research in bike ergonomics. The rationale behind associating height with bike size is to ensure comfort and safety. Riding a bike that does not match your height can lead to back pain, uncomfortable posture, and even accidents.

What height is a 24 inch bike for a girl?

The height in context to a 24-inch bike differs with age group. However, industry standard suggests that teens or young women with height of 4’6″ to 5’3” roughly fall in the ideal range for a 24-inch bike. However, it’s important to remember that these measurements are not sacrosanct and individual comfort and preference should never be overlooked. Always take a test ride if possible to make sure the bike is comfortable.

Who is a 24 inch bike for?

A 24 inch bike is generally considered suitable for kids aged 8, 9, and 10. Although, just like adults, children’s bike needs can vary significantly based on their body proportions and comfort. While the market is filled with an array of 24-inch bikes, it’s crucial to remember that one size does not necessarily fit all. So, always consider factors like riding comfort, height, and maturity level of the child before making a purchase. A tip from my personal experience: Guide your child about safety measures while riding and always insist on wearing helmets. Safety first!