Bicycles

[SummersBreeze]

I don't cycle a bike. I was useless as a child on a bike.

I was gifted a beautiful bike a few years ago and it's a lovely bike. The issue was the bike was too big for me. I tried to use it but it was too big and I didn't feel confident on the bike.

If the bike was smaller I feel I might be more successful.

It lived in the attic for a few years.

I'm thinking about taking it down and perhaps changing the wheels to smaller wheels. Would it be possible to change the wheels to smaller wheels?

I got a new bike last summer after trying to ride one that was too small in the frame - I raised the seat and handlebars etc, and made do. But I never felt comfortable and never enjoyed it, and didn't end up using it much.

Now that I have one that fits, and a better quality one, cycling is so much better. I still am not a huge fan but I am more likely to do it when needed or as exercise.

So I think trying to make a too-big bike fit won't be great long term if you're trying to get into learning to cycle. You need to be properly comfortable and feel safe. Often at the start people like the seat etc a little lower, as it feels safer and easier to put your feet down, so I think trying to use one that's too big won't be great.

Bikes vary in terms of their proportions, even when they are technically the same size, so you sometimes have to try different ones to get one that feels comfortable.

I'd try to take it to a bike shop that sells second hand bikes as well, and see if you can trade it in for one that does fit. You can get their advice on the right size (they might even say yours is OK if you change the seat and handlebar height, even if it feels big to you at first!), and then try out a few at that size.

Depending on the bike it might be possible. Do you know what kind/make of bike it is? There are some things you can do to make the bike feel more comfortable, like lowering the saddle and swapping the handlebars for more swept-back bars, although you’d probably have to ask a bike shop to do that for you.

I’d start by putting the saddle down so that you can have your feet flat on the floor, and just scoot as if it were a balance bike. Once you’ve got your balance you’ll feel more comfortable. Many councils offer adult beginner lessons, search for ‘cycle training’. I’d really recommend that to help you get started.

Take it to a bike shop and they'll tell you if it can be altered, or they might exchange for one that does fit.

Do you have a bike charity nearby? There tend to be one in every city nowadays. They could help you choose a proper size bike & many also have lessons for beginners even adults.

Go for it, a correct size is important and if you also have cycle lanes nearby commuting by bike is really nice, always makes a great start of my day (despite all other cyclists being faster).

Other important thing once size is correct is pumped up tyres. Feels like a little thing but makes a massive difference in how hard it is to pedal.

Possibly - wheels come in a few standard sizes, but bike geometry, forks etc are built to a certain size. Even if you can smaller wheels to make it lower, it will still probably be too long, unless your torso is disproportionately long for your height. Take it to a local bike shop and see what they suggest, but you may be better of selling it and starting again.

No, that’s not possible. Firstly it would change the geometry, ie making it lower, which would change the handling in a bad way. Secondly, some of the fittings may be dependent on the wheel size, such as the brake mounts. Your best option is to sell the bike, which shouldn’t be too hard if it’s in an unused state, and buy a bike in the correct size. Sadly bike shops don’t do part-exchange but eBay is a decent option for selling it. You could probably ask for three quarters of its new value.

You 'might' theoretically be able to depending on the brakes on it. If it has rim brakes (traditional type brakes where lever pulls on a cable and brake pads pull onto rims just below tyre), then no you can't change wheel size. If disk brakes (more modern, and pads grip on metal disk attached to hub in centre of the wheel), then theoretically yes, a bit. But probably not any real noticeable amount.

Even if could, it's something you could spend money on that's still not going to feel comfortable and you won't want to ride. If the bike's too big, then not anything you can do to change that, and would be better to part-exchange for one that does.

No point.
It'll never be right for you if the frame is too big/heavy.
Go try out some bikes at a bike shop or see if a friend your size has one you can try. See if they feel like something you'd use before spending money

I agree with those saying you need to exchange it for one that fits. Go to a bike shop and explain the situation; they should let you try sitting on a few different sized bikes so you can get a feel for what feels right.

Once you know the size you can try getting one second-hand (FB Marketplace, Gumtree, EBay etc), although some bike shops may be willing to offer you a trade-in with your old bike. There are also second-hand bike shops in lots of places.