If you are a keen bike rider, you may already know that 28 inch bikes are considered the best overall. It is suitable for average heightened people and can be comfortably ridden by most adults. It is also faster and more durable due to its perfect sizing.
People usually compare a 28 inch bike with a 26 inch bike. The major difference between the two is the wheel size. The wheels on a 28 inch bike are larger as compared to those of 26 inch bikes. However, the different bike sizes are for people with varying heights and sizes hence you can not say that one size bike is better than the other.
Now the question is a 28 inch bike for what size person is best? There is no doubt that a 28 inch bike is a best-sized bike amongst all others but that does not mean that it is suitable for everybody. So, it is imperative that we further investigate this matter at hand so that we can get satisfactory results.
Rest assured, the following article is all about 28 inch bike and much more. If you are interested to find out everything about 28 inch bike sizing, keep reading this article till the very end! So, let’s get started.
Contents
28 inch bike for what size person? – Comprehensive Guide

A 28-inch bike has larger wheels which makes it faster and more durable. It also means that you can cover more distance with less paddling if you are riding a bike with larger wheels. This is exactly the reason why most mountain bikes are sized 28 inches.
Another reason why a 28 inch bike is preferred over all other sizes is that most men and women in the USA have an average inseam length of twenty to twenty-four inches. This inseam length calls for a bike with larger wheels so that the rider can sit comfortably and ride with ease.
Apart from that, a 28 inch bike is equally perfect for both beginners and professionals. It means that you can get a mountain bike as a beginner and keep riding it even after you excel to a professional level. So, it is only a one-time investment that will last you a lifetime.
28 Inch Bike Size Chart
So, basically, a person with a height ranging between 5’4″ to 5’4″ can ride a 28 inch bike comfortably. A 28 inch wheel size will fit perfectly to your inseam if you have a height somewhere within the given range.
On the other hand, a rider with a height of 5’4″ to 5’6″ can also ride a 26 inch bike but you will eventually have to change your bike if your height increases. So, I think it is better to stay on the safe side and get a bike that will cater to your needs at all times.
Differences between a 28 Inch Bike and 26 inch Bike

1. Velocity Difference
It is a given fact that a bike with larger wheels will have more velocity than a bike with smaller wheels. This is the reason why mountain riders and racers prefer bike sizes of 28 inches.
However, you should also consider your height and inseam length for that matter because a person with a shorter height or lesser inseam length won’t be able to handle the high velocity of the bike.
2. Wheel Fittings
For many bikes, you can exchange their wheels with one another. However, that is not the case with 26 inch and 28 inch bikes. Both these bikes have different frame sizes which is why you can not swap their wheels with one another.
The wheels of a 26 inch bike will be too short for a 28 inch bike and the wheels of a 28 inch bike will be too big for a 26 inch bike. However, you can definitely interchange the wheels of two 28 inch bikes with one another. The same goes for the 26 inch bikes as well.
You can also have a look at best bikes for overweight females
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 28 inch bike too big?
Yes, a 28 inch bike is too big for people with short heights and lower inseam length. Only a rider with a height of five feet six inches to six feet three inches can handle this bike. So, if you have a shorter height then I would recommend you get a 26 inch bike.
What height is good enough for a 28 inch bike?
A rider with a height of five feet six inches to six feet three inches can ride a 28 inch bike comfortably. It is a large bike and thus a little hard to handle. However, if your height is less than six inches, you can also ride a 26 inch bike as well. But people with a height of six feet and above find it very uncomfortable and awkward to fit on a small bike.
Final Thoughts about 28 inch bike
So, this was all from my side. I hope you all know the difference between a 26 inch bike and a 28 inch bike. I also mentioned the height and inseam length which is perfect for 28 inch bikes. I hope that all your doubts have been sorted out and you have a clearer idea of what size person can comfortably ride a 28 inch bike.
In any case, I would recommend you be patient with your purchase decision. You must measure your inseam length and height and get a bike most suitable for your measurements.

Hi, This is Catharine Pendrel, a professional cyclist and founder of Bikeoure. I have been riding bikes for more than 23 years and writing about cycling and other outdoor magazines for about 5 years. Mountain biking has been my passion ever since I first came across it a decade ago. I participated in various MTB tournaments and won numerous mountain trail races.
I started Bikeoure to share my expertise and cycling experience with cyclists all around the world to make them addicted to cycling. My cycling and solo traveling expertise help new cyclists find the best and latest gear in the market for their cycling adventures.