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.
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.
The new frame was approximately 4″ to 5″ longer than previous models. In 1968, in an effort to market a children’s bicycle with an automotive theme, Huffman designers added a car-type steering wheel in place of handlebars to the Rail frame, which became the Huffy Wheel. Since wheelbase is essentially a measurement of the frame from one end to the other, wheelbase is made up of other metrics like reach, head tube, angle, and chainstay length added together. It’s important to recognize where the extra length (or lack thereof) is coming from to understand how the overall bike will feel out on the trails. The slightly shorter wheelbase provides a more nimble and zippy ride feel.
Chainstay length, or rear center, is another measurement to look at. Chainstays connect the bottom bracket to the rear axle, and longer chainstays provide more stability at speed, while shorter ones feel more nimble. Some models utilize the same chainstay lengths across the size range, but not all.
MTB frame designs today have quite low standover heights, so it’s never a worry that it’ll be difficult to swing your leg over the frame to mount the bike or that you won’t be able to comfortably straddle the frame. That said, always check you have enough clearance to allow for quick and safe dismounts. Bike manufacturers like Trek and Giant have realized that matching smaller wheels to smaller frames can make for a better overall fit. Trek’s Smart Wheel Size approach pairs 29” wheels with M, L, and XL frames and puts 27.5” wheels on XS and S frame sizes.
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, huffy cruiser bike 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.
If stack height feels too high or low, it can be adjusted with headset spacers or handlebar rise to fit the specific rider. Too much reach and you’ll be leaning too far forward while in the normal riding position. Short reach means the handlebars are relatively close to your body— riders can feel overly upright with not enough weight over the bottom bracket to pedal efficiently. A great 20-inch mountain bike to inspire him to explore trails outside the neighborhood.