Is my bike too big for me?

moco

I bought a bike online the other day but now I'm wondering if it's too big for me. I can't put my feet flat on the ground when I'm sitting on the saddle..which I was worried about, but today I read that I'm not supposed to be able to do that anyway. This is the bike I got http://www.very.co.uk/elswick-26-inch-700c-cotswold-low-step-city-bike/839582501.prd?browseToken=%2fb%2f3243%2fs%2fbestsellers%2c0%2fo%2f2&trail=2780-3243

I'm 5ft 3 with a 29inch inside leg. Should I have got one with smaller wheels?

Idleater

moco wrote: »

Should I have got one with smaller wheels?

Nope, you can probably lower the saddle if you want to be able to put your feet flat on the ground.

Like you say though, you shouldn't really have to do that. In theory you want a (very) slight bend at the knee when the pedal is at the bottom of the stroke.
How the theory results in practice is governed by comfort and if you are more comfortable with a large knee bend then so be it. Personally, I'd recommend taking it to your local bike shop and have them fit you on the bike.

Lumen

Wheel size is irrelevant for adults over 5ft.

If your saddle feels too high, move it down. If you can't move it down any further, your bike is too big. If you can't reach the handlebars with relaxed (bent) arms, your bike is too big. You don't need to put your feet flat on the ground, one tippy toe is sufficient.

moco

Hmmm, I don't thing I can reach with relaxed arms.

One other thing, I've pumped up my tyres as much as I can, but when I put my full weight on the saddle the tyres still squash down a bit. Is this wrong?

Lumen

moco wrote: »

I've pumped up my tyres as much as I can, but when I put my full weight on the saddle the tyres still squash down a bit. Is this wrong?

Either you're really, really fat, or you need a track pump.

moco

I have mini pump, is the difference that the track pump inflates them quicker, or is it impossible to get them blown up enough with a mini pump?

Lumen

moco wrote: »

I have mini pump, is the difference that the track pump inflates them quicker, or is it impossible to get them blown up enough with a mini pump?

Both. Mini pumps are really just for getting you home when you have a puncture.

petethedrummer

There are some mini pumps that will get you a good pressure, such as the Zefal HPX, but they require plenty of effort and are as expensive as a good track pump.

Also the track pump has a gauge so you know exactly what pressure you are putting in.

moco

Can I jsut ask one more thing please?:o

Does this look ok or is it too cheap?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beto-Alloy-MTB-Bike-Cycle-Track-Floor-Pump-Gauge-PU306-/290593845363?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_BikePumps_SR&hash=item43a8be3073