Increase this adjustment setting either an increase in the steering tube length or to the handle bar post was proposed.
Regarding the handlebar width, the case study analysis showed that in nearly all cases the handlebars were wider from the shoulder breadth complying, therefore, with the constraints.
For the 20 and 24 in bicycle a reduction of 3-5 C. of the seat tube angle has been proposed, in order to facilitate comfortable riding and the perceived frequent changes of posture into more out of the saddle riding that can be expected by relatively old children (10 Years old) and young teenager
This reduction of seat angle led to an increase in saddle to handlebar distance, which in most cases was also desirable.
For then 26 in bicycle recommended modifications include an increase of the average saddle and handlebar height as well as a small decrease in the saddle-handlebar
The implementation of these changes in combination with technical enhancements, such as the addition of a shock absorber, resulted to the redesigned bicycle.
The old and redesigned 26 in bicycles are presented in overlapping mode in Fig 6.
Besides the above described fine-tuning of bicycle dimension and adjustable ranges, company engineers noted that the study aided them in defining a formal method for bicycle sizes selection for children.
A common mistake when purchasing a new bicycle, made usually by both the parents and salespersons, is to select its size based only one the age of the child.
Size selection according to the child age does not of course take into consideration the specific anthropometric dimensions as well as differences in frame dimensions between bicycle manufactures and may therefore be misleading.
To address this issue a general guide for selecting bicycle size in the form of table 4 has been constructed.
The application of this guide in conjunction with providing general fit and adjustment to prospective customer is expected to minimize problems caused by improper bicycle fit, for the specific bicycle series and the investigated user population.
It growth should also be taken into account; hence, when a child dimensions are near the upper adjustment limits of a bicycle size and further child growth is anticipated, the selection of the larger size would probably be the best choice.