basic beginner questions

[scramble]

when people say a ‘26” bike’ do they mean the wheel are 26” in diameter? if so how much wiggle room is there for different size wheels. i can go smaller right?

the hole in the frame or the thing that holds the pedals are those a standard size? same question for the thing that holds the handle
bars.

 

[Wildcat]

Usually they are referring to the tire size. But technically it would be the frame size. A 26" frame would be big, for a very tall person. Most bike frames are less than that. The frame is measured from the top of the set tube to the center of the cranks.

So usually it's the tire size when people give the bike size. 26" wheels and tires aren't all the same. Refer to your old tire to make sure you get the right size. It's on the sidewall of the tire.

If you put smaller wheels on your bike, the pedals may be too close to the ground since you lowered the bike.

You can post pics here and ask about your plans anytime. It'll save you time and money and you can get more ideas.