What size frame of mountain bike should I get?

Question

I am looking for a new mountain bike and wanted to get the right size. I am 6'1" and weigh 230 lbs. My inseam in 34"

Answer 1

Not going to try to win this one, only give a few pointers.

Please don't measure your pants again when you go to look for bikes--unless you're looking for 20 year old bikes. Facts and figures about traditional standover height measures only work with traditional frames--never with compact geometry (modern) frames.

Fit by reach.

Here's how:

Get a yardstick. Hold arms outstretched similar to a crucifix, but just one arm at a time. Press the 1" end of the yardstick against your ribcage at the armpit. Read the number that ends up in the center of your palm. Do both sides and use the smallest number.
My reach is 25"

Hold the yardstick paralell to the floor across the bike's top tube and also include the stem extension. A very similar measure is seatpost to handlebar pipe center to pipe center. This is the bike's reach.

If a bike exceeds your reach, the result is a requirement to push backwards, applying considerable force to your spine, and spinal injury. So, the bike's reach should never be longer than your own reach. A bit shorter reach on the bike can make for greater comfort.

Some mountain bike sport-centric applications actually require a smaller frame. Road riders do this because that's easier to sprint. Not sure why mountain riders do it.

Too small is hard to steer, too large has severely limited distance and zero leverage for power.

Test drive until you find the one that seems the most pleasant and the fastest--simultaneously. Don't settle for less. Simultaneous comfort and speed indicates fit.
So, test drive, comparing several bikes against each other. This will give a better clue on the fine points of fit for your body.

Look at it this way. The farther forward your body is, the more power goes into the front tire, towards pushing yourself onto the saddle and directly into the air above your rear end. None of this propels a bike despite the extremely small areodynamic advantage.

For this reason, the XC racer (a road, trail, and gravel road bike) has a slightly longer reach than a full-suspension bike. Full suspension bikes are normally quite a bit smaller just for leverage. For the XC racer, cyclocross bike rules apply in the handlebars that are farther down must also be closer or zero leverage is the result.

So, test drive a lot! You'll get it figured out demonstrated so much easier than a lot of text examples.

Answer 2

This sounds hard, but for the most part you are going to be faced with 2 choices because frames tend to come in 2 inch intervals.

For you it's going to be a 17,19 or an 18,20 inch frame depending on the manufacture. The standover height is important only so you can get both feet flat on the ground safely when standing over the top tube.

The top tube length is going to be the deciding factor - the effective length - this takes into account the seat tube angle and the slope of the top tube.

For someone your height look for an effective top tube between 22.5 and 23.5 inches. There are of course exceptions, but I can't see you! You will find that these numbers are pretty standard, there's not much new in the dimensions of a human. Your weight does not have an influence on your frame size. Different frames will react differently to different weights - it varies a lot.

Once you find a bike you like the ride and handling of start looking at the stem. It is likely you can benefit from changing it. Do you want the handlebars closer to you, further away, higher, or lower? The stem is all about the position of the handlebars relative to the other fixed points on the bike.

Remeber you onlytouch the bike at three points when riding - the seat, the grips, and the pedals. These items are worth some thought before you lay down your money because they will all influence the bike-rider combo.

I could go on and on but that is enough! HAve fun.

Answer 3

That really depends what kind of riding your planning on doing if your going for a cross country frame probably an 18 or 18.5 frame if your going into freeride or DH a 17" would do it. Keep in mind that from manufacture to manufacturer the angles can be quit different so test ride alot of bikes before you settle.By the way your the same weight as me just a tip whatever you get make sure its good and strong I've broken more than a few bikes in my day I'm currently riding a .243 and its pretty much the first bike i trust not to snap under hard landings.JEEZUZ had to add this after reading hlsj_99's long winded and uninformative comment buddy you need to trust the salesperson he knows more than you!!!! how in hell can you estimate the guys top tube length without knowing his reach or torso length????? as for your comment about size of frame and weight your right but .243 is a brand not a measurement (hmm a chin scratcher eh) awsome bikes check em out http://www.twofortythree.com/

Answer 4

Large 19 or 20 inches But depends on leg length not overall height. Mountain bikes are less critical than road bikes since they have much more adjustment in seat height and position and handle bar height. Good luck, Happy cycling

Answer 5

Sounds like a med/large MTB frame size. Try going to the Cannondale or Giant web site. They have sizing charts to give you an estimate on what might fit you. Use the charts, but ride the bike first before buying. See if your not too stretched out etc..
What size did you ride before and how did that bike feel?

Answer 6

Go to a bike store, straddle a couple mountain bikes and raise the bike to your crotch. When the top tube touches, the wheels should be 3-4 inches off the ground.

Answer 7

My legs are almost as long as yours. I have a 19" bike, but have ridden a 21" bike for years also. For me, the 19" bike is more comfortable.
(5'9", 141#, inseam 33")

Answer 8

I bet if you went to a bike shop they could tell you what size you need. That's what they do.

Answer 9

I would say a 19" frame

Answer 10

i start with a small bike ******************************** 2PTS