I'm new to biking and am in the market for an inexpensive starter bike to ride in the city and once a month on trails. What size bike should I get? I prefer a more relaxed riding position.
2007-02-26 11:46:44 · 5 answers · asked by redcarpetden 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Possible a "Medium" with 26" tires. Medium, meaning 17-18" frame. Good luck!
2007-02-26 14:55:09 · answer #1 · answered by Mars 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have just had a look at Ned Overends book, Mountain Biking Like a champion and he has a whole section on set up. Basically, stand with bare feet 6 inches apart facing wall. Place book between legs and slide up until snug in crotch. Mark the top of book on wall. Now measure vertical height (Inseam Length). Multiply by 0.833. This will be the length from the centre of the crank to the top of the saddle. So this is the length that you will need to extend your seat tube.
As a yard stick, extend the seat until your leg is nearly fully extended on the down stroke. Grab the handle bars. Your body should be at about 45 deg.
Now that you have the basic idea of your set up on the bike, start looking for a frame that suits you.
Scot 18" will give you a reasonable fit, although at 5'8" you might be able to go smaller, perhaps 17 or 17.5. Sit on the bike, do the above and see what is comfortable.
Trek can be a little sit up and beg, but they are good bikes to start with, again try a 17". 19 might be a bit too large, but try it.
Ideally, although large can be comfortable, it is more mettle to move and you are longer in the cockpit.
If you just want an on line idea though, Evans has a size checker:
www.evanscycles.com
Hope this helps.
Luck
2007-02-27 05:44:56 · answer #2 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work at a bike shop and for your height, i'm going to suggest a 16.5-18 inch frame. I'd stick with the 16 and 17 though so you have at least 1.5 inches of clearance between your "crank" and the top tube. Believe me, on the trails, you want clearance. If needs be, you can always raise or lower the seat to adjust the riding position and move the handle bars around to fit your body positioning.
2007-02-28 12:28:20 · answer #3 · answered by vail2073 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to your local bike shop and get fitted... that is the sure way to make certain you will pick the right size and style...
2007-02-26 21:21:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably go with the standard 24 inches for mountain bikes. I'm 6'1" and they work just fine for me.
2007-02-26 19:50:54 · answer #5 · answered by mrbojangles9591 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋