Hi, I dont know much about bikes. Im looking for a mountain bike, Im 5ft 8 inches (180cm) and 80kg. What size bike should I get, I see heaps advertised on ebay saying 21inch frame or 26 inch frame? which would suit me more?
and does it really matter if I got a mens bike instead of a ladies? cheers
2007-03-14 16:17:48 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
The frame is measured from the crank to the top of the frame where you put your seat post. Like any stock that you purchase, you will buy more of the medium sizes, since these will sell more frequently. At the end of the year, there will usually be a glut of small and large frames left. The 21" frame is a large (Only consider if over 6').
I am 5' 10" and ride a 19". This is medium for Giant. I am also comfortable on the Scott 18" frame (Large for Scott).
If I were you, I would look at around 17" - 18". Check out:
www.evanscycles.com
They have a size guestimator.
As a general rule, the larger the frame, the more metal you have to shift. It will also effect handling.
Also, you won't know until you sit on it. It might look great on paper, but be a real nightmare to ride. Go pester your local shops. Find what you like and then start looking on the net.
Luck
2007-03-15 01:41:39 · answer #1 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5'8" tall equals out to a 16-18 inch frame for mountain biking. I'd say stay more towards the 16-17 range actually.. you always want at least 2-4 fingers clearance between your top tube and your "sensitive spots". I'm 5'10" and i use a 17-18 inch frame so if your two inches shorter, you'd want a 16-17. Now, mens vs ladies frames, there are a couple differences between the two. the reality is that you could use either if you feel comfortable. Some women have shorter reaches than men do so they prefer a female frame which gives a shorter reach. Also the seat tube is placed at a more comfortable angle for the average female rider.
2007-03-14 17:21:48 · answer #2 · answered by vail2073 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 6'3ish and ride a 19.5in bike, and would have it no less. A 21in for you would be huge, and I believe the 26in they mention is the wheel diameter. Hm. I for you I would go with a medium or at least a 15.5-16.5/17in. It also depends on the kind of riding you are doing. If you want a simple trail type single track ride, go with something more comfortable. If you're doing downhill, dirt jumps, or freeride..go with a smaller bike for better control or technicality. It might help if you go to a bike shop and just check out a few bikes. Every brand is pretty different (gary fisher tends to have longer top tubes, and shorter chainstays...so that differs from a Specialized bike that is the same length) In case you didnt know the size in inches is the seat tube.
If you got a ladies bike, I dont think it would matter that much except the top tube might be positioned differently because of womens inclination to have their knees/legs intercept it.
So again check out something in the 16-17in range. If you do get a bike and find it a bit small, a longer stem might help too. It would be better to go a size bigger just incase. Hope this helps.
2007-03-14 16:25:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 5 ft 8 you'd probably be a 19, 20 or 21 inch for a mountain bike. 26 would definitely be too big for you. Go by the length you are reaching from the seat to the handlebars, it should be neither to long or short, think of your arms making a right angle to your body.
Female specific bikes are easier to get on and off but generally speaking the design is to suit very small women so you probably wouldn't need a female specific frame.
2007-03-14 17:13:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
extremely tough point. check out on to the search engines. that will could help!
2015-04-30 18:29:43 · answer #5 · answered by Donald 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
complex task. look using a search engine. that may help!
2015-04-27 17:05:50 · answer #6 · answered by Antonia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋