I am buying a mountain bike, althought the top frame slants down at an angle away from the handlebars and so is not horizontal, making getting the right frame size difficult for this novice. I am buying the bike online, because of the price, and none of my local bike shops stock the bike so I cannot try it out for size.
I know that with mountain bikes vs road bikes, you need to get a frame which is a few inches smaller than the size you need for the road bike frame.
I have an inside leg measurement of around 740-750mm. I am 5foot 8 inches tall (177cm) and I have a well proportioned, slim/medium build.
The exact STANDOVER height of this mountain bike are as follows:
15" frame
716mm standover
17" frame
752mm standover
19" frame
784mm standover
Which size bike would suit me best?
Thanks!
2007-03-15 23:07:08 · 7 answers · asked by bobby t 3 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Visit Colorado Cyclist's sizing guide:
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
You'll want at least 40 mm difference between your bike standover height and your crotch (must measure your inseam according to the guidelines outlined in the fitting guide above). Many MTB fitters say that top tube length is a more important measurement.
According to CC website:
In many ways, though, it is more important to fit a mountain frame by the top tube length needed, rather than by the seat tube length. For instance, you might be able to get to the proper frame clearance, saddle height and neutral knee position (see below) on either a 17" frame or a 19" frame. Yet the 19" frame will likely have a top tube 1" longer than the 17" frame, which changes your stem length accordingly. Or, one manufacturer’s 17" frame may give you a 22" top tube, while the next one’s 17" gives you a 22.8". More on this below… just make sure that you’ll be able to work out your top tube and stem length for a given frame.
2007-03-16 01:17:43 · answer #1 · answered by Ben P 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
17". I am 5'10" and ride a 19". Forget standover in mill. Stand over the frame, with your feet apart at about peddle distance. You want about 2"- 4" distance between your plumbs and the frame. Plumb protection is the only reason for this distance.
If you go for the larger frame, you will probably have a long length to reach the bars. Also, it is more metal to pedal up hills.
Now we have that sorted. Sit on the bike that you want to try. Pull the saddle up until you can sit on the bike, leaning against a wall, with your leg nearly extended on the lowest travel of the crank. Your considerations are:
1. Do you have enough room, when you dismount, not to crack your plumbs on the bar.
2. Is the seat post still within the safe extension distance (There will be a mark on the post saying max, or something).
3. If 1 and 2 are OK, is it a comfy riding position.
So, go and have a play at a well stocked bike shop. Once you know what you want, buy online.
2007-03-15 23:47:48 · answer #2 · answered by Alice S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
16" or 17", no questions. the standover hight is not a huge deal. the length of the seat tube is what you need to worry about because thats what you sit on. im 5'9" and i ride an 18" frame. fits great.
tip: larger frames absorb shock better because they can flex more, whereas smaller frames take more beating but are generally stronger because they have smaller triangles.
my advice- go to a bike shop and try out the different size frames that closest resemble the bike you plan to get. then tell them that you need to save a little more money to get a new bike, but just wanted to check out sizes and everything. dont tell them your buying online. they hate the internet!
2007-03-19 13:01:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally would go to a shop "browsing" to get the right size and then order on-line and buy the accesories (lights water bottle etc) from the shop that gives you the advice.
That way you'll be able to feel for yourself what these bikes are like, some people like smaller and some like bigger and only you really know what feels best.
Dont buy a 26" frame. 26" wheel maybe.
2007-03-15 23:47:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
get thee to your local bike shop and get fitted
there is no good formula, so go to your store
it is worth the extra time and effort so you will be sure you have the right size frame, whether it is MTB or road
2007-03-16 00:11:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
complicated task. try searching into search engines like google. just that may help!
2015-04-30 16:54:03 · answer #6 · answered by Rebecca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will need the 19" frame coz of your height but i warn you even then you'll still be quite big for it
you need a 26" frame really.
2007-03-15 23:10:54 · answer #7 · answered by Elaina k 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋