Bike sizing importance?

Question

I am looking to buy a used full suspension bike soon. With buying a used, i dont want to be extremely picky (beggers can't be choosers. But how much can the frame size differ. I am about six foot and know i should look at about 20" frames, but how much can this differ, as in how much smaller or larger could I possibly go

Answer 1

I beg to differ.......used bike beggars CAN be choosers! There are thousands of bikes for sale out there. If you keep your eyes peeled in the right places you'll come up with exactly what you need, if not exactly what you want. Don't settle for something that you don't want or doesn't fit you.....you'll probably regret that later unless you're just pedalling the neighborhoods. Frame fit is the #1 most important thing when choosing a bike.

Depending on the design of the frame, you can fit in the 18"-20" range ok. Don't venture out of that or some of the bike's handling characteristics will be crappy, regardless of cockpit component selection. While you can sit and pedal a bike that's too small or too big, you'll notice the differences in cornering and climbing. I'm 6'0" and 18" or 19" frames are what I usually get for my trail bikes.....my urban rig is smaller (16.5"), for a reason. If I rode a larger 20", it would be ok for crusing and descending, but I'd lose some maneuverability and a little climbing ease on the steeps.

When picking out a bike, be sure to ask very specifically about the condition of the rear shock and fork, if the pivots have ever been replaced or serviced, if the bike has been in any crashes....all of that. Insist on lots of clear close-up pics so you can get a good look at the frame, shock, wheels, etc. Most people are cool about this and understand why, so if someone won't do it, find a different bike.

Answer 2

Bike size is very important. While you don't need to get a $200 professional fitting, you should visit your local bike shop and sit on several different bikes. Tell then what you are doing and they should be willing to help even if you aren't buying a bike, because at some point you may need to have your bike repaired. At the end of the day, you should be able to walk out of there with a rough sense of what size is correct. There is some wiggle room there. If possible, you always want to be able to sit on the exact bike you are going to buy. You may fit a 19.5" Trek perfect so a 20" Giant or a L Specialized might be okay. However, don't move a full size up or down unless know exactly how that fits.

Answer 3

Ride Urban as always beat me to the answer..lol! :D

Anyway, fit is the most important. It's not that it's the best for pedaling efficiency, but for your body and confort and bike handling.

On full suspension bikes, most (not all) brands usually publish the frames as S,M,L,XL etc. rather than in inches.

I would think that you should look at medium or large frames, depending on the maker. I'm like 5'11", I bought a Medium Cannondale Jekyll, which was small, my next bike was a XL Stumpjumper, which fitted fine after I shortened the stem, and my current full suspension bike is a medium which fits me great. My hardtail is a large, which also fits me.

Answer 4

Go to a good bike shop and get fitted. Going too small or too large will reduce the efficiency with which you pedal, making you 1. look foolish and 2. work way too hard to get somewhere.

You don't have to buy from the good bike shop, but you need to get the right size.

Answer 5

It doest matter a whole lot. unless you are planning to become a pro, which you would not be looking for a used bike if you were, as long as the bike is comfortable. I was always told that if you cant stand on the ground with both feet flat its too big (especially for guys).

Answer 6

since its full suspension..I'm assuming you're doing strictly off road, single track style riding...when you stand stradling the bar on the bike..it shouldn't be anywhere close to your balls..there should be a good 2 inches of clearance.

Answer 7

Ride Urban is on the money here. I can't add a thing.