Cycling and bicycle racing discussion forums.   View New Forum Topics
Today's Forum Topics

Set as homepage


Go Back   Cycling Forums > Mountain Bikes > Tech Corner - Mountain Bike
User Name
Password
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Welcome to CyclingForums.com

You are currently viewing our website as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions. You will have to register before you can post to this thread.

By joining our free online community you will have access to post new topics, communicate privately with other cyclingforums.com members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos and access other special features like product reviews and classifieds.


How do they decide the right size MTB for you ?

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 02-10.-2003, 03:35 PM   #1
Lenny
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Canberra Australia
Posts: 6
Default How do they decide the right size MTB for you ?

I'm in the process of buying my first MTb and I am dubious about the arbitary method of the bike shops deciding the right size frame.

Generally, all they do is look you up and down and say 19". or 20" or 21" .. ( usually depending on what's sitting on the showroom floor ) I'm 6'1"" tall and don't want to buy the wrong size.

Should I find a bike shop that has something called The Original Fit Kit - which at least has a scientific basis for measurement...
Lenny is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10.-2003, 06:36 PM   #2
Mampara
Registered User
 
Mampara's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 233
Default

I was told a MTB needs to be 2 sizes smaller then your road bike. That is if you're gonna use it for off-road. If you're only gonna ride on the road then get the same size as your road bike.
__________________
Trap, of word getrap.
Mampara is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 02-10.-2003, 11:11 PM   #3
Hunter
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Tx.
Posts: 33
Default

What is your inseam measurement? If using a MTB for off road purposes you need at least 2" clearance over the top tube.
__________________
Just Pedal
Hunter is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 03-10.-2003, 05:33 AM   #4
daveornee
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Suburban Chicago
Posts: 2,777
Default Re: How do they decide the right size MTB for you ?

Quote:
Originally posted by Lenny
I'm in the process of buying my first MTb and I am dubious about the arbitary method of the bike shops deciding the right size frame.

Generally, all they do is look you up and down and say 19". or 20" or 21" .. ( usually depending on what's sitting on the showroom floor ) I'm 6'1"" tall and don't want to buy the wrong size.

Should I find a bike shop that has something called The Original Fit Kit - which at least has a scientific basis for measurement...


I suggest you read the fine article on fit at Peter White Cycles Website, URL:
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
David Ornee, Western Springs, IL
daveornee is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 06-10.-2003, 06:54 AM   #5
bhutata
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 5
Default Re: How do they decide the right size MTB for you ?

There are a few good sites to help figure out what size you should buy. I like the fitting system at Wrench Science

One thing I've heard over and over when considering MTB size is that top tube length makes a bigger difference than frame height. You can adjust this to some extent with stem length, but changing stem length much changes the handling characteristics.

I'm between 6' and 6'1" and I'm riding a Trek 21" hardtail. It's a little too big for me, but I bought a stem that's a little shorter and I can get by for now just fine. It was too good a deal to pass up at the time.
bhutata is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 11-10.-2003, 09:38 AM   #6
vlad
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: East Texas
Posts: 137
Default Re: How do they decide the right size MTB for you ?

vlad is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 13-10.-2003, 12:34 PM   #7
Lenny
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Canberra Australia
Posts: 6
Default Re: Re: How do they decide the right size MTB for you ?

Thanks guys for all the helpful replies and links to fitting websites....

I ended up buying a 21" Giant XTC 2 Disc
Lenny is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 31-10.-2003, 01:52 AM   #8
Hecubus
Senior Member
 
Hecubus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 322
Default

You can calculate it by inseam and height. At 6'1" it is almost certain you will require something in the vecinity of 19"-20" with a top tube length of approx 24".
Hecubus is offline  
Reply With Quote

Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump



All times are GMT +10. The time now is 08:58 PM.


Powered by: vBulletin Copyright © 2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2001 - 2006 cyclingforums.com

Links to websites we like:
Pezcyclingnews | Cyclingnews.com | Wine Zone | iinet