Frame swap

reload said:

I bought a used raliegh m20 with a 16" frame.I'm 5'8' and it might be too small for me.If I decide to get an 18" frame,what problems am I going to run into with components matching up? Do I need to find another raliegh frame?

Before you pony up money for a new frame, why don't you try installing a longer stem?

I am 5'8" and ride a 16" MTB frame. I usually have to install a longer stem. I ride the smaller fram off-road for manueverability and the ability to move it quicker around obstacles. For me, it is easier to throw around a smaller frame as opposed to a larger frame. In fact, many mtb'ers do this.

Thanks for the replies.I read somewhere that if your 5'8" you need an 18" frame.I'll ride this one a while and see if I like it.

The frame size really needs to match your height and body geometry. This why you should get a larger frame. The reasoning behind this is you want to be stretched out over the frame properly to ensure that you are in a more efficient position. I am a personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and also own a bike shop here in Colorado Springs. You really will need the larger frame for a couple of reason-one you want to be better fitted to the bike and thus using your muscles more efficiently, two you want to prevent muscular imbalances that will result from not using the properly sized frame, three you the added clearance you'll get but getting a larger frame. Meaning you will have more clearance between the crank and the ground. Lastly, the larger frame will ensure you are able to keep your balance centered over the bike properly. There is a science to mountain biking and cycling a people that forget this often are seeing the chiropractor for injuries or begin to dislike the sport. Most of the components should be fine. Feel free to contact the shop if you want to us to make sure...(719) 640-0399 or you can visit the site at www.TrailheadPerformance.com.