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What approximate frame size would I look for in a mountain bike?

GasX

GasX

Lifer
For argument's sake, what would you guess I should look for?

Yes, I realize I have to try on a bike before buying it but humor me here...
 
That's my plan, a full-suspension, disc braked mountain trike.

But "what frame size?" is the question!!
 
Originally posted by: Modeps
I havent bought a bike in a LONG time, but arent the frames fairly standard sizes?
Click to expand...

17"
19"
21"

I forget which on I used to have...

Also, the wide variety of frame gemetries complicate the matter, but I am looking for a general size recommendation...
 
Um, I'd reccomened you go to a local bike shop and have them measure you for a bike, its usually free and then you know what to look for.
 
Measure yourself & find out, it's not hard.

That will give you a general idea, your best bet is always to get fitted by a pro.

Viper GTS
 
Originally posted by: scorpmatt
Um, I'd reccomened you go to a local bike shop and have them measure you for a bike, its usually free and then you know what to look for.
Click to expand...

No way! You need to walk into a bike shop with full elite knowledge of every specific thing so you don't, gasp, look like a newbie.
 
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: scorpmatt
Um, I'd reccomened you go to a local bike shop and have them measure you for a bike, its usually free and then you know what to look for.
Click to expand...

No way! You need to walk into a bike shop with full elite knowledge of every specific thing so you don't, gasp, look like a newbie.
Click to expand...

Looks like you've fully covered the newbie aspect
 
Something around a 20" frame, but it will depend how they're sized. Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.
 
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: Fausto
Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.
Click to expand...

You want to avoid the ones with sloping top tubes....those are for girls.
Click to expand...
You're confusing compact geometry with the "mixte" frames.

Or maybe you're just kidding....I never know with crazy people like you.

 
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: scorpmatt
Um, I'd reccomened you go to a local bike shop and have them measure you for a bike, its usually free and then you know what to look for.
Click to expand...

No way! You need to walk into a bike shop with full elite knowledge of every specific thing so you don't, gasp, look like a newbie.
Click to expand...

Ever hear of ebay?
 
Originally posted by: Fausto
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: Fausto
Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.
Click to expand...

You want to avoid the ones with sloping top tubes....those are for girls.
Click to expand...
You're confusing compact geometry with the "mixte" frames.

Or maybe you're just kidding....I never know with crazy people like you.
Click to expand...

or maybe he just has an extra chromosome...
 
Originally posted by: Fausto
Something around a 20" frame, but it will depend how they're sized. Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.
Click to expand...

Then after you decide on the bike, take it for test spin. Most bikes shops will let you take it for spin around the parking lot. This is by no means similar to what you will experience on the trail, but it will give you idea what you will expect. Also, you might have to adjust the seat's height. When you first start mountain biking, most people tend to have the seat lower and as you get better you will raise to seat to get more power out of them legs. If you get clipless pedals, then you will adjust the pedals also.

There are few nice entry level FS bikes for under 1k these days. Not sure if you want to fork out 2k yet for "good" FS bike yet, you might want to look at hard tails for your first bike. You will improve your skills learning how to "ride" then when you get more into riding, you can jump into Specialized S-Works FS Mountain Bike.

Check out used bikes also if you want to save money. Good Luck.
 
I'm 5'11" and I ride a 15.5" mountain bike, because the small frame is more maneuverable. Admittedly, it's a lot smaller than what would normally be considered to fit me. More standard fitting would put me on a 19" frame, but I like my small frame.
 
Originally posted by: Mwilding
Originally posted by: Fausto
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Originally posted by: Fausto
Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.
Click to expand...

You want to avoid the ones with sloping top tubes....those are for girls.
Click to expand...
You're confusing compact geometry with the "mixte" frames.

Or maybe you're just kidding....I never know with crazy people like you.
Click to expand...

or maybe he just has an extra chromosome...
Click to expand...

Wow....you should be a comedy writer.
 
Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Wow....you should be a comedy writer.
Click to expand...
Well, I obviously don't have the biting sarcastic wit of your snappy comebacks, but I might just do that.

Thanks for the career advice.
 
I'm 6'1" tall. I originally had a 19.5" frame for my Trek 4500. It was a nice size for road riding, but too tall for actual mountain biking. My frame broke and when I got the replacement they let me change sizes. So I got a 17.5" replacement and I like it a lot better. I don't feel like I'm gonna land on my crotch if I hop of the seat and don't stand on my tip-toes.
 
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