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

[GasX]

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...

 

[Triforceofcourage]

Get a tricycle, its the new trend

 

[GasX]

That's my plan, a full-suspension, disc braked mountain trike.

But "what frame size?" is the question!!

 

[Modeps]

I havent bought a bike in a LONG time, but arent the frames fairly standard sizes?

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: Modeps
I havent bought a bike in a LONG time, but arent the frames fairly standard sizes?

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...

 

[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.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Just ask the rep at Toys-R-Us when you go to buy one.

 

[Viper GTS]

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

 

[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.

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.

 

[scorpmatt]

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.

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.

Looks like you've fully covered the newbie aspect

 

[Fausto]

Something around a 20" frame, but it will depend how they're sized. Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.

 

[GasX]

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.

Thank you.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Fausto
Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.

You want to avoid the ones with sloping top tubes....those are for girls.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Fausto
Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.

You want to avoid the ones with sloping top tubes....those are for girls.

You're confusing compact geometry with the "mixte" frames.

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

 

[GasX]

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.

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.

Ever hear of ebay?

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Fausto
Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.

You want to avoid the ones with sloping top tubes....those are for girls.

You're confusing compact geometry with the "mixte" frames.

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

or maybe he just has an extra chromosome...

 

[newbiepcuser]

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.

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.

 

[notfred]

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.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Fausto
Sloping top tube frames will throw this off.

You want to avoid the ones with sloping top tubes....those are for girls.

You're confusing compact geometry with the "mixte" frames.

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

or maybe he just has an extra chromosome...

Wow....you should be a comedy writer.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Wow....you should be a comedy writer.

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.

 

[mordantmonkey]

with both feet flat on either side, the top tube should be 1-2" below your boys.

 

[cubby1223]

Probably around 58cm, check with a bike shop, though

EDIT - well, that would be the road bike size

 

[Sukhoi]

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.