What size bike frame do I get?

[GasX]

I haven't ridden in years, but I am pulling out the old MTB and want to get a new frame (old one is slightly bent). I am looking at this one, but forget how to size framse. I am just under 6'0", btw...

 

[Rallispec]

link didnt work.

i'm trying to remember what size my bike is.

 

[Mucman]

I am 6' 1" and I have a 22" frame.

 

[Fausto]

You're about the same height as me, so speaking very roughly, you'll need a 20" mountain frame or a 58cm road frame. These figures will vary depending on how each manufacturer sizes their frames and your personal "statistics" (how relatively long your arms/legs/torso are, etc). I go more my top tube length than frame size. I need about 23" top tube (measured horizontally, since many mtb top tubes slope) or about a 57.5cm top tube on a road bike.

A good shop should be able to get you fitted up correctly, but this should at least give you a ballpark estimate of what to look for.

 

[GasX]

I have had this bike since 1988. I bought a smallish frame for my sixe becaise I was racing and smaller is better (more strength / light weight) Nevertheless, I have no idea of the size. Mucman you have much clearance over the top bar when your feet are flat on the ground?

regarding the link: try here

 

[GasX]

So, a 20" inch sounds about right. If I go to 18" and get a long 6 degree stem, will I be OK or should I just get a 20"?

 

[Rallispec]

mine is a 19" frame, and i'm 5'11

 

[GasX]

Rallispec - how much clearance do you have between your taint and the top bar when you stand with your feet flat on the ground?

 

[Daniel]

Originally posted by: Rallispec
mine is a 19" frame, and i'm 5'11

Same here, over a few different mtn bikes I've gone between and 18 and a 20.

 

[GasX]

Daniel - how would you compare the 18" to the 20" ?? Were you comfortable on both or cramped on the 18"?

 

[Rallispec]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
Rallispec - how much clearance do you have between your taint and the top bar when you stand with your feet flat on the ground?

hahaha. nice 'wordage'

umm.. without getting out a ruler, i couldnt tell you. :Q

 

[yakko]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
So, a 20" inch sounds about right. If I go to 18" and get a long 6 degree stem, will I be OK or should I just get a 20"?

Go with the 18". I am 5'8" and I ride a 15" frame. Why ride around on a heavier bike if you don't need to?

 

[GasX]

Well, right now I am thinking an 18" frame with a 135mm 6 degree stem.

(and a bump for the day crowd and more thoughts...)

 

[Fausto]

Again, it all depends on how the manufacturer sizes their frames. Focus on the effective top tube length (measured horizontally) more than the stated frame size. My current setup has a 23" top tube with a 135mm stem with about 8 deg rise on it. Coming from a road background, it just feels normal to me to be somewhat stretched out on the bike. Go to a shop and try a few different bikes and see what feels best to you.

 

[FrustratedUser]

You should have a 19"-20". Don't get a small frame with a long stem.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
You should have a 19"-20". Don't get a small frame with a long stem.

Yep. Too small frame + huge stem = very imprecise handling on tight trails.

 

[GasX]

The top tube on the 18" is 23" and on the 20" is 23.5"

the 18" frame specs are below

Specifications
Item #: 69711302
Manufacturer: Access
Model: 03 XCL
Year: 2003
Type: MTB
Size: 18"
Color: Black
Weight: 3.65 lbs
Top tube length: 23"
Standover A: 28"
Chain stay length: 16.75"
BB height: 12"
Seatpost size: 27.2mm
Frt der size: 1 1/4
Headset size: 1 1/8
Rear cable hanger: No
Replaceable dropout: Yes
Model Year: 2003
BB shell width: 68mm
Front Der. Pull: Top
Head Tube Angle (degrees): 71º
Seat Tube Angle (degrees): 73º

 

[Daniel]

I'd agree with Fausto1, the 3 different sizes I had were from 3 different lines on 2 different manufacturers, yet they all felt like the same size, its just one of those things I think you need to see what it feels like on yourself first.

 

[GasX]

Hmmmm, they have another frame to consider. It is only $99 and only comes in 20" blue with a 23.75 top tube....

$99 Frame
$129 Frame

For Sh!ts & Giggles....

$399 full suspension frame...

 

[GasX]

OK - I am starting to buy into the 20" frame.

Now I have to decide between the $99 frame with 23.75" top tube and $129 frame with 23.5" top tube.

I also have to choose a stem. What difference will I see between a 135mm 6 degree stem and say a 110mm 17 degree stem?

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

you want one that come ups to about 1.5 inches beneath your testicles when you straddle the crossbar.

 

[brtspears2]

I'm a short 5 ft 5 in, have a 14.5" frame. Perfect sized for me, though, feels so small, makes me feel like I can turn and stop on a dime, though usually with disasterous results..

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
OK - I am starting to buy into the 20" frame.

Now I have to decide between the $99 frame with 23.75" top tube and $129 frame with 23.5" top tube.

I also have to choose a stem. What difference will I see between a 135mm 6 degree stem and say a 110mm 17 degree stem?

A fairly big difference. Not only is one 2.5cm longer, it also has less rise so you'll be stretched out that much more. A 110 with 17 deg rise sounds a bit on the stubby side to me. All depends on how you're proportioned tho....I have a long torso and arms so I need longer stem/top tube. Unfortunately, this is the kinda thing you just have to fiddle with until you're happy...kinda like saddles. You need to try a few before you find one that really fits your butt. Best bet is again to hit a bike shop, find a frame with dimensions as near as possible to the Access, ride it, see how comfy you are, take note of stem dimensions, order accordingly.

 

[Fausto]

OT- These are kickass shorts for the money. Nice heavy 8oz lycra, flat seams, nice comfy chamois. I've put many, many miles on a few pairs of these (by "many", I'm talking 5,000+ per year) trust me, they're great shorts.

 

[GasX]

Fausto1 - dead link...