ChatterBank1 min ago
What size mountain bike should I get?
21 Answers
Hi
im thinking of buying a mountain bike but im not sure on what size I need to get for my height.
I am 5 foot 10 in and a woman so I am quite tall.
what frame size amd wheel size do I need to get.
im thinking of buying a mountain bike but im not sure on what size I need to get for my height.
I am 5 foot 10 in and a woman so I am quite tall.
what frame size amd wheel size do I need to get.
Answers
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snags ...
Yep. 16" is quite big, but I suppose fabemmy is very tall for a girl (I'm 5' 8"), and the frames don't come all the way up to your bum like on racing bikes (esp mens').
With all that height, you might have length in your body or in your legs that could just make some brands really uncomfortable.
My MTB is a Specialized, which is really the default choice for people who can't make their mind up. It's a decent all rounder, and quite comfy for most average shaped riders, but I've ridden friends' bikes that are the same size, but a totally different fit.
Yep. 16" is quite big, but I suppose fabemmy is very tall for a girl (I'm 5' 8"), and the frames don't come all the way up to your bum like on racing bikes (esp mens').
With all that height, you might have length in your body or in your legs that could just make some brands really uncomfortable.
My MTB is a Specialized, which is really the default choice for people who can't make their mind up. It's a decent all rounder, and quite comfy for most average shaped riders, but I've ridden friends' bikes that are the same size, but a totally different fit.
Wheel size of 26 is standard. I am slightly shorter than you but have two 17-inch frame bikes (Konas, beautiful things).
As snags says, can you stand over the frame? If you have to brake suddenly and slide off the saddle, will you squash your precious bits on the crossbar?
Buy a bike from a decent shop, they will let you try them out before you buy. Also, like anything else inlife, you get what you pay for. If you pay �200 in Halfords that's what you'll get. Spend a bit more, say �500, and cycling will become a joy. Spend �2000 on a really top-end Kona or Specialized and you will consider giving up driving.
As snags says, can you stand over the frame? If you have to brake suddenly and slide off the saddle, will you squash your precious bits on the crossbar?
Buy a bike from a decent shop, they will let you try them out before you buy. Also, like anything else inlife, you get what you pay for. If you pay �200 in Halfords that's what you'll get. Spend a bit more, say �500, and cycling will become a joy. Spend �2000 on a really top-end Kona or Specialized and you will consider giving up driving.
I am 5 10 and I have a 21.5 inch frame bike and find it perfect - it is a hybrid though not a mountain bike, but my 8 year old son has a 15 inch frame bike with standard 26 inch tyres (Admitedlly he is 4' 9" - so I would think something a bit bigger than what has been suggested so far would be suitable for you - otherwise you will have the seat up at full height and I always thinks that looks ridiculous.
Ello...
as said above wheel size is standard at 26"..
as for frame size prolly about 16", but the only way to buy a bike is go to the shop, talk to the staff, find a bike that suits your shape, sit on it, and test ride it to be sure.
any decent bike shop will be more than happy for you to get the feel of different size frames..
Hope it helps.
as said above wheel size is standard at 26"..
as for frame size prolly about 16", but the only way to buy a bike is go to the shop, talk to the staff, find a bike that suits your shape, sit on it, and test ride it to be sure.
any decent bike shop will be more than happy for you to get the feel of different size frames..
Hope it helps.
Below taken from a bike sizing website - I am 5 10 and have a 32 inch inside leg - presuming that yours will be roughly the same:
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Hence a rider with a 32" / 81cm inside leg who owns a 23" / 58cm road bike usually requires a 20" / 51cm mountain bike.
The other suggestions here are definitely too small - this measurement fits in with my 21.5 hybrid being perfect for me.
There is obviously no substitute to going out and trying it in a shop first - you can then surf the web for the best deal.
Anyway, are you actually going to mountain bike with it? If not, I would suggest that you go for something with thinner tyres so that you expend less energy if all you will be using it for is roads and forest roads or cycle routes.
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Hence a rider with a 32" / 81cm inside leg who owns a 23" / 58cm road bike usually requires a 20" / 51cm mountain bike.
The other suggestions here are definitely too small - this measurement fits in with my 21.5 hybrid being perfect for me.
There is obviously no substitute to going out and trying it in a shop first - you can then surf the web for the best deal.
Anyway, are you actually going to mountain bike with it? If not, I would suggest that you go for something with thinner tyres so that you expend less energy if all you will be using it for is roads and forest roads or cycle routes.
fabemmy... one other thing to consider is frame material. Generally, Aluminium be lighter and stiffer but more tiring on a longer ride. Steel will be heavier and cheaper but with a bit more 'give'.
Re: the frame size: smaller is better imo: tighter geometry, more responsive, better standover height. I am 5, 10 with an inside leg of 32" and ride 16" and 18" GT Zaskar frames with no problems. GT frames come up 'longer' than others so may not be suitable for a woman (generally shorter bodies).
Re: the frame size: smaller is better imo: tighter geometry, more responsive, better standover height. I am 5, 10 with an inside leg of 32" and ride 16" and 18" GT Zaskar frames with no problems. GT frames come up 'longer' than others so may not be suitable for a woman (generally shorter bodies).
After all this info I'll bet you are really confused now....
Get yourself along to a proper bike shop and try some out for size....
Alternatively....
Every year my son puts a mountain bike together ..it get used for one week downhilling in the Alps....and then sits in the garage... and usually gets sold in the spring... before he builds another one...I think it's what your after....
Last years bike cost �4,000 to build...make him a good offer....
Only joking....Get along to a bike shop...
Get yourself along to a proper bike shop and try some out for size....
Alternatively....
Every year my son puts a mountain bike together ..it get used for one week downhilling in the Alps....and then sits in the garage... and usually gets sold in the spring... before he builds another one...I think it's what your after....
Last years bike cost �4,000 to build...make him a good offer....
Only joking....Get along to a bike shop...
