Frames sizes relative to height.

Robinio
Robinio Posts: 59
edited September 2007 in MTB beginners
I went and ordered my bike today. Orange Crsuh 2007 and the guy at the shop recommended a 17" frame. I am around 6ft

Now I really don't doubt his ability but is this normal? I tried the 19" and he said I could use a bit more clearance of the cross bar.

Comments

  • Paul Sh
    Paul Sh Posts: 607
    How much clearance did you have, 2 inches is the norm (i think) better a tad to small than to big though.
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    it depends on many things. sloping top tubes is the norm now. what was the reach like?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • BoredHousewife
    BoredHousewife Posts: 416
    I'm 6'2" and ride a 16 inch Kona, its not just about your height but also reach as nick said, I prefer a shorter bike because I find them easier to move around under me. Its all about personal preference. How did the 17" feel? (no funny comments please :wink: )
  • Robinio
    Robinio Posts: 59
    They have had to order it in and I'm having a look on Thurs. The guy was around my height and he said that he rode a 17" as it was a bit better.

    I don't have kids at the moment but I want to have the decision instead of having them scrambled by the bar ;)
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    check the sizing on the orange bikes webby and see what the size difference is.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • BoredHousewife
    BoredHousewife Posts: 416
    well, same could happen if you go for a frame with less standover height. And I'm sure that I've heard something about the pressure of the saddle down below contributing to certain 'difficulties' in the child creation process :? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Mmm i think the 19" would be better.

    19" suited for riders 5'7"-6'1"

    http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/2007bikes/crush.php
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Alex_hoodie
    Alex_hoodie Posts: 16
    I would have got the 19" frame as it will have a better re-sale value (when u have them kids and need the money).
  • BoredHousewife
    BoredHousewife Posts: 416
    Alex_hoodie wrote:
    I would have got the 19" frame as it will have a better re-sale value (when u have them kids and need the money).

    I really don't see how since people come in all shapes and sizes
  • bob4
    bob4 Posts: 23
    I'm 6ft and have the 17" It's a freeride/downhill bike and I took advice from LBS that 19" would be to long for that kind of riding. I now know they were right. It all depends on what kind of riding you're going to be doing though.
  • homercles
    homercles Posts: 499
    Similarly, the 'perceived wisdom' is that I (6ft) should be on a 19" Marin frame but when I tried it out the top tube was practically attached to me, hence I'm on the 17". Guess it's possible to be 6ft and have 'short' legs.
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  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 12,009
    homercles wrote:
    Similarly, the 'perceived wisdom' is that I (6ft) should be on a 19" Marin frame but when I tried it out the top tube was practically attached to me, hence I'm on the 17". Guess it's possible to be 6ft and have 'short' legs.

    Marin's have 'bigger' frames than other bikes, as the way they measure is different from most other manufacturers :roll:

    I am about 5ft 11, and also ride a 17", though this will equate to a 19" frame in the rest of the bike world.

    Cheers

    Dan
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  • roars
    roars Posts: 3
    I agree with the previous comments. I'm 6ft 1" and ride a small size Specialized p All mountain (about a 14" frame) witha seriously sloping frame.

    With the seat down its great for throwing around and handles really well. Great for North Shore, dirt jumps and 4X.

    With the seat up (albeit a bigger 400mm seat post), I use it for long trail rides and cross country.
  • Robinio
    Robinio Posts: 59
    Cheers for the response guys! Whilst im in the position to pick and choose I will get all the advice I can get.

    Riding wise I am looking to use it for hacking a few miles to work and going out on day trips in it.

    Where ideally should the cross bar be in relation to my meat and two veg? And is that the only consideration?
  • bob4
    bob4 Posts: 23
    Just a thought.
    Is the Crush a must for you because it's quite heavy and if your going on day trips (30 miles+?) it might get hard going.
    Point it downhill and the fun begins though
  • Robinio
    Robinio Posts: 59
    Well i'm quite heavy as it is, so I wanted something I could really bang about on and not worry about it. I play Rugby but am having to sit out for a year or so whilst having an op.
  • Alex_hoodie
    Alex_hoodie Posts: 16
    I really don't see how since people come in all shapes and sizes[/quote]

    True, but from my recent experience the bigger bikes seem to go for more money (on ebay) :twisted: annoying as at 6'4" a 17" frame was to small!!

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