Advice on sizing please

Knobblknees
Knobblknees Posts: 18
edited October 2007 in MTB beginners
How much room should I be looking for between top tube and my delicate parts? :roll: :roll:

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    what bike?

    it depends on bike and useage. and travel.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Knobblknees
    Knobblknees Posts: 18
    Thinking of one of these http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/hoo-koo-e-koo
    , either 17.5” or 19” I have measured my stand over height at 82cm or 32” in old money. I tend to ride trails but plan to go single tracking.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    how tall?

    are you planning to order on line?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Callsign_Charlie
    Callsign_Charlie Posts: 8
    If it's your first bike, I'd recommend against buying online, and go to your local bike store to try stuff out. Or go to your local bike store, trying one out whilst pretending you're interested in buying it, and buying the same model online - if you can live with the guilt! :P

    As Nicklouse said, it depends on the bike and what you're using it for, and to some extent personal preference.
  • Down the Road
    Down the Road Posts: 949
    Go to a dealer and try one on for size. You never know you might find someone there who knows what they are talking about. (think they are usually known as sales staff but not sure)
    Racing is life - everything else is just waiting
  • Knobblknees
    Knobblknees Posts: 18
    My problem is that I have been to several dealers and have received conflicting advice. Hence I am seeking an independent view :?
  • Knobblknees
    Knobblknees Posts: 18
    My problem is that I have been to several dealers and have received conflicting advice. Hence I am seeking an independent view :?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    the thing is that it is not just standover height but also reach and general feel.

    what have you been told. and we will tel you who we feel is the better to listen to.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Knobblknees
    Knobblknees Posts: 18
    One dealer said a 19” frame this gave me around 3” of ballroom and the other a 17.5” that provided around 4”+. Both appear to know what they are talking about and seem to be trying to provide honest advice! The stretch from the handle bar was only slightly different but obviously more on the 19” (I am 5ft11"). Two problems I have my current bike an 18 year old Marin Palisade has a longer frame compared to modern bikes so the riding position feels very different, and more importantly I can not get any test rides!!! The Marin has a 19” frame and a straight top tube with around 2.5” clearance hence I risk damaging the undercarriage every time I go off road.
    Cheers!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    why can you not get a test ride?

    keep shopping around untill you can get a test ride.

    but back to you original Q. anything between 2 and 4" is good.

    but position is more so keep looking and trying, but if you have 3" on a 19 that could be the size.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Knobblknees
    Knobblknees Posts: 18
    Thanks

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