How wrong is it to buy a bike thats really the wrong size ?

Dave08

I ask that because I don't know what to do

I am trying to find a halfords that has stock of the Chris Boardman mountian pro spec bike in a size medium but I have tried loads of stores all over the country and the stores that have any stock at all only ever seem to have the large size only which is 20"

now this is my first proper mountain bike purchase and have been told in various bike shops that I have gone into that I should go for a size 17/18 framed bike I have a 29" inside leg

I have sat on a 20" boardman bike and I could stand over the bar without anything touching but only just

have to say it did not feel big but the saddle was in its lowest postion when I sat on it (my feet was flat to the floor in the lowest postion so I can adjust the saddle higher

so what do you all think ? just how importand is size ?

Dave

nicklouse

how tall are you? inside leg?

Oh and the right size is important.

Andy B

Size is very important, too large or too small can you can have big issues with handling & safety.

I have a 31" inside leg & ride 17" & 18" frames. I have at least 2" of clearance on the 17" and a little less on the 18".

Stu 74

In my opinion these are the things to look at when buying a new bike in order of priority:-

1) The bike fits you right. This is not just about picking the right frame size for a particular model of bike, it is also about finding a bike that you will be comfortable riding.

2) The bike is suited to the type of riding you will be doing.

3) The bike component specification / value for money etc.

It is not unusual for people to obsess about the specification of the components on a bike but personally I would prefer to ride a poorly specified bike that fits me well rather than a well specified bike that does not fit me properly.

I have learnt this from experience!

So in summary, bike fiit is critical!!!

Stu

The Spiderman

I made the mistake of buying a bike that was too big,when I started just because it was a good deal.Soon realised my mistake and sold it on ,and bought one that fitted.Its much more confidence inspiring riding a bike that fits.

Larok

Stop even thinking about getting that 20" !

gandhi

MTBers tend to err on the small side. If you get one that's too big, you'll find bike handling very hard, it really makes a big difference.

Dave08

Cheers all

Thanks for all your help my heart was saying go for it but I just had that nagging doubt in my mind that I might be making a big mistake


Thank you all very much


Dave

Harveytile

There should be no doubt, I am 6'2", 35.5" inseam and ride a 19" MTB and 60cm C-T cyclocross. Tell the buggers at Bikehut to order one in if you really want it and make sure you go for a test ride, don't let them fob you off with some lame comment. :roll:

The Spiderman

Have you considered getting the Comp or Team instead?

Dave08

The Spiderman wrote:

Have you considered getting the Comp or Team instead?

Yes spiderman I think that's what I am going to do now

Going to get myself down to halfords this afternoon and have a look as they have the bikes in a medium size on both the comp and the team


Dave

Bikerbaboon

i have gone for the team cracking bike for the price, try the other bikes in medium and then order hte biek and tell them not to put it together as thats where halfords does seam to have a weekness. if you have the skills DIY is not get a LBS to do it for a fee.

ride_whenever

good luck getting an lbs to put together a bike for free that you've bought somewhere else

Andy B

He said 'fee' not 'free'

passout

It's too big - choose another bike, there are plenty!

Dave08

Thanks for all your advice I have ordered the Boardman team spec bike in a size 18"

Picking it up on Wednesday


Thanks again


Dave