Frame size? Please help!

philip1234
philip1234 Posts: 6
edited October 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi,

I'm looking into buying a second hand specialized big hit for my first downhill bike. (link to bike below)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... %26otn%3D2

But i don't know what frame size is right for me. I am about 6ft tall and still growing, would a 16 inch frame (medium) be big enough? And other helpful tips and advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Comments

  • jayson
    jayson Posts: 4,606
    Im far from an expert when it comes to DH bikes but the usual rule of thumb is to make sure u have around 3 inches of top tube clearance from the crown jewells. This being a DH bike confuses the issue for me cause alot of DH bikes tend to have higher BBs to account for the suspension sag and longer forks which raises the front end.

    On a normal XC bike i would say a 16" frame would be oo small for a 6 foot bloke but im really not sure in this case.
    Remedy

    Merida

    Austria 2012
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    edited October 2008
    well the standover height of all three sizes change by a grand total of 3mm yes 3mm. at each step.

    it is the top tube length that really matters. 30mm difference in length.

    Sorry it is a personal thing but as 15mm from medium to large is well nothing to really worry about.

    But i would collect and try it just to be sure. Oh and i would get that stem changed fast.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jayson
    jayson Posts: 4,606
    nicklouse wrote:
    well the standover height of all three sizes change by a grand total of 3mm yes 3mm. at each step.

    it is the top tube length that really matters. 30mm difference in length.

    Sorry it is a personal thing but as 15mm from medium to large is well nothing to really worry abouy.

    But i would collect and try it just to be sure. Oh and i would get that stem changed fast.

    Is it really 3mm??? i dint know that and i have to admit im surprised, DH is a complete mystery to me!!!
    Remedy

    Merida

    Austria 2012
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Size Small Medium Large
    Stand Over Height 760mm 763mm 776mm
    Top Tube Length 560mm 585mm 605mm
    Head Tube Length 120mm 120mm 120mm
    Head Angle 66.0/67.5 66.0/67.5 66.0/67.5
    Seat Angle 63/64.5 63/64.5 63/64.5
    Wheel Base 1158mm 1183mm 1203mm
    Chain Stay Length 428mm 428mm 428mm
    BB Height 26" wheel 371/390mm 371/390mm 371/390mm
    BB Height 24" wheel 374mm 374mm 374mm
    Seat Post Length 300mm 300mm 300mm
    yep at each step total 6mm.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • canada16
    canada16 Posts: 2,360
    If it helps I am a standard medium all round.

    I got a focus superbud XC bike and I had to buy a small as wiggle messed me about, but to be honest it has worked out for the best.

    I can chuck the bike around more and its lighter, and it does not bother me.

    I commute and ride xc, I would just say go and try.

    I might loo for a small next time.

    5.10"
    11st
    The Ride

    http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92 ... 010735.jpg
  • philip1234
    philip1234 Posts: 6
    Thanks for the help. One thing i have to say is going to have a go on the bike before i buy it isn't really an option as i live too far a way and the auction ends in 7 hours. Out of interest is £699 ish a good price for a specialized big hit? I think its an 04 model.

    Thanks

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