Ideal Frame sizes???

smeghead73

I'm a 5 ft 11 bloke with 32 inside leg. Just got new MTB in an 18 inch frame size on the recommendation of more learned riders.I will be taking it out on 7 stanes trails so should be better for throwing around? Does anyone cocur? Just had a wee burl along my street on it and felt i was sittin pretty far back on the saddle. Should i have went for the 20? Help! lol

nicklouse

so how does it fit?

frame size is a pointless measurement as it means bugger all.

all it is is a means of seeing where it fits in the sizes of 1 model from one maker.

different models quoted as 20" from the same maker are not the same size.

smeghead73

Think its because im used to riding a 20 incher. Probarbly just having a freak out as never spent so much wonga on a bike before hehe.

supersonic

Your more learned riders need a slap.

glen4

18" is probably right, I have two hardtails, both have wildly differing geometry, but are both 18". I am 5' 11".
Prior to buying my 2nd HT, I owned a Large (measured 19") Stumpjumper FSR, and it always felt a wee bit too big, while the Medium (measured 17") felt too small on the test ride......
If I was buying again, I would test ride an 18" first, then one size either side to be sure....

smeghead73

What,so you reckon an 18s too small?

smeghead73

Thanks glen. Hopefully get on it soon properly. Can always move saddle back a little. eh if need be

Kiblams

You could have a play with stem length/heights and move the angle/positionof the saddle on the rails.

I am 6foot and have a 16" frame, of course my long stem helps my position I am sure

nicklouse

smeghead73 wrote:

What,so you reckon an 18s too small?

might be the persfert size.

but again there is no mention of what the bike is or its usage is intended for.

a 18" fully would be way to big. an 18" HT could be fine.

but without seeing you on the bike the only person who can tell if the bike OK is you.

final tweeking can be done , as mentioned, buy changing parts, stem and bars for example.

turnercraig

supersonic wrote:

Your more learned riders need a slap.

, been drinking?

smeghead73

Its a revolution triad 2.0 09' and intend to hoor it round local 7 stanes trails etc.

Barrie_G

Having a quick google, it looks like the bike comes with a inline seat post, most bikes i've seen usually come with a setback post of about an 1" or so, this may be what's making you feel like you're sitting on the back of the saddle.

smeghead73

Barrie_G
So does that mean its unalterable?

glen4

smeghead73 wrote:

Barrie_G
So does that mean its unalterable?

no mate, you can change it for a layback seatpost, gives you a bit more room in the cockpit, you really need to get out and ride it, I'm sure it will be fine mate....

Johnny Napalm

I'm in a similar situation. Just ordered a 14" Inbred (the joys of getting money for Christmas ), when I traditionally have had 15" and 16" frames in the past.

However, the effective top tube length on the Inbred is quite long on the 16", so I've plumped for the 14", which has an ETT length just 13mm shorter than my current 15" frame. I'll not know until I get the frame, but I figure I'll have to do some tweaking.

It's difficult because until I build and ride the bike, I'll not know for sure, and at that point I won't be able to return the frame! :?

smeghead73

Yeah its frustrating at the moment. Had double hernia surgery just before chrimbo, so hopefully get out next weekend on local cyclepath and give it a bit of a shakedown

supersonic

Two examples:

One 18 inch frame is measured up the seatpost to where it meets the top tube, has a straight top tube and a 13.5 inch bottom bracket height.

Another 18 inch frame is measured right to the top of the seattube, has sloping and kinked top tube and an 11.5 inch BB height.

Two bikes with maybe 5 inches standover height difference! And we haven't even started on top tube length and reach.

So 18 means.. very little, without taking the rest into consideration.

HardrockRob

nicklouse wrote:

a 18" fully would be way to big. an 18" HT could be fine.

final tweeking can be done , as mentioned, buy changing parts, stem and bars for example.

why would an 18" fs be way to big? I am 5 11 and have a 19" fs. Plenty of stand over - reach fine. Fine tuned with a shorter stem.

supersonic

Because of the reasons I just gave - the differences can be huge.

HardrockRob

Fair enough. Guess the moral the story is use manufacturers sizing as a starting point perhaps, and then demo demo and demo again.