Frame Size for a 5ft 9 incher for XC racing - 17.5" or

Waynenio
Waynenio Posts: 231
edited September 2011 in MTB buying advice
hi,

Not sure whether to get a 17.5 or a 19inch fort XC racing. I have been advised to go slightly smaller for the 17.5, but not sure what the difference or benefits of a smaller frame would be?

can anyone advise?

Thanks for any help!
Scott Scale Comp 29er - Training Machine
Giant XTC 29er - Race Machine

Comments

  • paulbox
    paulbox Posts: 1,203
    Always best to try before you buy as so much dpends on your personal dimensions, e.g. you might be 5'9" but have the same inside leg measurement as your mate who is 6'.
    XC: Giant Anthem X
    Fun: Yeti SB66
    Road: Litespeed C1, Cannondale Supersix Evo, Cervelo R5
    Trainer: Bianchi via Nirone
    Hack: GT hardtail with Schwalbe City Jets
  • jayson
    jayson Posts: 4,606
    All frames are measured differently by the manufacturers so its almost impossible to say which will be the better fit for u.

    I will say though that im 6' 2 and i ride 18" and a 19" frames on my 2 bikes, it does sound like the smaller 17" would be the better fit but its entirely down to u and how it feels.

    A smaller frame will feel tighter and more agile which is better for off road riding (imo) and simply because its smaller will mean less weight if u do plan on racing it.
    Remedy

    Merida

    Austria 2012
  • Waynenio
    Waynenio Posts: 231
    Cheers guys.
    Scott Scale Comp 29er - Training Machine
    Giant XTC 29er - Race Machine
  • Brighty
    Brighty Posts: 119
    Everyones a different shape so no one can tell you what size to get, you need to sit on them both. I'm 6ft and a 19in spesh rockhopper and my current merlin rocklobster were too big for me in a top tube touching the goolies stylee, so i got both in a 17

    Brighty
  • widge34
    widge34 Posts: 900
    I'm 5' 9" with a 30" inside leg. My Mongoose ia a 16" as the 18" felt too big.
    ----
    Widge.

    Bird Zero 2
    Trek Madone 3.5c H2 2013
  • felix.london
    felix.london Posts: 4,067
    ..and just to prove what everyone is saying...

    I am also 6ft like Brighty and my 19" Spesh Rockhopper is perfect for me
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • Waynenio
    Waynenio Posts: 231
    Yeah, I am 5ft 9 and 30 leg. no one has the specialized carve in stock near me tho.
    Scott Scale Comp 29er - Training Machine
    Giant XTC 29er - Race Machine
  • diy
    diy Posts: 6,473
    I'm 5.9 and ride a medium stumpjumper and a large rockhopper and medium whyte 901.
    Guide to cheap bike lights Turbo Trainer Vids Play list
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  • xand_xand
    xand_xand Posts: 271
    5ft 9 and have 18""cube xc and would not go any lower.
    Therefore you need to sit on a Mtb before you buy... Could be a costly mistake else
    MY CUBE
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12785430

    Cube ltd race 2011.....enjoying the grt outdoors no matter the weather (except snow I just can't move in the snow)!
  • y0.o!
    y0.o! Posts: 123
    I'm 5 8" and a bit and have a Core 50 @ 17.5". My inside leg is 32" and the bike fits me well. In my thread, see sig, I have a pic of my bike against the box it came in which is exactly 32" tall, maybe that will help you in seeing how big it is. Remember that frame geometry may differ when comparing both bikes.

    Hope this helps.
    My ride Genesis Core 50 2011

    y0.o! aka David.
  • bobgfish
    bobgfish Posts: 545
    I'm %ive foot nine and have a 17.5 Inch Stumpjumper. When testing varuous bikes some were bigger and some were smaller and all had 17.5 stamped on them. I did have a 15.5 Stumpy at one point with a long stem. For XC racing you typically are more streched out for comfort vs downhill where you typically run very short stems.
    CyclingInTheLowMountainsOfSchweiz

    CyclingInTheFlatlands

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