Sizing advice please

Ashley1970

Hi, I registered here as I'm thinking of buying a beginners/mid level bike and I'm confused with the frame and wheel sizing.

I have investigated the sizing and understand that MTB frame sizing is different to what I'm used to in that a BMX frame size is top tube length whereas an MTB is from pedals to seat post. I'm looking at two sizes of bike. I am 6 feet tall with a 28 to 29 inch inside leg.

The confusion for me lies in that 29ers seem to come in a maximum size of 19 inch whereas a 26" rimmed bike has a maximum of 21.5 inches.

Am I correct in that a 29er with a 19" frame size OR a 26er with a 21.5 inch frame size is where I need to be??

Further to this I've asked a cyclist colleague what he thinks and he says a 29er but cannot explain to me why. To make this a more difficult decision I used to own a GT Aggressor a few years back, which I loved, and this was at a time when the 29er didn't exist!!!!

Can anyone help please? I'm looking at the whistle bikes range as I believe the components on these are OK and I LOVE the designs....

Many thanks in advance

supersonic

First off have a read of this:

viewtopic.php?t=12566711

Wheel size has no bearing on frame size, and top tube length is very important.

Antm81

My advice would be to test them first, I didn't like the 29er I tried despite being told they'd be perfect for me.

As for frame size it is measured at the seat post but 2 different 20" bikes could fit very differently, as I'm sure you are aware effective top tube length is just as important if not more so.

The Rookie

BMX has got their frame sizing right, MTB haven't!

As stated, wheel size doesn't change the frame size you need, and you can get much smaller 29ers than 19", a member if my club rides a 15".

At the end of the day it's what fits you, but I would suggest a medium as your legs are on the short side for your height, that will mean shorter arms affecting your reach so you need a shorter frame than if you had slightly longer legs.