What bike size for me 29er hardtail?

beni_rohit
beni_rohit Posts: 18
edited January 2016 in MTB buying advice
Hey Guys
i know most of you want to answer "go to the store and try the bike out and find out"
well that is not an option for me
reason being 21 inch frame size is not available in my country
they only have 19.5
the bike im willing to buy is the Trek Merlin 6 (29er)

My Height- 6"2" /188 cm
Inside Leg- 35"/ 89 cm

what i want to know is that will i be fine with a 19.5inch bike?

also arent sizes on a 29er supposed to be bigger?
i mean they have 1.5 inch more clearance than a 26er of the same size owing to the 3 inch bigger wheel size
isnt that so?

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Wheel size has nothing to do with from size. BB may be higher off the ground, but saddle to pedal size is not dependent on the wheels.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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  • beni_rohit
    beni_rohit Posts: 18
    cooldad wrote:
    Wheel size has nothing to do with from size. BB may be higher off the ground, but saddle to pedal size is not dependent on the wheels.

    so 19.5 no or yes?
  • wilberforce
    wilberforce Posts: 296
    Yeah 19.5 will be fine, and if anything, better to go a little smaller

    .....cue the raft of crude comments
  • kickaxe
    kickaxe Posts: 446
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19773764#p19773764]beni_rohit[/url] wrote:
    cooldad wrote:
    Wheel size has nothing to do with from size. BB may be higher off the ground, but saddle to pedal size is not dependent on the wheels.

    so 19.5 no or yes?

    It's not what you want to hear, but it depends. If you like riding more actively and technical, then it might be ok. If you plan on going on some long rides (6h+) you will definitely want to go with a different size, or in your case, a different bike. It is on the small side though.
    -Cube Acid 29" 2013
    -A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
  • kickaxe
    kickaxe Posts: 446
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19773779#p19773779]Wilberforce[/url] wrote:
    Yeah 19.5 will be fine, and if anything, better to go a little smaller

    .....cue the raft of crude comments

    Here is the first one:

    What are you talking about, it is on the small side...
    -Cube Acid 29" 2013
    -A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19773764#p19773764]beni_rohit[/url] wrote:
    cooldad wrote:
    Wheel size has nothing to do with from size. BB may be higher off the ground, but saddle to pedal size is not dependent on the wheels.

    so 19.5 no or yes?

    You say 21 is not available, but 19.5 is, so go try the 19.5 and see.

    Fit has more to do with height. Reach is as important and harder to change.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • beni_rohit
    beni_rohit Posts: 18
    Kickaxe wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19773764#p19773764]beni_rohit[/url] wrote:
    cooldad wrote:
    Wheel size has nothing to do with from size. BB may be higher off the ground, but saddle to pedal size is not dependent on the wheels.

    so 19.5 no or yes?

    It's not what you want to hear, but it depends. If you like riding more actively and technical, then it might be ok. If you plan on going on some long rides (6h+) you will definitely want to go with a different size, or in your case, a different bike. It is on the small side though.

    Well i do not plan on doing long rides
    its just recereational riding for me
    mostly road and occasionally off road

    i was also looking at the scott aspect 950
    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/aspect-950-2016-mountain-bike-ec121412
    its got similar specs
    how do you like this one?

    and it would be nice if you could suggest some other bike for a similar pric
    please suggest only from the following brands as there are the only ones available in my country
    Trek, Scott, Canondale, Merida, Bianchi, GT, Lappiere, Btwin, Ghost
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    In your price range (in the UK) I'd look at Btwin (Rockrider) or Merida.

    But no idea what is best value in your secret country.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • beni_rohit
    beni_rohit Posts: 18
    cooldad wrote:
    In your price range (in the UK) I'd look at Btwin (Rockrider) or Merida.

    But no idea what is best value in your secret country.

    How do you like the Merida Big Nine 20d and 40?
    At a slightly higher price than the Marlin 6

    http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/hardtails/29-xc-race-marathon/2014/big-nine-40-200.html
    http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/hardtails/29-xc-race-marathon/2014/big-nine-20-d-206.html

    The country is India btw.. not much of a secret
    not much available here
    can hardly find bikes bigger than 19.5-20 inch frame size
  • joeb_444
    joeb_444 Posts: 17
    I have a similar build and feel comfortable on a 19.5 frame. As others have said always best to try the fit in the shop
  • mattyfez
    mattyfez Posts: 638
    Sounds about right on paper.. You can always get a shorter /longer stem
    or a longer seat post
    or rotate the handle bars slightly if they are riser bars rather than flat.
    Plus saddle fore /aft on the rails for fine tuning.
    Or if spacers are fitted on the stem you can jiggle that too.

    I'd agree that the proof of the pudding is in the taste..

    I'm 6'3 and have a 22" frame if anything it's a tiny bit big but comparing frame sizes from different manufacturers is a bit like buying shirts.. They all have a slightly different fit.

    So I'd agree very slightly on the small side should be a safe bet, it will be more maneuverable and you can always add a few careful mods if you need more height /reach
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19774892#p19774892]beni_rohit[/url] wrote:
    The country is India btw.. not much of a secret
    Which part? Posting from Pune right now.

    Your legs are fairly long for your height, that means your torso is shorter and a 19-20" frame is probably more than long enough.

    For road riding the FF Maximus is a good value buy.
    http://www.firefoxbikes.com/BikeDetails.aspx?BikeId=144

    This is another good bike and they offer an XL if you decide it's what you really need
    http://www.decathlon.in/cycling/cycles/mountain-bikes/rockrider-8-1-12-black/p-M8168918
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • beni_rohit
    beni_rohit Posts: 18
    The Rookie wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19774892#p19774892]beni_rohit[/url] wrote:
    The country is India btw.. not much of a secret
    Which part? Posting from Pune right now.

    Your legs are fairly long for your height, that means your torso is shorter and a 19-20" frame is probably more than long enough.

    For road riding the FF Maximus is a good value buy.
    http://www.firefoxbikes.com/BikeDetails.aspx?BikeId=144

    This is another good bike and they offer an XL if you decide it's what you really need
    http://www.decathlon.in/cycling/cycles/mountain-bikes/rockrider-8-1-12-black/p-M8168918

    Hey thanks a lot
    im in New Delhi

    the firefox seems nice
    but its frame is not great
    a little too heavy

    i could have a look at the Btwin though

    im still a little inclined towards the Merida

    Otherwise how are Scott bikes?
    The Aspect 950 has decent specs for the price
    its a little heavy though at 14.8 Kg
    what do you say about it?
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    What makes you say the Firefox frame is heavy?

    Besides a frame weights about 1.8-2.3Kg of a bike weighing circa 15Kg, so....so not really that relevant of itself.

    Bike weight is quite important, but a bike can feel like it's lighter or heavier based on the way the parts work as well as their actual weight.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • beni_rohit
    beni_rohit Posts: 18
    The Rookie wrote:
    What makes you say the Firefox frame is heavy?

    Besides a frame weights about 1.8-2.3Kg of a bike weighing circa 15Kg, so....so not really that relevant of itself.

    Bike weight is quite important, but a bike can feel like it's lighter or heavier based on the way the parts work as well as their actual weight.

    Okay
    but could you respond to the other questions in the reply?
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Other than the Brakes, the Aspect looks pretty much the same spec as the Maximus.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.

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