29er sizing

[2pies]

Bit confused about it all. Many manufacturers have "Large" frames at 19". As I'm 6'4, this concerns me. I assume its more about reach, as a saddle can be raised on most bikes pretty high. Most decent saddles allow you move the seating position back a bit as well.

Am I worrying about nothing?

I'm sure you'll say "ride it and see". But I want to use our Halfords C2W scheme and they don't let take it out of the shop until you've paid for it

 

[vickster]

Go to Evans in Wimbledon and try one with a similar geometry to halfords model

 

[2pies]

Yes, good point. I keep forgetting that I can get any bike from Halfords (with the exception of Specialized, apparently). I do like the Boardman bikes, but if it isn't big enough for me its a bit of a non-starter.

 

[Crackle]

Do you ride a mtn bike now? 19" is theoretically fine for you but reach will vary by seat angle and head angle, manufacturer, amongst other things. The reason for the mtn bike question is simply that what you prefer handling wise may dictate size more than how tall you are, within reason. For instance I could ride a larger frame mtn bike than I do but I prefer a smaller one. A lot also depends on your own body proportions, height is just one of them. At the very least sit over a few or go and hire some at a trail centre, all gives you a flavour before you buy.

 

[young Ed]

i am less then 6ft (not quite sure but will measure and post soon) and i am currently on a 22 inch frame
Cheers Ed

 

[Crackle]

i am less then 6ft (not quite sure but will measure and post soon) and i am currently on a 22 inch frame
Cheers Ed

A 22" frame what?

 

[young Ed]

A 22" frame what?

ah sorry forgot this was MTB talk (it's a road hybrid)
Cheers Ed

 

[young Ed]

A 22" frame what?

do you want a smaller frame for MTB then? you spend more time out of the saddle?
Cheers Ed

 

[2pies]

Do you ride a mtn bike now? 19" is theoretically fine for you but reach will vary by seat angle and head angle, manufacturer, amongst other things. The reason for the mtn bike question is simply that what you prefer handling wise may dictate size more than how tall you are, within reason. For instance I could ride a larger frame mtn bike than I do but I prefer a smaller one. A lot also depends on your own body proportions, height is just one of them. At the very least sit over a few or go and hire some at a trail centre, all gives you a flavour before you buy.

I ride road bikes, MTB is all new to me. I recently rode an XL 650 and it felt fine, very comfortable. Think it was a Rockhopper, IIRC.

Most of my height comes from my legs. My torso is quite average and my arms aren't particularly long either (I've bought extra long shirts in the past which swamped me)

 

[Crackle]

I ride road bikes, MTB is all new to me. I recently rode an XL 650 and it felt fine, very comfortable. Think it was a Rockhopper, IIRC.

Most of my height comes from my legs. My torso is quite average and my arms aren't particularly long either (I've bought extra long shirts in the past which swamped me)

Generally speaking, what's important on a mtn bike is to be able to stand and be centred over the bike when going over the rough stuff. So reach and bar height will make a difference to that. Too stretched and you'll find it difficult to lever the bike when you need to, too short and you'll be popping the front end up and finding the steering twitchy. Google 'attack position' in the context of mtn bikes to see what I mean.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

do you want a smaller frame for MTB then? you spend more time out of the saddle?
Cheers Ed

some of us big units like a frame one size down from what the size chart recommends as it gives us less obstruction from the frame top tube when rippin' the gnar. Dood.

Oh yeah. And short stems rock.

 

[young Ed]

some of us big units like a frame one size down from what the size chart recommends as it gives us less obstruction from the frame top tube when rippin' the gnar. Dood.

Oh yeah. And short stems rock.

interesting info as one day in the future when i have the money i will be getting a cheap 29er
Cheers Ed

 

[young Ed]

Generally speaking, what's important on a mtn bike is to be able to stand and be centred over the bike when going over the rough stuff. So reach and bar height will make a difference to that. Too stretched and you'll find it difficult to lever the bike when you need to, too short and you'll be popping the front end up and finding the steering twitchy. Google 'attack position' in the context of mtn bikes to see what I mean.

some good pics

Cheers Ed

 

[ScotiaLass]

As some on here will know, I had trouble getting the right 29er MTB frame size!
My advice would be definitely try out a few bikes, as the frames are different, even if they are the right size!
I'm 5' 7" and a 17.5" Specialized (woman's specific) was the best fit for me.

 

[jowwy]

Im 5ft 10 and a 17" 29er frame just about fits - stand over height is right on the limit

Should have had a 15" one really