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Posted

Is there a specific science to measuring you up for a bike or does it just work on your height?

i get the feeling some bike shops will convince you either way depending on what size bike they have in stock..?

 

any thoughts.. I am 1.81m and get told you are a large, then you are a medium?

Posted

Men's Mountain Bike Sizing Guide

 

As a general rule Jump and Trial bikes are one size fits all; catering for people from heights of 4' 10" - 6' 4" (148cm - 193cm). There are a few exceptions to this rule where size options are offered. For all other men's mountain bikes, here is a suggested sizing guide:

 

 

 

Rider Height Suggested Frame Size

Feet and Inches Centimetres Inches Size

4' 10" - 5' 2" 148 - 158 13 - 14 XS

5' 2" - 5 '6" 158 - 168 15 - 16 S

5' 6" - 5' 10" 168 - 178 17 - 18 M

5' 10" - 6' 1" 178 - 185 19+ L

6' 1" - 6' 4" 185 - 193 21 - 22 XL

6 '4" - 6' 6" 193 - 198 23 - 24 XXL

 

 

Sizing your bike

 

Bikes come with different sized frames. These are normally measured from the centre of the bottom bracket up the seat tube (the point where the seat stem is inserted), although some manufacturers measure to the middle of the top tube where it joins the seat tube.

 

There is a simple calculation to work out the size you need. Stand flat footed on the floor and measure your inside leg. Subtract thirteen inches (33cm) for a mountain bike or eleven inches (28cm) for a road frame. That's the biggest frame size you would need. However since most bikes have quite a lot of adjustment, you can go slightly smaller. So if you're borderline, round down.

 

:thumbup: ;)

Posted

I'm in the same boat and I've been advised to go for the medium as it'll be a lot more fun to ride than a large. Anyone have any opinions on this?

Posted

I'm in the same boat and I've been advised to go for the medium as it'll be a lot more fun to ride than a large. Anyone have any opinions on this?

 

I agree. A smaller frame (but not too small) is usually better. It will be lighter and stiffer, so will handle better. road and mtb.

Posted

I'd say u should ride a 19" mtb frame and for road a 56cm.

 

Is that 56cm compact or square sizing? There is more to sizing then height and leg length.

Posted

I'm also in the same scenario. Also about 1.82 and on a 19" MTB and a 54cm road bike. The setup on the road bike is just fine as far as reach goes and saddle height is just fine. Am worried if I get a 56cm my reach will need to be compensated for by reducing stem length...which may affect handling. What are the other areas to consider? Is it okay to be on a slightly smaller frame? What about TT bikes?

Posted

I'm in the same boat and I've been advised to go for the medium as it'll be a lot more fun to ride than a large. Anyone have any opinions on this?

 

Same boat for me. I disagree with the Med option in one way: Some people have relativfely long legs and shorter upper boddies and visa versa. If you are from the first group, you might have to use the saddlepost very long exposed or even a extra length one and then battle to get the handlebar to a comfortable relative height unless you are verrrry supple.

Posted

Get measured properly....im 1.84....had a large, now use a 55cm medium compact frame...bike feels amazing....

 

You are correct with the "Get measured properly" but then you give examples where the seat tube is measured. Each manufactures measures the seat tube differently and build the frames with different angles. I had a L 20" Santacruz and tried a M 17" KHS. The difference between the top tubes were 10mm. I now have a 19" M with the same top tube as the 17" KHS. Don't fall for the sizing on the stickers. Get on the bikes and try it out yourself.

Posted

I'm in the same boat and I've been advised to go for the medium as it'll be a lot more fun to ride than a large. Anyone have any opinions on this?

 

 

I am 1.8m or 5'11" and I think that a large is far better suited to me than a medium. I rode an Anthem X2 medium and am now riding the Anthem 29er in large format.

 

Some issues that I have had with the medium:

 


  •  
  • The front wheel would catch the front of my feet when I turned the wheel.
  • The bike felt too cramped when going up steep hills. Hands tucked in too close to the body.

On the 29er I have changed the stem to a 900mm kcnc unit and am very impressed with the hill climbing and the poise the bigger frame offers when descending single or jeep track at speed. The bike feels solid and traverses obstacles better - IMO.

 

Loving the 29er. Did a rough and ready 80km ride, 1740m ascent around Karkloof today. Legs are feeling a little tender. :)

Posted

thanks guys for all the input..

bottom line i guess is measure yourself (thanks 2nutz for that guide)..and then get measured on the specific bike you want!

im currently on a Medium and as mentioned above somewhere, the seat-post is quite far extended so the handlebars do sometimes feel at a stretch..however with all the adjustments and possibilities this could probably be overcome in other ways.

Posted

I'm also in the same scenario. Also about 1.82 and on a 19" MTB and a 54cm road bike. The setup on the road bike is just fine as far as reach goes and saddle height is just fine. Am worried if I get a 56cm my reach will need to be compensated for by reducing stem length...which may affect handling. What are the other areas to consider? Is it okay to be on a slightly smaller frame? What about TT bikes?

 

Really thought things did not look right so went and measured my road bike. According to the sticker it is a size 54cm but my measurements show that it is in fact about a 56cm. So yep,think I should be on a 56cm...

Posted

Measuring only your inseam or only your height is not enough.

Have a look at this DIY Fit calculator to give you a better idea ... then go for a proper bike fitment.

 

Bike sizes differ from one manufacturer to the next so get the sizes directly from the manufacturer.

Posted

I used the calculator on competitivecyclist.com which requires a range of measurements including to sternal notch, forearm, arm besides the usual. If you use the results of the calculator and check the frame geometry, stand-over height & all that carefully for whatever model you're looking at, you really can't go wrong. Minor adjustments for comfort follow!

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