MTB Size

[gminator]

I've manage to get my hands on a Specialized FS MTB for next to nothing.

 

Only problem is the bike might not be the right size for me, I'm comfortable on anything from 15.5" - 18" frame and my height is 1.68m (if memory serves)... The bike I'm looking at will definitely b a larger frame, would I be able to compassionate for the increased size with a shorter stem or am I just going to do more damage to my riding ability by getting a frame that is to big.

 

Hopefully Ill be able to take it for a test run next week, will post some more detail.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Hmmm.

 

Okay - on an MTB that you're playing around with, generally it is wise to go for a shorter stem.

 

You should ideally go on your reach measurement. For example, I ride a Large Giant Reign X (All mountain machine) that has a 610mm top tube and it's running a 35mm stem. That means my reach is sitting at approx 645mm on an all mountain frame. For an XC frame it would be slightly more becasue I'm trying to get more pedalling efficiency out of my posture - which means I need to be further forward and not as upright.

 

On trail bikes, the stem length generally goes to max 70mm, but then again with the same effective top tube length. So it stretches out the more "racey" you get, if you understand where I'm going with this.

 

Now - if your reach on your desired bike (let's say XC, now) is, say, 660mm, and hte effective top tube is, say, 610mm, then you could fit a 50mm stem to get your ideal reach.

 

The upside of this is that it will be more stable at speed, and your weight will be more behind the front wheel as opposed to on top of it. Better for technical riding, in other words.

 

The bad side is that you could be sacrificing things like your standover height, and your legs may not be long enough to get around the seat tube arrangement.

 

In short - yes, it is possible, but you may find yourself too stretched out or too short (physically) for it to be a viable option.

 

Give it a shot though - if it fails, you can sell the frame on for someone else to build up a bike.

 

EDIT: I'm 1.83m tall, but the above arrangement makes me very upright and "behind the bars" because I like to play, and I'm not that focussed on pedalling efficiency. For an XC bike I'd probably go XL and get a 60mm stem.

Edited June 29, 2013 by cpt armpies mayhem

[Tankman]

Dont do it.

 

Large will be too big and there is no stem short enough. You are wasting your time and money!

 

Not disagreeing with what the Captain is trying to say above ... You can Make someone fit on a bike but you can make a bike fit someone (unless you own the factory)

[SeaBee]

With Tank here... I am slightly taller than you and on a med (think it's 17.5?) Stumpjumper HT. Which may not be exact same sizing as yours, but can't be too wayward.

[gminator]

Oh yeah! Its a Medium Specialized Epic. Its dimensions are not far off the frame I've currently got.So I won't need to swop out the stem but the seat post has a slight offset so Ill have to get hold of a standard one but otherwise it should fit nicely.