1.91m Tall - Is a large frame big enough for me?

[Violater]

Hi Guys

 

I've just started MTB'ing and am in the process of buying my first bike.

 

I've found a good deal for a second hand Morewood Kwela 26er with some good components.

The frame is supposed to be a "large" with a size of 490mm from the centre of the BB to the start of the seat clamp, and 580mm from the centre of the seat post to the center of the headset.

 

I'm 1.91m tall with a inseam of 89cm

I've heard varying opions, the salesman at my LBS insists it'll be too small for me, but other guys have told me it should be fine.

 

What do you guys think?

[dee_biker]

I am 1.85, with a 88cm inseam. Yes I know I am built like a mongrel, but I ride a large 19'' MTB. I would guess that you make it work with 110cm stem, etc...

[Pieter1]

I'm 3cm taller and have always been on an extra large.

[Violater]

Thanks for the reply guys

Is still still worth going for a 26" bike?

My alternative is a new 29" entrylevel GT Karakuram sport

Compared to the Morewood that has a some really nice kit

[dee_biker]

Thanks for the reply guys

Is still still worth going for a 26" bike?

My alternative is a new 29" entrylevel GT Karakuram sport

Compared to the Morewood that has a some really nice kit

 

Everyone on the Hub will tell you it depends what type of riding you do. If quite technical, then the 26'' will serve you well, if XC and racing, then 29er is the way to go.

 

If it was my money and the two options above, I'll go for the Morewood. More bike for the money.

[scotty]

I have both 29 and 26 including a 26 Kwela , if i were to make a choice between the GT and Kwela it would be the Kwela. Not sure on the size though, mine is an XL but i'm taller than you.

[traaidmark]

I'm about 2m. I ride a XL bike, but I have had a L before. I found it fine for the most part, except that it felt very short, and on longer rides my back and wrists would start to hurt. It was fun on technical bits, but yeah, you can't really buy a bike just for singletrack. Once I got on the XL bike I was a much happier guy.

 

The bike shop can do tweaks though, like adding a longer stem, spacers and whatnot, but it's much better at the end of the day to just go get a bike that fits you. I do get that the one you want is the smaller one, but rather get the lesser bike in correct size.

[quintonb]

I am 1.87cm tall with a out of proportion body, long legs and arms(91cm Inseam) and I always ride an XL mtb frame (20.5" or 21").

19" and my seat post is ridiculously long.

[W1Z@RD]

Too small....

 

im 1.9 and had a 26" large and i felt like i was riding a pocket bike

[porqui]

Your height does not determine your wheel size.

[Slower]

You need about a 58-60cm seatpost on road and 52-54cm on mtb.. I'm 1.93 only xl works for me... There are some nice sites that you can fill in to give you the right size...

[Dubsymike]

http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer

If in doubt, go for a bigger size. Trust me. I'm 198cm and my back and shoulders nearly killed me on a Large frame. Upsized and now I can ride pain free.

[Violater]

Damnit - that's not what I wanted to hear guys!

O well, at least buy a new XL I can go 29"

 

Which entry level 29" would you guys recommend?

I can get either a GT Karakurum Sport - 29" for R5 700, or a Merida Big 9 100 29" for R7 700

[Pieterg]

21" or 22" 23" to big

 

I'm 1.94m inseam of 950mm,From centre of bottom bracket to top of saddle must be 835mm.

[TarmacPro]

Being 1.92m tall, I would say yes you will be okay with a 26" XL (The L will be too small)

But it does feel like a clown bike for me with the "small" wheels.

Since changing to the 29" wheels I had more fun on the bike because it felt more comfortable and stable

My feeling around wheel size is:

If you ride XS or S 26" will be good

If you ride S or M 27.5" is better

If you ride L or XL 29" is ideal.

Yes S and M can also ride 29" but 27.5 just fits better.

But back to the point... I think the L will be too small, but can work. Rather go for XL

[Musketeer]

In my experience it depends on the brand. I'm 1.86, rode a larger 26er Scott, currently ride an XL Giant 29er. I would say fit it and then decide.

 

Personal suggestion, have a look at an XL frame.