correct bike size

[ecotech84]

Hey guys.

What is the correct way of sizing up a bike?

 

I am 1.8m tall and ride a xl 26" hardtail but im wanting to upgrade to a 650b .

I feel that the bike is a bit big for me and think a large frame would be better to handle on the single tracks.

Your opinions would be very helpful in me making a decision .

[ryanbritchford]

I'm exactly 1.8 and I ride a medium frame.fits like a dream.xl must feel huge.

[GerrieTruter]

I'm 1.79 and on a medium 26" bike. Had a large before the medium and the medium frame feels like it handles a bit better, but that could be going from a hardtail to a duel suspension. Probably best to go and test ride a few bikes before you decide.

[SiriS]

Generally it is inseam, not height. Could be huge variances between different heights. Get yourself measured.

[marko35s]

Generally it is inseam, not height. Could be huge variances between different heights. Get yourself measured.

That said at 1.8m he would have to have some really odd leg to body size correlation to justify an XL.

[ecotech84]

I think I'll test my dads large and a meduim from the bike shop and make a decision from there

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I'm 1.68m, an extremely comfortable on my Spez 29er Medium. Before that i had a 26er Trail dual sus bike which was a small, was very comfortable on that one too.

 

Its not only about height, in seam yes and in my case arm length. I got long arms like a baboon hence the top tubes of mediums can fit me.

 

Go size yourself up at more than one place, just to be sure

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I think I'll test my dads large and a meduim from the bike shop and make a decision from there

 

either way go for a sizing, you will need to take them for long rides, cos any discomfort wont necessarily be felt by going round the block

[Muzzarati]

I'd say a Large with a very short stem would be best for you if your wanting a bike that handles and climbs well.

[RockCoach]

The main thing to look at when sizing a bike is the effective (horizontal) top tube measurement. Not all mediums, larges etc are the same across all bike frame manufacturers. Work out what reach suits you (including your preferred stem length) and check geometry specs when you looking at a new bike.

 

[SiriS]

I'm 1.82 - I walk into a shop and everyone says L. Had 2 different fittings done, both concluded XL.

 

#justsaying

#getafitting

Edited August 22, 2014 by SiriS

[TheV]

Uhm... you muppets do know that each brand/model has their own sizing & specifications???

 

Have a look at the CC fit calculator as a starting point, it will tell you what to look for in terms of different "effective" tube lengths according to your own body, then you compare this to the geometry of the specific frame you want to purchase....

 

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store/catalog/fitCalculatorBike.jsp

[BenReaper]

I am 1.78m tall,a bit shorter than you,was putt on a large 26" by my lbs,but my back and neck gave me problems.

 

Got myself a medium 26" to make the ride more comfortable,but now I have to run a long seatpost for my longish legs.

 

I've learnd now that its not just about frame size,you can play around with other settings as well.but an incorrect frame size can make things difficult for you.

 

I think with my next purchace I will get a large frame for my legs and then play around with the stem length and bar width.

[TheV]

doh!@#$!@$

 

the S, M, L and XL mean nothing, its all in the spesific tube lengths....

[Skylark]

I'm 1.82 - I walk into a shop and everyone says L. Had 2 different fittings done, both concluded XL.

 

#justsaying

#getafitting

 

Meaningless information without mentioning the particular frame you were fitted to, all sizing depends on the frame you want to be fitted to and how that manufacturer builds and sizes them. Ever tried on new jeans in your normal size but from a different brand and they were way too small or way too big?

Same theory!

[SiriS]

 

Meaningless information without mentioning the particular frame you were fitted to, all sizing depends on the frame you want to be fitted to and how that manufacturer builds and sizes them. Ever tried on new jeans in your normal size but from a different brand and they were way too small or way too big?

Same theory!

 

Perhaps slowly read my last hashtag...

Edited August 22, 2014 by SiriS