Height limits on frame sizes

[rvanzyl86]

Hello,

 

Not sure if this topic has been discussed yet, I do not find anything.

 

I am 1.78m tall and need to find out if a medium MTB frame would be fine to use, or do I need to look at a large frame.

 

I haven't had the time to go to a shop and check it out, so was wondering if you guys could assist in the meantime.

 

Regards

[TeebagAxis]

This is just a guide.

[dirtypot]

You're going to be on the borderline between the two, but I'd say go for the medium.

But then again, each manufacturer has different size frames and sizing guidelines, so it depends on what you're going after.

[fanievb]

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

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

http://www.evanscycles.com/help/bike-sizing

 

http://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/size-chart.jpg

[TeebagAxis]

.

[GoLefty!!]

That's a great guide

[BBN]

I am on the cusp of Large-XL and was always advised to ride the smaller(lighter) frame up high than the larger frame down low!

[Hairy]

I am 1.78m

 

Been buying mediums up until recently, but always felt a little cramped and in some cases my knees would knock on the stem when out of the saddle hammering away.

 

Briefly had a large Morewood Mbuzi and now on a large Rocky Mountain and at last the bikes feel like they actually fit me right.

 

But there is a little more to it than just M / L / Xl / Whatever size.

 

Effective Top Tube Length, head angle and seat angle with reach also being critical factors.....stand over height is also important ... certain things/parts have to be well clear of the top tube    

 

Give a large a spin though, I am sure it would work for you .... unless you have really short legs and long arms that drag on the floor behind you when you are walking.

[Dexter-morgan]

I am 1.79 and very comfy on a large.

[rvanzyl86]

I am 1.78m

 

Been buying mediums up until recently, but always felt a little cramped and in some cases my knees would knock on the stem when out of the saddle hammering away.

 

Briefly had a large Morewood Mbuzi and now on a large Rocky Mountain and at last the bikes feel like they actually fit me right.

 

But there is a little more to it than just M / L / Xl / Whatever size.

 

Effective Top Tube Length, head angle and seat angle with reach also being critical factors.....stand over height is also important ... certain things/parts have to be well clear of the top tube    

 

Give a large a spin though, I am sure it would work for you .... unless you have really short legs and long arms that drag on the floor behind you when you are walking.

Hahahaa, no I'm average for my lenght for both my arms and legs

 

Thanks

[rvanzyl86]

Awesome responses guys

 

Thanks very much

[Popit]

Also bear in mind that some people have longer upper bodies , and some longer legs .

The above charts are a guide only .

I am 1.84m tall and ride large on both road and MTB , yet a mate of mine at 1,79m has 

a higher seat high due to longer legs , and rides a 100mm stem where I have 120mm .

[Hairy]

choose your proportions and start from there

 

http://hideyourarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/26.gif

[GerrieTruter]

Have a look at this also. Might be of use.

 

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

 

I'm 1,79 and had a large GT Avalanche 0.5 and now on a medium GT Marathon, enjoyed the Avalanche and really enjoying the Marathon.

[JXV]

Most manufacturers have a size selection chart for their specific bikes on their websites. There is usually a small overlap. At 1.78m you are borderline between M and L for many SC, Giant and Spez models. I didnt look further. Wherever possible try to test both sizes of the same model when you go bike hunting.

[MarickH]

I think the best would be to test both a Large and a Medium.

 

I am 1.78m tall, so also on the split between M and L.

 

I also find that manufacturers aren't all the same. I have a Large GT and my wife has a Large Silverback. Her bike is clearly smaller than mine and feels very different.