MTB frame size query

[mogwaai]

My leg inseam measurement is 81cm. So according to my calculations of measurement X .65 minus 10 will give me my ideal MTB frame size in cm. Then divide by 2.54 to get inches. So my ideal frame is a 17''.

 

So now if the bike I want only comes in 18 inch and 16 inch, which one do I go for?

 

 

 

mogwaai2009-01-19 11:47:45

[turtlek]

test ride bth and see which one is more comfortable

 

 

 

but in my opinion i would go for the 16" with a slightly longer stem due to top tube clearance because sometimes that is a bugger when you come off

[Santa C]

It also depends on the frame you want to buy...Frames and sizes are different, get the guys to test you out on the bike you want to buy!!

[mogwaai]

Thanks - but that's part of the problem as I've been to 2 different reputable cycle shops and the one says the 16" and the other the 18" - which has confused me even more - thus the posting on The HUB

So do I get a third opinion?

[AndreZA]

Okay, so what if you've got long legs and a short torso. You then get a 21" frame (just for illustration purposes) to accomodate your legs but you can not reach the handle bars. Get on a bike and feel what feels right. You've got more room to adjust the seat height then you do to adjust the reach.

 

If you've got a road bike and you are comfortable on it, measure the top tube and get a MTB with the same.

 

[mogwaai]

OK Went again for a ride and the 18" just 'felt better'

Case closed - and now I can sleep better that I know my money is going to be spent on the right frame size.