Mountain Biking - What size frame for a 6' 1" man?

I don't know much about mountain bikes. I will be using the mountain bike to go on trails once in a while, but other than that, I will use it for more of a cardio type thing on normal streets with not too many hills.

All I want to know is how do I figure out what size bike I need. I see lots of people here that are taller than me and use less than a 24" frame, but I went to a store and tried a 24" frame bike, and it didn't seem to be big enough for me? As far as getting my size right, is there something I am missing here, or is there something other than a frame that decides which bike is the right size for my height? I don't want anything expensive, and yes, specialty stores can help me with this, but specialty bike stores are way over my budget. I need something simple that will last me a few years, nothing high end, so $150-250 range, which means a specialty bike store is pretty much not an option. Here is one that I am looking at, it has a lifetime replacement warranty on all steel frames & rigid forks. 5-yr warranty on all aluminum frames & rigid forks. 1-yr warranty on all suspension forks and components.

Mountain bike with oversized downtube
Available in 16" (boys') and 20" (men's) frame with 24 x 1.95" and 26 x 1.95" Kenda tires with alloy rims
Falcon front derailleur and rear derailleur
18-speed Falcon indexed shifting system
Black PVC grips
Anatomic saddle
Lifetime warranty on bike frame
We recommend bikes be professionally assembled

Granted, this bike is probably crap from a non-casual mountain biker's perspective, but I'd like to know if this would be the right size bike for somene 6' 1". I mean the average man's height is only 2-4 inches less than my height, so I assume it should do the job?

Thanks for any help.

well im about 6'2'' tall and i ride a 20'' frame

Im 6'3 and ride a 19.5 XC frame. Its not bad since it has a long stem that makes you lean more in.

I could be wrong but it sounds like you are talking about wheel size, not frame size. If you are talking about 24" wheels then most likely the bikes you are looking at are way too small for you.

If I'm off base then just ignore this post. :)

well, I am 6'7" and just purchased a 23 inch (frame size) rockhopper. It had to be ordered. this and a 24 inch frame is the largest you will find available. but it is not all about frame size, how it feels, top tube lenght andh such all play a factor.

The OP is looking at Xmart bikes, probably Canadian tire by how the specs sound. miloshj Do Not waste your time at department stores. Go to a bike shop in your area to buy a bike. Department stores sell absolute garbage, so stay far away.

Read this, and scroll down to the blue writing:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67259

You should be buying a bike with 26" wheels, and a frame that's around 18-19.5 inches.

RIght on, do not buy a deapartment store bike!!! Ive been their, not ever going to go back.

I'm 5'11" w/a 30" inseam. I ride a 19.5" and it's not bad. I could do a 18" tho. You probably want a 19.5" or so.

im 6'2 and i ride a 21.5" frame

I'm 5.11 and riding 17" and it's bit small for sure. dam.

Really? I'm 5'8" and I ride a 13 inch frame :eek:

Frame sizes are all screwed up, just ride whatever you want. For example I like big frames and ride a 21 inch, if I go to the bike shop they are going to try and stick me on a 16-19 inch bike. I'm about 6 foot.

If your budget is 250 dollars their are loads of good bikes you could afford. There are lots of cheap mountain bikes at LBSs that will serve you very well and be within your range or 50-100 more. If you think about it a bike is something you are going to have for a long time, it will demand very little service and give back so much in return, why not buy something decent to start with.