Mountain Biking - 19" or 20"

I'm about to order me a full suspension Kona frame. It's a I am 5'11" should I get the 19" or the 20"? Thanks. It's a Kona 06' Kikapu Frame BT BTW.

I'm about to order me a full suspension Kona frame. It's a I am 5'11" should I get the 19" or the 20"? Thanks. It's a Kona 06' Kikapu Frame BT BTW.
Both are probably too big for you. You are better off going by top tube length (and seat tube angle) than seat tube length.

It'll be impossible for you to know for sure until you ride it (and preferably a smaller size too). But if you don't have that as an option, I think you should definitely go with the 19". Chances of it being too small are low.

20" will be too big, even 19" sounds a bit big.

But if you get the wrong size, you will end up being dissapointed in the long run. Its best to test the bike out first...or a very similar bike (same brand) to get an idea.

too big, get a 17" frame, more room for tricks and all that jazz:).

Oh man this is rough. The kona I want is only available in 19" or 20". It's a closeout deal that is awesome. I did the measuring thing with the book between my legs and making a mark on the will then multiplying the inches and it comes out to right around the 19". This is rough because I need to make a decision fast. I'm actually closer to 6 foot than 5'11" does that make any difference? Man what to do.

BTW my inseam appears to be a little over 33"

Hmm I'm 5'11" - 6 foot and 2 of my Konas are 18's (perfect for me) and one is a 19. I was surprised at how much "bigger" the 19 felt. Needless to say it never felt right and has been retired to garage duty.

I'm 6'4" and fit comfortably on a 20" Kikapu I recently built. You should probably get the 19". Don't worry you can always return it or sell it on eBay later.

PS- If you are planning on ordering the 06 Kikapu frame from wheelworld.com, immediately plan on replacing the OE rear shock. It is a turd.

Just an update. I finally have my 2003 rocky mountain flow finished and the guy who sold me the frame told me it was a 20" frame. I'm 5'11" and I fit on it perfectly...in fact if it was any smaller I think I would feel too cramped up on it. I notice the Flow has a more cramped cockpit than other bikes I have sat on but it feels nice and tight. 1 thing that does confuse me is that according to the Rocky Mountain website they only made the 2003 Flow frame as big as 19" and that's it. Either the guy who sold it to me was wrong or perhaps it was built custom for him to be a 20" frame. I'm sure every bike is going to be built differently and the sizing may feel different on different kinds but it appears to me that the Flow was meant to be a little on the smaller side....maybe perhaps it's a dirt jumper.

As far as the Kikapu I changed my mind and just decided to stick with my hardtail for a while then maybe going with a Coiler or something similar.

You'll have to ride them. I'm 5'10.5" and my Yukon is a 20" and fits fine. The 19" made me feel cramped and real uncomfortable. But again, that's different manufacturers. Good luck.

too big, get a 17" frame, more room for tricks and all that jazz:).

Not everyone does tricks. Remember, just because you do it, it doesn't mean everyone else does too.

buy them both.

MulletArgyleman Hellbound is probably a foot taller then you a 17" frame would be too small for him. A 19" frame is the best choice I"ll say but you should try the bike first before making any decisions Hellbound. good luck on finding the frame that best fits you.

MulletArgyleman Hellbound is probably a foot taller then you a 17" frame would be too small for him. A 19" frame is the best choice I"ll say but you should try the bike first before making any decisions Hellbound. good luck on finding the frame that best fits you.

No:p, less then half a foot actually:eek:.... (if he is 5'11").

Not everyone does tricks. Remember, just because you do it, it doesn't mean everyone else does too.He probably doesn't even do tricks.

He probably doesn't even do tricks.

Your funny :lol: :lol:!

What makes you think that I'm joking?

What makes you think that I'm joking?

Well then your wrong anyways.

Then prove it.

A xc bike is not made for trick riding.

Then prove it.

A xc bike is not made for trick riding.

Which is why I'm building a ss dj bike......:rolleyes:, I have made a couple upgrades to the KHS such as: that 'Hyper' saddle:p, vp platforms (wellgos are for blk mrkt), new rotors/rotor bolts, added a metallic blue water bottle holder:), and removed some garbage off my bike........reflectors (expept the rear wheel one).

Also, I should mention that you CAN do tricks on, essentially, every bike - my khs is no exception.

Which is why I'm building a ss dj bike......:rolleyes:, I have made a couple upgrades to the KHS such as: that 'Hyper' saddle:p, vp platforms (wellgos are for blk mrkt), new rotors/rotor bolts, added a metallic blue water bottle holder:), and removed some garbage off my bike........reflectors (expept the rear wheel one).

Also, I should mention that you CAN do tricks on, essentially, every bike - my khs is no exception.

What's your point with mentioning those upgrades? Do new rotors/bolts and a blue bottle holder make a bike better for tricks?

What's your point with mentioning those upgrades? Do new rotors/bolts and a blue bottle holder make a bike better for tricks?

Just pointing out it's not the exact same as it was before, that's all:).

Your bike sucks MulletArgyleMan.

when you trick do you have a bottle in that holder? ... I 'd pay to see a superman where you reach down and take a sip.