Wilson10
11-06-03, 07:36 PM
What size frames do all you guy ride? I'm 5'9" and am confused about what size to get.
Mountain Biking - What size Slalom frame??
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KleinMp99
11-06-03, 07:40 PM
Cant you go to a shop and get on a bike and test ride it or something? I ride medium bikes, but that really dosent mean anything.
Wilson10
11-06-03, 07:44 PM
please do hold back useless comments. I ride medium sized XC bikes as well. Most people when buying a slalom/dirtjumping bike buy smaller sized frames. I simply wanted a few opinions. I dont know if a 14" is too small or not, but I do hear a lot of people riding 14's.
KleinMp99
11-06-03, 08:08 PM
please do hold back useless comments.
Please give us as little information as possible about what you want.
I ride medium sized XC bikes as well. Most people when buying a slalom/dirtjumping bike buy smaller sized frames. I simply wanted a few opinions. I dont know if a 14" is too small or not, but I do hear a lot of people riding 14's.
A 14" frame is tiny, I dont see how I could ride one and I am the same height as you. I know people buy smaller bikes for slalom and the whole aggressive riding in general, but you dont want something that is too small. I would say something closer to 16" would be better. I dont know the size in inches of the new specialized P bikes but the "Long" models for 2004 fit me really good.
Please give us as little information as possible about what you want.
I ride medium sized XC bikes as well. Most people when buying a slalom/dirtjumping bike buy smaller sized frames. I simply wanted a few opinions. I dont know if a 14" is too small or not, but I do hear a lot of people riding 14's.
A 14" frame is tiny, I dont see how I could ride one and I am the same height as you. I know people buy smaller bikes for slalom and the whole aggressive riding in general, but you dont want something that is too small. I would say something closer to 16" would be better. I dont know the size in inches of the new specialized P bikes but the "Long" models for 2004 fit me really good.
bentrim
11-07-03, 03:09 AM
Sizes like 15", or generic sizes like S/M/L aren't always accurate due to current trends like downsloping tubes and other manufacturer specific details. I'm 5' 8" and one of my bikes (a Cove Stiffee SL) is a mere 13.5" frame. Sounds small, yes? But the top tube length is almost a whopping 24 inches. With it's high bottom bracket and a 5 inch travel fork, the stand over height is quite high.
I think more importantly than 14", 15" etc. there are more important factors such as standover height, and top tube length.
Standover height should be such that at minimum you have enough space between your cajones and the top tube; about space the size of a tennis ball.
Top tube length should be such that when sitting naturally, it allows a slight comfortable bend in your arms, but not so cramped that your knees are banging the bars.
But I think the most important factor is how comfortable it is when you ride it.
Just my opinion.
I think more importantly than 14", 15" etc. there are more important factors such as standover height, and top tube length.
Standover height should be such that at minimum you have enough space between your cajones and the top tube; about space the size of a tennis ball.
Top tube length should be such that when sitting naturally, it allows a slight comfortable bend in your arms, but not so cramped that your knees are banging the bars.
But I think the most important factor is how comfortable it is when you ride it.
Just my opinion.
dirtbikedude
11-07-03, 06:47 AM
Go to your LBS, find a bike that fits perfect, then get something a bit smaller. If a 17" frame is perfect then drop to a 15 or 16. Just be sure it is with the same company because as mentioned, each company will have different angles and stand over hight for different frames. For slalom you will want a frame that is small enough for you to throw around but able to let you power out of the turns.
:beer:
:beer:
KleinMp99
11-07-03, 02:07 PM
Your right about the sloping top tube thing, I knew there was something that I was supposed to say.