Mountain Biking - MTB vs. Road bicycle sizing

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patentcad
05-12-08, 05:37 AM
I've always sized my bicycles (road and MTB) by effective top tube length. That translates into 56-57cm tt length for me on road bikes. My old MTB hardtail and my new one both have 57cm effective tt lengths. That seems to work for me. All that other stuff (seat tube length, angles) always seemed much less relevant for me.

Any thoughts on this?

Ronsonic
05-12-08, 07:30 PM
Cockpit length can only be adjusted so far with stems and seat setback so far without affecting handling or pedaling, so it makes sense to use that as a first measurement.
mx_599
05-13-08, 10:33 AM
yeah, mtb fitting much less important than road bike. but you already knew that

mx

pinkrobe
05-13-08, 12:40 PM
I agree on the TT length being most vital. Most other things come together once you have that right. As far as the angles go, I really do prefer a 73 HT on the road, and a 71 for HT mtn bikes. When you get into more than 3" travel, the frame design necessitates a certain head angle, or the bike will handle like crap.