Mountain Biking - 17 inch frame too small for me? (6ft)

opinions welcome....

Would a 17 inch frame be too small for me since I am 6 foot tall??? I was thinking it would be a good fit.

Might be, might not be. I'm comfortable on either, depending on the geometry. I'm 6' with a 34" cycling inseam.

You'll really need to ride it to be sure.

Might be, might not be. I'm comfortable on either, depending on the geometry. I'm 6' with a 34" cycling inseam.

You'll really need to ride it to be sure.


It is a specialized frame....

It is a specialized frame....
I still say you need to ride it to be sure.

There are many different 6' body types out there - leg length, arm length, torso length will all have an impact. It also depends on what the intended use of the bike is. Are you buying an XC bike? Downhill bike? Freeride bike?

FWIW, I prefer a 19" in a Specialized for XC use. The 17" feels a bit cramped for me.

I still say you need to ride it to be sure.

There are many different 6' body types out there - leg length, arm length, torso length will all have an impact. It also depends on what the intended use of the bike is. Are you buying an XC bike? Downhill bike? Freeride bike?

FWIW, I prefer a 19" in a Specialized for XC use. The 17" feels a bit cramped for me.


I have about a 32-33 inch inseam....I am getting it for some off road and some rides between 10-20 miles. Recreational bike....

It is a HardRock...I would think I need an 18 or 19. Just wondering if a 17 would be too small.

DENVER IN THE HOUSE!

Well, Specialized bikes tend to have a shorter top tube measurement. With your inseam, I would recommend the 19".

But, you really DO need to test ride one to be certain.

i.e., I should really be on a 19" myself, but due to my BMX heritage, I'm more comfortable on a smaller bike!

L8R

17" sounds WAY too small for you.

I'm 6'1 and ride a 15.5" frame. But them my bike is supposed to be smaller, it's a dirtjump frame.

I'm 5'7 and ride a 16".

A guy I talked to who ran a bike store said he rode a 17" and he was 6 ft. He was telling me to get a 15 or smaller... It all really depends. Just try the bike out. For me, I just tried it out, liked it, felt a lot easier to maneuver and such and bought it. The 18 was just far too big.

im 5'11 and ride a 21" c-t measurement. it's the slightest tad big but very doable. this is an XC oriented frame...

I am 5'10" and ride a 17" Hardrock. It is the right size for me offroad, but on roads I wish it was a bit bigger. I think the 19" should be a good size for you.

The reach to the bars is what will be too short probably. The height isn't all that important, unless of course the toptube is too high to stand over it. Being too low isn't a problem. The shortness on the reach distance is what will make the bike ride too "squirrelly". You can always buy a longer stem, and scoot the seat all the way back, but then your body geometry to the frame's design will be off. It's better to get a frame that'll fit YOU, not for you to try & fit a frame.... IMO.

I like small frames so I'm 6'1" and ride a 19". It all depends on geometry, how long your legs and arms are, and what you look for in the handling of the bike. I would say 17" is too small regardless though in most cases for a 6' individual... 18" is about the smallest bike I've ever put a 6' on that I can think of.

I tried a 19'' hard rock, and I didnt think there was enough standover for me, I'm 6'1'' and have an inseam of 33''. I was very close to buying the hardrock, but I ended up buying a new wheelset for the roadie.

I am 6'2" 34" inseam, 36"shirt sleeve and all three of my specialized have been size "L" (between 18.5-19")

I tend to ride them smallish though

my road bike is 60cm more perfectly fit