Mountain Biking - 13" or 16" for Trek 4300

Hi everyone! I'm set on getting a bike and narrowed my choice down to the Trek 4300, however I'm unsure of which size to get. I'm 5'6" and about 130lbs. I rode an 18" yesterday and while I was able to do it I wasn't comfortable. Stepping down to a 16" things felt a lot more comfortable, but now I'm wondering if I should go down even further to a 13". I'm mostly going to use this bike in the city, but would like to leave it somewhat open to riding some dirt and rocks in the future. Any suggestions?

...who knows...

Is it true frame reach is more important than stand over height?

IMHO, you are much too tall for a 13-inch frame. My 13-year-old son is about your height. He's been on 17-inch frames for some time now, and has no trouble even with my 17.5" Stumpjumper.

I've never personally seen you, but given your height, I would be thinking in the 15-17 inch range, and more towards the higher-end of that range.

With a 13-inch frame, you will have a hard time getting the seat up high enough. And if you do get it up high-enough, then you'll be practically falling over onto the bar, because the bar will be way down below the seat. And your top tube will likely be too short. You might even have trouble with your knees banging into your bars while you try to pedal.

And yes, to answer your follow-up query, I do feel that top-tube length is more important than standover height. I look at top-tube length first. Then I look at seat-to-bar drop. (I prefer my seat to be more or less level with my bars. People who race often prefer their seat higher than their bars). Then I give a look to standover.

...who knows...

glad to see you back with your so very useful replies....

16"

Yeah, 16". Worked on a 13" 4300 today (goes to show how the service is at the Trek shop in town, riders bring all the trek stuff to us, a giant dealer....Anyway....) and took a test ride when I was done. Felt like I was on a kids bike. And I'm only 5'11". go with what fits you the best. If the 16" felt good, then thats the one. Did the shop recommend the 18"? How old are you? Maybe they thought you'd have some growing to do. In any matter, the 4300 is a entry level bike, so if you do have some growing to do, your size and ability will outgrow the bike together. If your done growing, your abilities will still be wanting you to upgrade in a few years. The 4300 is a great bike.

glad to see you back with your so very useful replies....



Yeah, 16".

I have not met the OP, nor have I observed the OP riding the 13" or the 16". I take it you have?

What's up with your LBS? It's their job to help you determine the correct size frame.

Junkyard,

Its called a joke buddy. :p

well for 8th grade grad. im getting a trek 4300(on tuesday or wensday) and im 5"7 180 pounds and they sized me up and thought 18 was right but i wanted to try a 19.5 and it fits perfect its a little big for me but im 13 and are wtill growing so it should fit me very good. side Q what color are you getting im getting the orange and brown its bad ass

Junkyard,

Its called a joke buddy. :p

I see. Next time you might want to clarify your jokes. Otherwise, the OP might have actually thought you knew how to size him/her through an internet forum.

I can. You see, I'm just a badass like that. :p

I'm 5'5" with a 30 inch standover. (Measurement from your heal to your crotch) I ride a 15" full suspension and a 16" hardtail (which is what the bike you are looking at is). Usually with a mtn bike you would need a 2-3" clearance on standover between you and the top tube.

And yes, reach is very important, I'd so more so that standover because it determines how stretched out you will be. Now don't forget that when you get a bike from the LBS, they should be able to help you determine the proper fitting. Keep in mind that things such as stems can be swapped out to help with reach.

hi siu.