Bicycle Mechanics - Question about sizing of old GT mountain bike frame, size XL

Someone has a GT mountain bike frame for sale near me and is only asking 10 bux. It is an adult XL sized frame. Apparently it is in good shape and good paint. For 10 dollars, I think it would be a fun project to play around with. I would probably gather some spare parts at my local bike coop and put it together.

My question is this, will the frame be too big for someone with a 31 inch inseam? The XL frame is geared towards people with what heights?

31" pants inseam or a 31" "riding inseam". They aren't the same.

31 inch pants inseam. I'm a newbie and don't understand all of the finer points of sizing bikes. I just love putting things together and messing with things. This would be a good way to learn how to put a complete bike together.

I have a 30 inch pants inseam and am riding a Specialized Hardrock aluminum frame with a 19 inch frame. The bike fits me but is probably technically a tad too big for me. My son though has a bigger pants inseam than I which is why i would like to build the GT for (to replace his old Huffy MTB).

For 10 bucks I'd go ahead and get it, if just for the learning experience. If the project goes sour or it doesn't end up fitting you, you can always re-sell the frame on craigslist to get your $10 back.

Getting parts cheap at the co-op is a good idea. Buying new parts to build up that frame would almost certainly not make financial sense.

How long is the seat tube from the center of the crank to the top tube?

For 10 bucks I'd go ahead and get it, if just for the learning experience. If the project goes sour or it doesn't end up fitting you, you can always re-sell the frame on craigslist to get your $10 back.

Getting parts cheap at the co-op is a good idea. Buying new parts to build up that frame would almost certainly not make financial sense.

Exactly. I was just going to use some stuff from the Huffy that i have (has an upgraded rear wheel assembly) and other misc stuff that is laying around. I would not consider buying new parts for a bike project like this, like you said, it would not make financial sense at all.


How long is the seat tube from the center of the crank to the top tube?

Here is a picture of the frame:
http://images.craigslist.org/5N15Le5Fa3G13F73L5c1u07f896b643021362.jpg

As for the length of the seat tube, I am not sure, I have a tape measure with me to measure that length when i go to look at the frame in a few hours.

i think it will fit you fine, at least from the pic and a little guessing. too bad there's no fork

Well this is a pisser. I got all excited about building this bike and having some fun and I text the owner of the frame. I asked her if she had other stuff for the bike and she texted back with "I will give you all the stuff that I have". I have no idea what she had. So we decided to meet at the local Walmart which is on my way home from work. I pull off the exit and get gas and had a text. She said that "I can't believe this, someone stole the frame out of my garage! They also stole a 500 dollar bike i was selling as well!" She then went into how freaked out she was and said she was sorry.

Damn. And I was looking forward to it.

Too bad, sounds like she changed her mind or got a better offer.

The GT didn't look like an XL, but a L. Around 20" seat tube. It would've fit you, since we're about the same inseam length and I have a similar sized GT.

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1328/5141740372_523295feba_b.jpg