Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Mountain Biking
Reload this Page >

What size frame for a 6'1 guy?

Search
Notices
Mountain Biking Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Check out this forum to discuss the latest tips, tricks, gear and equipment in the world of mountain biking.

What size frame for a 6'1 guy?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-23-06, 01:35 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Mookout's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 21

Bikes: Specialized HardRock (soon)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
What size frame for a 6'1 guy?

Like it says, I'm somewhere between 6'1 and 6'2...

I've been looking to get this 06 yukon for a while,
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/030...sp?model=10003

I went into my LBS months ago and tried the bigger models, there was one size that was perfect... I THINK it was the 21", but it may have been the 23"...

I ask because theres a GREAT deal on one nearby, but its sale is ending tomorrow afternoon and I dont have time to drop into the LBS and try it out again...


THANKS
Mookout is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 03:46 AM
  #2  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Mookout's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 21

Bikes: Specialized HardRock (soon)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
bumpity bump.
Mookout is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 04:17 AM
  #3  
Flatland hack
 
Flak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Nowhere near the mountains :/
Posts: 3,228
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I think you'll find that most people here will recommend something lower than 20" for you. But thats not to say thats correct. You could well be most comfortable on a 21"...but from what ive seen in my time here, most 6' 1" guys ride something around an 18", some even smaller than that. That said, whatever feels comfortable is your size.

If you're gonna go down to buy it, sit on it one last time before you hand over your money. You cant shrink it in the dryer if its too big
Flak is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 05:06 AM
  #4  
Newbie
 
RockLobster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'm 6'2"/6'3" and I use a 19" frame. I find it a lot easier to control. I should probably be using a 23" frame but it's just a little too restricting sometimes.

My advice get a 19" and don't be affraid to crank the seat up. It looks better too!
RockLobster is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 09:04 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
nodnerb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 520

Bikes: 2022 Marin Team Marin 2

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times in 10 Posts
The more aggressive you ride, the more comfortable you'll be on a smaller frame. If you mostly ride on pavement and laid back trails, a 21" would probably do if it's more comfortable for you. If you ride hard and do more technical stuff, you'd probably best fit a 19" or so. Having siad that though, it does really come down to personal fit and preference. I am just under 6'1" and ride an 18" but it's more of a freeride bike.
nodnerb is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 09:14 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
alcahueteria's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 1,036

Bikes: Specialized AWOL, Soma Juice

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I say a 19-21. Different make and model will make the decision which one. Test ride, test ride, test ride.
alcahueteria is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 09:26 AM
  #7  
Custom User
 
never's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: T0L0K0
Posts: 3,739
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I ride a 21" for my XC hardtail and I am 6'1". When I bought it, I rode a few other sizes and models and they all felt too small. But I knew exactly how I wanted to feel on the bike. Fit/sizing will depend on the brand and model/type of bike...for example, my wife has an 18" XC hardtail which feels like a toy to me but my 18" full suspension freeride bike fits me perfectly.

So basically, no one will be able to tell you online which size would fit you the best.
never is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 09:33 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
dkisluk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 63

Bikes: 2005 Iron Horse Yakuza Aniki

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
go for the 21" and put up the seat if you have to.
dkisluk is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 07:11 PM
  #9  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Mookout's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 21

Bikes: Specialized HardRock (soon)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Managed to get down to my LBS and try out the 19, 21 and 23 inch yukons. The 21 definately felt best.

I'll update soon if I get the bike, sale ends tomorrow at noon i just found out
Mookout is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 08:08 PM
  #10  
Banned
 
BoSoxYacht's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: take your time, enjoy the scenery, it will be there when you get to it
Posts: 7,281

Bikes: 07 IRO BFGB fixed-gear, 07 Pedal Force RS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I was 6'3" when I was a little younger, but over time my body has settled a bit and now I'm a hair over 6'2" . I ride a 19" jamis full suspension which I think is a bit small for me . Why can't I find many 20" frames anymore? Unless you're planning on riding mostly on the streets, 21" is probably a bit too big for you .
BoSoxYacht is offline  
Old 02-23-06, 08:20 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 287

Bikes: Specialized Epic Comp 2013, Specialized Allez Elite 2005

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'm 6'0" and I ride a 19.5 in FS. Seriously though you gotta go there and ask them to see if you fit the bike. Seat tube angle, headtube angle, your inseam, etc. can all affect the feel of the bike. Like others above have said it's best you try em all! It's fun too... atleast I think it is =P
idleuser is offline  
Old 02-24-06, 01:01 AM
  #12  
UK Cars, US Bikes
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'm 6'5" and ride a 20" hardtail
Ed Sweeney is offline  
Old 02-24-06, 01:43 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
nmn25's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 238

Bikes: Faith 2, Completeley custom Kona Scrap (1600 worth)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'm 6'1'' and just sold my giant iguana (almost the same bike). It was cross country and size 21. It fit perfect for cross country riding (wouldn't want to jump it thought). my dirt jump and downhill bike are 17 and 18 inch though.
nmn25 is offline  
Old 02-24-06, 04:48 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 289
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
i'm 6'1 exactly & have a 19.5 inch - It fits well for XC riding - the tope tube is long compared to other bikes that size, but with a shorter stem it fits well - I definitely will not be considering a larger frame for my next bike & if anything slightly smaller.
Riles is offline  
Old 02-24-06, 04:50 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 287

Bikes: Specialized Epic Comp 2013, Specialized Allez Elite 2005

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Riles
i'm 6'1 exactly & have a 19.5 inch - It fits well for XC riding - the tope tube is long compared to other bikes that size, but with a shorter stem it fits well - I definitely will not be considering a larger frame for my next bike & if anything slightly smaller.
Same here.
idleuser is offline  
Old 02-24-06, 09:39 PM
  #16  
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 44
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I'm 6'2" and ride a 21.5 Ironhorse hardtail
blitz993 is offline  
Old 02-25-06, 10:32 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,398
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by RockLobster
I'm 6'2"/6'3" and I use a 19" frame. I find it a lot easier to control. I should probably be using a 23" frame but it's just a little too restricting sometimes.

My advice get a 19" and don't be affraid to crank the seat up. It looks better too!
I'm 6'3" and I use the 23" Yukon frame (34 inch inseam). A 6'1" person should probably be on a 21" for a "large" fit and a 19" for a "nimble" fit. And if he doesn't want to spend all kinds of money replacing parts, you should buy a Rainier.
willtsmith_nwi is offline  
Old 02-25-06, 12:09 PM
  #18  
Wood Licker
 
Maelstrom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whistler,BC
Posts: 16,966

Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Wow, you guys like big frames. At 6'5 I ride a 19" frame. I like to be able to move my bike around udner me, and even then I sometimes find it to big.
Maelstrom is offline  
Old 02-25-06, 01:14 PM
  #19  
Too Much Crazy
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NY
Posts: 3,660

Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 116 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
I am a XC rider for the most part so keep that in mind.

I ride 20 inch frames for the most part on my hardtails and a 19'' on my dually.

6'2'', 34'' inseam and 37'' sleeve length. Built a bit like a fat spider monkey. I like looooooong top tubes and the stretched out feeling.

Anyway, I think effective top tube length is the most important frame measurement anyway. Some manufacturers 19'' frames have longer effective top tubes than other manufacturers 22'' frames so it would be tought to compare.

Last edited by C Law; 02-25-06 at 02:08 PM.
C Law is offline  
Old 02-25-06, 01:57 PM
  #20  
Wood Licker
 
Maelstrom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whistler,BC
Posts: 16,966

Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Thats on my xc bike. 19 kona roast from 2002. ...

I agree about the tt. I don't mind a short bike but my tt has to be a min of 23.5inches
Maelstrom is offline  
Old 03-05-06, 02:13 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 320
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
23" is WAYYYYY too big for you...assuming you are 6'2" MAX and I mean MAX should be 19" and even that is too big if you tell me. I had a friend that is 6'3" and he had a 19.5" trek and in XC, he found it too big, he then got a 17.5" Klein M which fits him perfectly...if you want good handling, you want a small frame, I am 5'8" and I ride a 13" YES 13! for road biking, it doesn't matter but mtb...u wanna check if you can put ur front wheel up when testing your frame size and have the wheel go up at LEAST 2" and for the best, at least 5" before it crack your nuts
achc is offline  
Old 03-05-06, 03:29 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 307
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
He probably already made his choice but some people that are the same height have different inseams. Also not all 19" bikes are the same size so it depends on the bike and your individual measurements.

Last edited by leonardotmnt; 03-05-06 at 05:01 PM.
leonardotmnt is offline  
Old 03-05-06, 04:58 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,398
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Mookout
Like it says, I'm somewhere between 6'1 and 6'2...

I've been looking to get this 06 yukon for a while,
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/030...sp?model=10003

I went into my LBS months ago and tried the bigger models, there was one size that was perfect... I THINK it was the 21", but it may have been the 23"...

I ask because theres a GREAT deal on one nearby, but its sale is ending tomorrow afternoon and I dont have time to drop into the LBS and try it out again...


THANKS
I'm 6'3" and I ride a 23" '04 Yukon. If you rode a bike and thought it was perfect, you should go ahead and get that size.

I do advise you to upgrade the brakes right away to Avid BB7. Haggle with the shop and try to get a trade in on the stock GX-1 brakes.
willtsmith_nwi is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.