LeMansGTi

Hey, im looking at this one bike and it has a frame size of 17.5 inches. Now, I dont know much about how the frame size effects me persey, but im 5'6" and 155lbs.
now the bike has 26in wheels, which is what im looking for but the seeing that the frame size is mentioned, I wanted to know what role it plays.

so, pretty much im wondering if a 17.5in mtb frame would be small for me. and what is the rule of thumb when it comes to frame sizes.

thanx

ashleywood.ash

size of frame is from bottom of crank to seat post, i think if i remember. 17.5 inch is a medium size frame which is fine for your height. people differ when they choose a size as some like small bikes others like to ride large but i would say under 5 an half foot small frame 6 foot over large frame in between medium frame.
but depends what you using bike for as jump bikes usually better to get a smaller frame

ed 

You are probably okay, but just ride it and see what you think. If you can't test ride it, find one like it that you can test.

LeMansGTi

this here is the bike, and I wont be able to test it out.

to me from the pic, it seems to be a big bike but that could be just the pic.

nodnerb

That looks far bigger than a 17.5. Looks like a 21 or 22 in the pic.

Flak

Even if it is a 17.5, i think for you its too big.

I'd be looking at 16" and smaller for someone of 5' 6"

LeMansGTi

what makes you say that, if you dont mind me asking??

Flak

I just think that at 5' 6" you'll find the bike too big. Just as a point of reference, I ride a 17" and im 5' 10.5" with fairly long limbs for my height. Granted i like a slightly smaller frame for off road (my commuter is a 19")...but no way would i consider a 17.5 if i were 5' 6".

Couple that with the fact that its a more classical mtn design with a horizontal top tube, and i dont think you'll have enough standover clearance, nor a comfortable reach to the bars.

Ofcourse, all of what i just typed means jack if you sit on it and find it comfortable.

LeMansGTi

thanx alot Flak and you other guys for the help!!

ashleywood.ash

that looks huge i would say that at least 20", as said depends what you are using the bike for but that looks big

LeMansGTi

well, I would be using it mostly for trail riding wether it be rocky, dirt, mud, raining, snowing. from time to time I might use it on the road on the way to playing tennis, but not to many rides probably on asphalt. I dont hold back, so the bike will be ridden hard out there on the trails as well.

Flak

If you're going to be mainly off road, and riding it hard, id go smaller. Allows you to throw the bike around a little better i think.

euroford

i'm 5'10"ish and ride a 17" bike, wouldn't think of going any bigger than that.

i'd definitly look smaller if i was you, maybe even a 15"

roccobike

I'm 5" 9" and my son is 5'11". We both ride 17 inch frame Specialized bikes. Sometimes I wish I had a slightly smaller frame, but for my son, 17 inches is perfect. For 5'6", it could be a tad large. As Flak said, you want to be able to move the bike around, that's easier on a smaller frame bike.
What bike are you looking at?

DirtPedalerB

I think the camera angle of that pic makes it look bigger. it may be around the right size.
https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Trail.../dp/B000BFT8LG go here and read the reviews it may give you some hints on what size to get. Some guy who was 5'11 bought the 21 inch version haha.

edit - most of the reviews are humerus failures at assembling the bike. also dicks sporting goods sells these you could go there and sit on one ... I will not comment on the quality of the bike or mention x-mart.

nodnerb

Here's a pic of my bike for comparison and I'm 6 feet tall.
From the center of the bottom bracket to the top tube is 14.5". From the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube is about 19"(this is the frame size). A bit higher than most bikes because of the extra gussets to add seat tube length and still have a good standover. If not for the extended seat tube it would be about a 17" frame.

Look at the difference between where the top tube "virtually" meets the rear wheel compared to the pic of the bike you are looking at. The top tube clears the rear wheel by like 5" while on mine doesn't even clear it. No way that bike is a 17.5". And I agree with the others, even a 17.5 might be too big for your height. The bike in the pic you posted is over 20" without a doubt.

DirtPedalerB

Your right it looks big in the pic, but the camera angle seems to be looking down rather than straight at it, but I think your right on it not being a 17 it's probably a 21 inch.. Attached is a pic of my 17.5 inch bike with a similar geometry as the one mentioned.. well it says 17.5 some companies measure them differently. specs on mine say All measurements are center to center. it may be closer to a 19 in other brands.. 31inch standover if that tells you anything

MattP.

No not really. It is generally (not all the time) from the center of the top tube to the center of the bottom bracket shell going along the seattube. Some manufacturers go center to top, top to center, and so on.

LeMansGTi

love your avator dude!!

now, yes I know the bike im looking at isnt anything special but I am on a budget and want to really get into biking this coming year. and one thing that has attracted me to this bike is the disc brakes, and it seems like a decent bike for now anyways.

though, I think I will look into a 16in frame. def want something that will be easier to throw around!!

DirtPedalerB

don't get caughtup on the numbers or the brakes... sit on a few bikes you'll know if they are too big... too small you may not notice right off.. assuming your looking at XC bikes you need to be able to adjust the saddle to get a full leg estension on the downstroke without going past the min insert line on the seatpost that's my general rule when testing bikes. depending on manufacturer and your inseam you'll end up with a frame labeled anywhere from 15 to 18 inches.

you'll get all kinds of advice bottom line is it's a personal preference.

ashleywood.ash

dont look at brakes and stuff get a bike that is comfortable for you the frame is the most important thing. if necessary you can add brakes later. i just bought some hope mini's off ebay front and rear for £60 so you can always work from your frame after

csetchel

I am the exact height and weight as you and I just bought a 16" and it fits perfectly

santiago

I'm 5' 9.1253242" and have a 17" Kona hardtail.