What is standover and how do you measure for it?
12-21-06 | 08:06 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,766
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From: North of the 49th Parallel (GPS grid soon)
Bikes: MTB Peugoet Canyon (forgot the model), Nikishi? roadbike, MTB custom build,
What is standover and how do you measure for it?
I'm going to be buying a bike over the web locally and I'd like to know how one measures for stand over? I am about 5'8" with an average-slim build.
Also what frame size would be ok for me in a hybrid/comfort setup? I'm using a 16.5 MTB right now but thinking of getting a hybrid for those days my back is not feeling well.
Zero_Enigma
Frame: 17" tanged Cro-Moly(lightweight)
Tire Size: 26"
Stand Over Height: 27.5"
Speeds: 21
Tire Size: 26"
Stand Over Height: 27.5"
Speeds: 21
Zero_Enigma
12-21-06 | 08:19 AM
#2
Trans-Urban Velocommando
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa, KS
Bikes: 06 Trek 1200 - 98 DB Outlook - 99 DB Sorrento
Stand-over height is just the height of the top tube from the pavement. measure your inseam from your groin to the ground. It should be at least an inch or two taller than the top tube stand-over height.
As a short guy myself with a 30-inch inseam on my pants (and therefore, probably at least 33 inches to the ground) I'd say you'll probably be okay unless you're an oompah loompah (or maybe a jawa)
As far as frame sizing goes, I've found that many people will tell you there's some magic formula for a frame size based on your height, inseam, etc.
Forget that noise. Go to a bike shop and pick out a few models of bikes you want. Let the LBS adjust the bike for you, and play around until you find something that fits YOU the way you want.
As a short guy myself with a 30-inch inseam on my pants (and therefore, probably at least 33 inches to the ground) I'd say you'll probably be okay unless you're an oompah loompah (or maybe a jawa)
As far as frame sizing goes, I've found that many people will tell you there's some magic formula for a frame size based on your height, inseam, etc.
Forget that noise. Go to a bike shop and pick out a few models of bikes you want. Let the LBS adjust the bike for you, and play around until you find something that fits YOU the way you want.
12-21-06 | 08:29 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 962
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
Yeh, take a test ride before you buy it. Especially since comfort is the reason you're looking to buy this bike.
Used to be you could tell if a bike would fit or not (pretty close anyway) by things like frame size and standover height. But now, with compact geometry and sloping top tubes and different geometry, it's not so simple.
Good luck!
Used to be you could tell if a bike would fit or not (pretty close anyway) by things like frame size and standover height. But now, with compact geometry and sloping top tubes and different geometry, it's not so simple.
Good luck!
12-21-06 | 08:56 AM
#4
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Determining proper standover height is a very critical and precise measurement. First, you place two stools on each side of the bike, then straddle the bike with your feet on the stools, carefully positioning yourself exactly center of both axis of the top tube. Then, you jump. If your voice changes, stop the lesson and look for a smaller bike...after you return from the hospital. 
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
12-21-06 | 10:39 AM
#5
Jet Jockey
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,941
Likes: 30
From: St. Paul, MN
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD9, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Nashbar X-frame bike, Bike Friday Haul-a-Day, Surly Pugsley.
Some will start arguing that standover height is a worthless measurement. "You don't stand over your bike, you ride it." I am not one of those. I stand over my bike at a variety of traffic lights, drinking water, fidgeting with zippers, gloves, etc...a bike I can comfortably straddle is not superfluous.
In theory, a bike that will always be on a prepared surface needs 1" of clearance. A bike that will encounter mild chop 2"-3", and a bike that will no kidding be off road needs greater than 3". How do you determine clearance? That is actually more subjective. Some determine that height by measuring the height of a rigid object (say, a book) that is pulled up to FIRM contact with your pubic bone. Others go the opposite extreme and measure to just touching the boys. Me? I measure to firm contact, but not uncomfortable...i.e. I don't pull as hard as I can.
A quick way when checking a bike is to pull the top tube up to full contact and measure how far the front wheel is off the ground. This has some "fudge" to it due to sloping top tubes, and where you happen to pull this time, but it can get kinda close.
A hybrid, by the by, is typically little more than a hardtail MTB frame made road friendly. Have you considered possibly getting an adjustable stem, and simply moving it based on what you want to do that day?
In theory, a bike that will always be on a prepared surface needs 1" of clearance. A bike that will encounter mild chop 2"-3", and a bike that will no kidding be off road needs greater than 3". How do you determine clearance? That is actually more subjective. Some determine that height by measuring the height of a rigid object (say, a book) that is pulled up to FIRM contact with your pubic bone. Others go the opposite extreme and measure to just touching the boys. Me? I measure to firm contact, but not uncomfortable...i.e. I don't pull as hard as I can.
A quick way when checking a bike is to pull the top tube up to full contact and measure how far the front wheel is off the ground. This has some "fudge" to it due to sloping top tubes, and where you happen to pull this time, but it can get kinda close.
A hybrid, by the by, is typically little more than a hardtail MTB frame made road friendly. Have you considered possibly getting an adjustable stem, and simply moving it based on what you want to do that day?
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Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
12-21-06 | 11:51 AM
#6
Arizona Dessert
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15,029
Likes: 2,170
From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
My bike has negative standover. Never caused a problem, frame is tilted sideways when stopped and my shoes add a bit extra space.
Al
Al
12-21-06 | 12:42 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,766
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From: North of the 49th Parallel (GPS grid soon)
Bikes: MTB Peugoet Canyon (forgot the model), Nikishi? roadbike, MTB custom build,
I should have mentioned this is for a used bike at a local auction.
How much would one pay for a bike like this?
DESCRIPTION
Rocky Mountain Fusion Bike P18441D
FOR PICK UP ONLY. WE DON'T OFFER SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM
Frame: 17" tanged Cro-Moly(lightweight)
Tire Size: 26"
Stand Over Height: 27.5"
Speeds: 21
Gear Shifter: Shimano deore,EZ-fire
Front Derailleur: Shimano deore LX
Rear Derailleur: Shimano deore LX
Brakes: Shimano deore LX
Crank Set: Shimano deore LX
Seat: Foam padded
Suspension: n/a
Color: Dark Blue
Grips: Rubber
Extras: Bell ringer,Handle guard,Quick-release post clamb and front/rear wheel rims,Bottle holder,Toe cap holder,Kickstand
(NOTE: All above sizes and specs are approximate)
Condition: This bike appears to be used with some sign of scrapes and scratches with minor sign of rust.
The wheels and tires are still in great shape.
The shimano brakes are still tight & responsive.
The rubber grips are still in nice shape with a sign of wear on the edge.
The foam seat gives good comfort to the rider with some scuffs on rear side area.
The full metal shimano pedals style has toe slots to slide your feet into secure ride.
Despite the minor cosmetics,this bike still in good shape and it's fully equipped with Shimano components.
The glossy blue frame, decals and sharp handle bars give an overall good look.
It has quick-release wheel rims and post clamp to make service snap and handle guards to give extra protection to the rider
Despite the cosmetics, the bike is still in good shape with fully equipped Shimano Deore components.
This is a light weight easy to ride and sharp looking bike,So have a good look and find out more about this make of bike and get ready to ride.
WEIGHT: 13 kgs
Item is sold in "as is" condition.
We make ever effort to describe any defects ,but note these are used bike and are sold AS IS
and may require service or repair.
Pictures later tonight. Right now I've only got enough time o drop that full info. My current ride is a 16.5" MTB which was fitted by the LBS 10yrs ago. I have already reached my max growing. I am 5'8" and my inseam is (barefoot measurement) 33" on the ruler to the max. "V" point on my body tho I wear a 32/32 pant. I'll read the comments in the thread later tonight. I'm going to see the bike now. I've got a day to consider my bid.
Zero_Enigma.
How much would one pay for a bike like this?
DESCRIPTION
Rocky Mountain Fusion Bike P18441D
FOR PICK UP ONLY. WE DON'T OFFER SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM
Frame: 17" tanged Cro-Moly(lightweight)
Tire Size: 26"
Stand Over Height: 27.5"
Speeds: 21
Gear Shifter: Shimano deore,EZ-fire
Front Derailleur: Shimano deore LX
Rear Derailleur: Shimano deore LX
Brakes: Shimano deore LX
Crank Set: Shimano deore LX
Seat: Foam padded
Suspension: n/a
Color: Dark Blue
Grips: Rubber
Extras: Bell ringer,Handle guard,Quick-release post clamb and front/rear wheel rims,Bottle holder,Toe cap holder,Kickstand
(NOTE: All above sizes and specs are approximate)
Condition: This bike appears to be used with some sign of scrapes and scratches with minor sign of rust.
The wheels and tires are still in great shape.
The shimano brakes are still tight & responsive.
The rubber grips are still in nice shape with a sign of wear on the edge.
The foam seat gives good comfort to the rider with some scuffs on rear side area.
The full metal shimano pedals style has toe slots to slide your feet into secure ride.
Despite the minor cosmetics,this bike still in good shape and it's fully equipped with Shimano components.
The glossy blue frame, decals and sharp handle bars give an overall good look.
It has quick-release wheel rims and post clamp to make service snap and handle guards to give extra protection to the rider
Despite the cosmetics, the bike is still in good shape with fully equipped Shimano Deore components.
This is a light weight easy to ride and sharp looking bike,So have a good look and find out more about this make of bike and get ready to ride.
WEIGHT: 13 kgs
Item is sold in "as is" condition.
We make ever effort to describe any defects ,but note these are used bike and are sold AS IS
and may require service or repair.
Zero_Enigma.
12-21-06 | 12:55 PM
#8
The Rabbi
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,123
Likes: 3
You have some long legs, as do I. In fact, we are about the same proportions I am guessing. What has worked for me recently is to find TALL frames with a short top tube. I've found older Japanese bikes have this in many cases--I have two with 62cm seat tubes but a 58cm top tube. Fits me tremendously well. The problem I'll deal with on most bikes is having my seat a mile above my handlebars. Not a problem in a race application but a bit too aggressive for everyday riding.
I'd say a 17.5 would work well for you. Generally hybrid type bikes have a short top tube and a high head tube to get the bars up a bit and get you a bit more upright.
I'd say a 17.5 would work well for you. Generally hybrid type bikes have a short top tube and a high head tube to get the bars up a bit and get you a bit more upright.
02-20-07 | 03:42 AM
#10
Very Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 1
From: Central Pa
Bikes: 2000 Bianchi San Remo and a mint 1984 Trek 720
Originally Posted by chipcom
Determining proper standover height is a very critical and precise measurement. First, you place two stools on each side of the bike, then straddle the bike with your feet on the stools, carefully positioning yourself exactly center of both axis of the top tube. Then, you jump. If your voice changes, stop the lesson and look for a smaller bike...after you return from the hospital.
__________________
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
02-20-07 | 03:48 AM
#11
Very Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 1
From: Central Pa
Bikes: 2000 Bianchi San Remo and a mint 1984 Trek 720
Originally Posted by Zero_Enigma
How much would one pay for a bike like this?
__________________
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
