How important is frame size for beginners?
06-04-14 | 08:37 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
How important is frame size for beginners?
Hi everyone,
All bike frame size guides I read suggest I get at least a 20'' frame size.
However, I found a 18'' MTB bike that is well recommended and is on sale at the store. It's a rather cheap bike and is only sold here in Brazil.
Should I spend more and get a 21'' bike or go with this 18''?
My measurements:
Height: 187cm / 6' 1''- 6' 2''
Weight: 93kg / 205lb
Inner leg (inseam): 91cm / 35.82''
Arm length: 68cm / 26.77''
Top of sternum to floor: 156cm / 61.41''
Thanks!
All bike frame size guides I read suggest I get at least a 20'' frame size.
However, I found a 18'' MTB bike that is well recommended and is on sale at the store. It's a rather cheap bike and is only sold here in Brazil.
Should I spend more and get a 21'' bike or go with this 18''?
My measurements:
Height: 187cm / 6' 1''- 6' 2''
Weight: 93kg / 205lb
Inner leg (inseam): 91cm / 35.82''
Arm length: 68cm / 26.77''
Top of sternum to floor: 156cm / 61.41''
Thanks!
06-04-14 | 08:59 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Bikes: '09 Trek 2.1 * '75 Sekine * 2010 Raleigh Talus 8.0 * '90 Giant Mtb * Raleigh M20 * Fuji Nevada mtb
Short answer is frame size is always important, just not as super-critical for us casual riders. Get the better bike, that is more comfortable when you test ride it. Rough estimate is maybe 1 to 2 inches between your jewels and the top tube. Then also make sure that your torso is at a comfortable angle and you are not leaning on the bars. My guess would be 21 inch.
__________________
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
06-04-14 | 09:27 PM
#3
The Left Coast, USA
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,757
Likes: 25
Bikes: Bulls, Bianchi, Koga, Trek, Miyata
I'll disagree, especially mountain bikes. I can have a blast on a 17" mountain bike, and I'm 6ft. Smaller MTB bikes are very cool and easy to handle technically. Forget about top bar clearance, that's nonsense.
Ride it, and if you can climb with leverage without your knees being cramped by the distance to the bars - you're good.
Ride it, and if you can climb with leverage without your knees being cramped by the distance to the bars - you're good.
06-05-14 | 12:10 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,835
Likes: 1
From: Incheon, South Korea
Bikes: Nothing amazing... cheap old 21 speed mtb
I can ride a 52cm frame with the right stem and seatpost or I can ride a 60cm frame. Others might disagree but I don't find frame size critical as long as its within the range you can modify it to fit. 2 inches smaller on an mtb can be a good thing. You want a smaller frame for riding downhill.
