How to measure an MTB frame
 

New to mountain bikes.
I have a Trek 3700.

If I measure from the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube (where the post goes in) I get less than 17". I thought the frame was bigger. Was told 18".

Is there a different way to measure these?

I'm 5'8". It seems to fit me well (have about 1-2 inches of standover space)

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/HhDR2ll.jpg[/IMG]

https://pro-bike.ru/data/thumbs/w640...32/5532/37.jpg

http://ukrbike.com.ua/doctrek/geometry_2012.pdf

It sounds like you are measuring it correctly.

I'm 5'8" and have about an inch over the tube when I stand on it.
It has a slanted center tube/frame. (sorry, don't know the correct terminology)

Somehow my original post was deleted here? No idea why. All I see is a reply.

Anywhere, here is a pic of my measurement.

Is this correct? Does this mean I have a 17" frame?

Thanks


[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/kK16qu1.jpg[/IMG]

Measure from the centre of the bolt that holds the crank on, to the top of the seat post clamp.

I'd say it's a 16" frame as that model 3700 came in the following frame sizes:


Men's .... 13", 16", 18", 19.5", 21", 22.5"
Women's .... 13", 16", 19.5"

Center of bottom-bracket to top of seat-tube is typical these days. One thing to be aware with Trek is that they give many of their frames not one, but two sizes. There is the measured size, and a so-called virtual size. Here's an old thread on how that works:

http://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-b...rtual-wth.html

I'm not sure the 3700 ever got the virtual-sizing treatment, but many of their mountain bikes have it. For that reason, I'm never really sure of what anyone tells me about their frame size on a Trek until I see the bike in person. I won't shop Trek on eBay for example, like I do other brands.

Thanks for all the help guys! I really appreciate it. Glad I asked, because I thought it was a lot more straightforward.

That leads me to another quick question.
How do I know if the bike is the men's or women's version?
Does it really matter if it's comfortable to ride?

(I'm a guy)

google 'Trek 3700 womens' and look at the image results.

You look to have the 'Men's' model.