zx108

i went to a bike store that i dont really go to casue they sell kona. and this guy was going to let me walk out of the shop with a 19 frame, i am 5-5 and around 140lbs(all muscle ). then i got on a 16 and it felt great, the guys says a 18 would be good. since his track record is not that good 0 and 1, i seek the opinions of this forum.

thank you.

fretman

Stand with both legs together and feet side-by-side while straddling the frame. In other words you're standing in front of the seat. With one hand grab the middle of the steering column. With the other hand reach behind you and grab the seat. Lift up. You should have at least an inch of clearance before you hit the frame against your pelvic bone. Good luck.

zx108

ok, i need to check that once they put my bike togather.

seely

5'5 would be on a 16" more than likely. At 5'7-5'10" you'd more likely be on an 18". At 6'1" I ride 19's in every brand I've tried.

fretman

What if you're 5'2"?

zx108

well they have this bike in 18 and 19. the 16 did feel good, but i think i am going with the 18 becasue i have some room to grow(unless it doesnt feel right at all)

seely

15" or smaller, a 14.5" is about the smallest you can get with 26" wheels in most brands.

jst0076

I've found Kona sizes to be a bit tricky to get right. I've been riding a 17.5" Gary Fisher for 6 years and I've just bought a Kona Explosif. I'm 5'7" so went for a 16" as there was no way I wanted a bigger frame than the Fisher. The 16" arrived and it looked tiny. I took some measurments and held it up next to my Fisher and it was much smaller. In fact it was not noticably bigger than my fiancee's Orange Evo2. I got the bike shop to order me an 18" to have a look at with a verbal agreement that I could keep whichever I felt was best or get a refund if neither seemed right. I've gone for the 18" in the end as that actually turned out to be smaller than the 17.5" Gary Fisher. The standover height is lower as Kona extend the seat tube above top tube by 2-3" on the explosif, and the length is about 0.5" shorter, which is going to give me a more upright position which is a good thing.

I think what I mean to say in a round about kind of way is that frame sizes and measurements on paper are all well and good and give you an idea, but you really need to try things out, and have a bike shop that are willing to let you change your mind over things.

Gazoo

Ummm.......not on a mtn. bike!!!!!

Make that about 3 or 4 inches!!!

zx108

gazoo you are mistaken it is one or one and half inches of clearence. unless fretman, and two bike stores are wrong.

Dannihilator

Unless you are on a dirtjump hardtail. My Cowan is a 15.5"(medium) frame and it fits me perfectly and I'm 6'1. I have around 6" of clearance when off the saddle with the saddle slammed and 1.5" of clearance with the saddle in a raised position. Most of the time I have the saddle slammed and stand on the pedals. The point there is that there is no measuring standard around for frames and saddle positioning is a personal preferance between standing and sitting. When sitting though get those knees as straight as possible. But if it is a dirtjumper style of frame you will want to have some extra clearance with the saddle and top tube. That 18" frame could very well wind up fitting like a 17" which might be ideal for you.

Gazoo

Nope, in fact some fitters/sites even suggest 4 to 6 inches of clearance on a MTB!!!

Lets be clear here....1-1/2in. is for for a road bike

lots more for a mtb!!!

zx108

il have to post when they put this bike together.

Socrates

If there is supposed to be that much clearance, who are the 20" and 22" frames for? Shaq? I'm just under 6'2 and I ride a 19.5" or 20".

Gazoo

Yeeesh tough crowd , I'm just relating "common practice/knowledge" re: mtn. bike fitting. I could probably find 2 or 3 pages of links with this.

Clearance of 3-6 inches makes sense...so when ya slide off the front end ya got some clearance for the boys.


https://www.rei.com/online/store/Lear...LS*N1*bike_fit

https://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/...mar/kronpa.htm

https://www.freewheelcycle.com/bikefit.html#1

https://www.ehow.com/how_228_make-bike-fit.html

https://www.wombats.org/tips.html

https://www.teamnova.org/bike_fitting.htm

https://www.canadiancyclist.com/canad...lNumber=RV0036

https://www.trails-edge.com/bikefit.htm