17" frame and 6' tall???
#3
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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Not growing, just haven't measured myself in a while and can't remember if I'm 5'11 or 6'.
O.K. I just did the pen mark on the wall and taped it....6'..... Thank you MInesBroken for dragging me out of my foggy laziness.....
O.K. I just did the pen mark on the wall and taped it....6'..... Thank you MInesBroken for dragging me out of my foggy laziness.....
#4
RIP Gonzo
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 200
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From: Imperial Beach, Ca(that's south San diego
Bikes: 2001 Novara Randonee, 1991 Trek 8000
too small I'm thinking...Thinking youre going to need around a 19'' frame at least. I'm 5'10, and my wife's Trek, 18'' frame is too small for me.
#6
Most likely too small. I'm 5'10.5" and I ride an 18" in most brands. Of course if you can test ride it then find out for yourself. It may fit you like a glove. I just wouldn't risk buying it if you can't ride it first since it will most likely be too small.
Now saying that, the main measurement I worry about is top tube length. See if the top tube is close to what your current bike is.
Now saying that, the main measurement I worry about is top tube length. See if the top tube is close to what your current bike is.
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#7
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Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Parrish, FL
Bikes: Lots
Why do you guys continue to suggest a frame size based on overall height**********?
Overall height aint go nutin to do wit it.
What is your inseam measurement.
No shoes, feet flat, shoulder's width apart, wedge a book with the spine snugly against your crotch, measure to floor.
For example: I'm 6'0" yet I've got a LONG torsoe and short legs. I ride a 17" frame, heck, I'm comfy on a 15" frame!!!!
Overall height aint go nutin to do wit it.
What is your inseam measurement.
No shoes, feet flat, shoulder's width apart, wedge a book with the spine snugly against your crotch, measure to floor.
For example: I'm 6'0" yet I've got a LONG torsoe and short legs. I ride a 17" frame, heck, I'm comfy on a 15" frame!!!!
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
#9
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Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Parrish, FL
Bikes: Lots
Best available online: https://www.wrenchscience.com/WS1/Sec...ing/Height.asp
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
#10
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,963
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From: Parrish, FL
Bikes: Lots
From my experience, with a 32" inseam then yes a 17 would be too small. You're probably in between a 19 and 21.
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
#11
Originally Posted by a2psyklnut
Why do you guys continue to suggest a frame size based on overall height**********?
Overall height aint go nutin to do wit it.
What is your inseam measurement.
No shoes, feet flat, shoulder's width apart, wedge a book with the spine snugly against your crotch, measure to floor.
For example: I'm 6'0" yet I've got a LONG torsoe and short legs. I ride a 17" frame, heck, I'm comfy on a 15" frame!!!!
Overall height aint go nutin to do wit it.
What is your inseam measurement.
No shoes, feet flat, shoulder's width apart, wedge a book with the spine snugly against your crotch, measure to floor.
For example: I'm 6'0" yet I've got a LONG torsoe and short legs. I ride a 17" frame, heck, I'm comfy on a 15" frame!!!!
The truth is there is only one "truely accurate" way to find a bike that fits. That is to test ride.

*edit* You could take someone with the exact same measurements as me and they would probably be miserable on my bike. I like to be pretty stretched out yet I like to have a very short stem. I also like to have quite a bit of saddle to bar drop. This is why test rides are so important, nothing is set in stone.
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#12
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,963
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From: Parrish, FL
Bikes: Lots
Lowcel,
You're right, and my method is just the first step in a fitting process.
Then you have to check reach.
I should have said, that overal height doesn't matter, but the inseam and reach are the critical measurements.
You're right, and my method is just the first step in a fitting process.
Then you have to check reach.
I should have said, that overal height doesn't matter, but the inseam and reach are the critical measurements.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
#15
THE Materials Oracle
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
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From: Finally... home :-)
Bikes: Univega Alpina 5.1 that became a 5.9, that became a road bike... DMR TrailStar custom build
Originally Posted by DiRt DeViL
2 small
NOT 2 small
I've said it before... I'm 6'6" and ride a 14.5". No probs at all
#16
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
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From what I've read here it may well depend on things other than just your height such as if you have short or long legs as well as the make of bike. I've heard that Marin Bikes for one run a bit big so a 17 may work on one of those where a 19 would be best on another make. Overall though it does sound like the 19 is going to be better but as others have mentioned give it a try. It would also be nice to be able to compare with maybe another model from the same maker; that is with a 19.
Now that you've measured yourself and found you're 6'0', don't forget!
Now that you've measured yourself and found you're 6'0', don't forget!
#17
THE Materials Oracle
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
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From: Finally... home :-)
Bikes: Univega Alpina 5.1 that became a 5.9, that became a road bike... DMR TrailStar custom build
Indeed. The geometry of the frame is meant to be matched to both your leg length and torso length in a comfortable riding position for the riding you do. The majority of tall riders who fit on short, short bikes either do so because their legs are very limber, or because the bike has a tiny frame but enormous front triangle length.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,408
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From: Norway
I am 6' tall. Some years ago I found a 17'' unused CF Coyote Mono six with a Sachs Quartz group at a fleamarket. OK bike said the salesman -45$. Yes it is too small but with a long seatpost, but it has served me very well for many years now. (I am putting it out to pasture now, the idea of old, early CF technology with many miles on rocky roads and paths is a bit too scary).
#19
It is what it is...
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 827
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From: Long Island NY
Bikes: Trek 6500 w/ stuff
Originally Posted by ibrown
Not growing, just haven't measured myself in a while and can't remember if I'm 5'11 or 6'.
O.K. I just did the pen mark on the wall and taped it....6'..... Thank you MInesBroken for dragging me out of my foggy laziness.....
O.K. I just did the pen mark on the wall and taped it....6'..... Thank you MInesBroken for dragging me out of my foggy laziness.....
#20
I dunno... not an expert but I'm only 5'8" and both my bikes are 17... just seems so small for someone 6' or more. Regardless if you have incredibly short legs, your torso then would be much too long for a 17. You'll would to put a mundo stem on there, something huge!!!
Best thing to do is have fitting and allow the fitter to recommend bike size. No matter how great a deal the bike if it don't fit you won't be happy!
Best thing to do is have fitting and allow the fitter to recommend bike size. No matter how great a deal the bike if it don't fit you won't be happy!
#21
unofficial roadie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,440
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From: Out in the woods you see
Bikes: 2004 Marin bobcat trail, 2006 trek fuel ex7, 2007 iron horse road bike
Originally Posted by Simmons Lane
I've heard that Marin Bikes for one run a bit big so a 17 may work on one of those where a 19 would be best on another make.
I'm 5'10 with a 32" cycling inseam and when I was trying out 2004 model Marins I could not stand over an 18.5 inch frame at all.. the 17 I bought was perfect. That being said I am comfortable on a 19 inch trek.
looking at the specs on marins this year the standover is listed as slightly higher if that is possible.
#22
...is my hero!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 864
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
Bikes: 2008 Kink Whip, 2006 Specialized Enduro, 2006 Norco Wolverine, 2006 Iron Horse FsZ
I'm 6' and I rode a 18.5" frame and it was good....now I have a Medium Enduro (not really sure what exact size) which is probably around 16-18" and it fits me fine.
#23
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 750
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From: Denver, CO
I'm going to go with the "not 2 small" crowd but you should try it if you can and make up your own mind.
I'm 5'10 1/2 with a 32" inseam and I have an 18" Access XCL hardtail and a 17.5" '05 Marin Rift Zone that both fit me perfectly. Once you can stand over a frame, the seat tube length is much less important for comfort than the top tube length. I'm average build and a 22.5" to 23" top tube with a 110mm or 120mm stem is about right (it really depends on how swept back the bars are).
You should try the fit caculator at zinncycles.com or competitivecyclist.com (their MTB calculator, though). Both pretty much nailed my frame size w/top tube length from the measurements I supplied.
I'm 5'10 1/2 with a 32" inseam and I have an 18" Access XCL hardtail and a 17.5" '05 Marin Rift Zone that both fit me perfectly. Once you can stand over a frame, the seat tube length is much less important for comfort than the top tube length. I'm average build and a 22.5" to 23" top tube with a 110mm or 120mm stem is about right (it really depends on how swept back the bars are).
You should try the fit caculator at zinncycles.com or competitivecyclist.com (their MTB calculator, though). Both pretty much nailed my frame size w/top tube length from the measurements I supplied.







