breadbin

Hi, I am thinking of building a new bike from scratch and I have set my sights on a 17" frame. I have a 18.5 at the moment and it is too big I think. No standover height and handlebars are too high at the lowest setting. I am hoping 17" would fit me better. Anyone else my height riding a frame this size? thanks - ed

Tapeworm21

Depends on the geometry of the frame in some cases. If you're too stretched out, it doesn't always mean the frame is too big. Sometimes it means your stem is too long or your saddle is too far back. Something I've noticed is that lots of mountain bikes now have a sloped top tube giving you more leg room so it kind of throws you off. At 5'10", it's hard to say. Some have a tall torso, some have long legs. Who am I to say? Just don't get less than a 17" (Medium) frame.

Go to a LBS, they'll setcha up.

taylor p

if you dont have any standover height than i would go with at least a 17'' and maybe smaller. If you could try a 17'' frame to see if it is the size you need that would be even better

Flak

I'm 5' 10" and ride a 17" perfectly if it means anything to you.

pinkrobe

A ~17" frame should be fine, in theory. I've owned everything from a 15.5" to 19" frame and currently ride a 17.5" hardtail, and a 17" rigid SS. I have a short torso and longer legs, so I run a short stem and 0 offset seatpost. YMMV.

Podolak

What is your inseam? I am 5' 9 1/4" with a 32 inch inseam. Both my rigid and suspension bikes are 17". They fit great.

AlucardZero

I'm 5'6" and ride a 19.5... It's fine, really.

jm01

Depends on the manufacturer...I'm 5'8". 30" inseam and have 17", 19", 20". and 21" bikes...all fit very well

The 17" MTB has a 15" BB height, 32" standover, and a 24" top tube...it's HUGE compared to the other bikes

Each company has unique specs...I'd never buy a bike without sitting on it, and the top tube length is the most critical component of bike fit, even 1" makes a big difference

Good luck with this

my 17"bike

breadbin

Thanks for replies, I have a 31-32" inseam. I used the fit calculator on competitive cyclist and it worked out perfectly for the dimensions of the new frame. I think it will be perfect.I will post some pics if and when I get it. - thanks

badger1

Breadbin: is the 18.5 the Marin Muirwoods you mention? If so, no b---y wonder it's too big (no 'I think' about it!). Marin measures centre-to-centre: that's one huge bike for a guy 5'10" w/31-32 inseam, equivalent to most mfg's 20/21 inch frames. I'm 5' 9" with long legs, and I can just ride a Marin 17" frame with rigid fork; with suspension I'd have to drop to 15, which is = to most mfg's 17/17.5.

Mountain_Owl

breadbin, I'm somewhere in the neighborhood of 5' 7"-to-5' 8" tall. My LBS recommended I ride a bike with a 17" frame. I ended up with one having an 18" frame...can't feel any difference...if that helps.

sherpaPeak

"Depends on the manufacturer"
second that....

also, the riding style, terrain, and bike geometry play a big role......If you are riding aggressively on rough terrain...you would want some clearance...

"I'm 5'8". 30" inseam and have 17", 19", 20". and 21" bikes...all fit very well.......The 17" MTB has a 15" BB height, 32" standover, and a 24" top tube..."

You have a 30" inseam and your bikes standover height is 32" and you are saying that it fits you well. Have you ever crashed while riding this bike? How did it go? unless you love to rough up your private parts, thats not a recommended fit. but hey, if it works for you and if you dont care about seriously injuring your boys....go crazy...

EJ123

I'm 6'3 on a 19.5. Hm.

VintageMTBR

I'm 5'10" and I can ride a 17" up to 19".I can even ride a 20" frame but that's pushing it.I guess that depends on your leg inseam length. I prefer top-tube length at about 22" to 23".I go for the racier profile.

z415

I'm 6'0" and I ride 16" or 16.5", somewhere around there, and I am comfortable. I like that nice feeling that others would call cramped. I also ride a 53 cm roadie when others say I should ride 56 - 60 cm or so. Go with you intuition.

Rex_Lewis

Thanks for the info guys, it has really helped me out as well.