I'm in the market for my second mountain bike. I've decided on the Gary Fisher HI FI Pro. My dealer has one but it is one size to big I think. My first bike was a fisher 26in hardtail and it was a size 17. When I was test riding the 3 HI FI models 2 of them were size 17 but the pro is a size 19. I couldn't tell much difference as far as size and the seat post was adjusted too short on the size 19 anyway. The owner of the shop watched me take off on it and asked me how tall I was and he thought the 19" would work.

These bikes are sold out in TN. What would you guys do? If he thinks he can size me on the 19" should I go for it or wait till the 2011's come out in supposedly August. He's looking for a size 17" but I haven't talked to him today. I just hate to spend that much money on a bike that may cause me problems. I've heard that mountain bikes you get the smallest size you can fit.

I'm 5'11" by the way.

I'm 5'10'' and ride a 19, with no problems. It should fit fine.

By the way, you "need advice", not "need advise". One's a noun, the other a verb. (sorry, just a little pet peeve of mine)

If the bike fits and your geometry is right and the LBS personnel really knows how to fit you to a bike then get it. I don't get hung up on the numbers but I do on the fit!

Do you trust your LBS personel? Be really careful here. I don't know much about fitting, but I do know not all LBSs are equal.