electricwookie

i'm a super-noob so go easy on me. i have a 19" frame mtb and was wondering if there's any reason i would need to change frame size on a touring bike?

MillCreek

Well, touring/road bike frames probably have a different geometry than does your MTB, and their frame sizes are generally measured in centimeters. Depending on how much clearance your MTB top tube provides when you stand over it, and if you are looking at a 'traditional' geometry road/tour bike, you are probably going to be looking at a 58-60-62 cm road bike. This is heavily dependent on your height, leg length and torso size, so you are probably best advised to go to a LBS and get fitted and/or try a variety of bikes around these sizes. Not to mention that some manufacturers size their frames or measure the size of their frames differently than others. Once you get fitted and try some bikes, you will have a much better idea of what size and geometry of road/tour bike you are looking for.

MichaelW

How well does your MTB fit?
Generally with tour bikes, you have 1-3" of standover clearance and a top tube length suitable for a comfortable (rather than highly aerodynamic) position.
See
www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm