|   Frame Sizing questions | sdate247
Aug 7, 2002 11:55 AM | | What is the best way to fit a mountain bike? Standover height? Cockpit length? Combination of the two? Is it better to have more standover height and run a longer stem to compensate for a shorter top-tube or is it better to have at least 2" of standover height and run a shorter stem?
I'm testing out a new frame that is probably closer to the right size
for me (I'm 5'8" with a 32.25" inseam - that would be a book pressed
'tightly' up against my bits and pieces). The frame is an 18.5"
(center of bb to top of tube) bike with an 'effective' standover height of 31" (top tube of 23"). My old bike may be a frame size too small as I have a standover height in the 4" range but makes me run a 135mm stem (top tube of 22"). I can pull the new frame up to a standover height of 2.25-2.5" with my old wheelset, I can also pull it up tight and jump without hitting (that test now seems rather crazy in hindsight).
I live in northern California and do mostly single track, climbing and
fireroads - no hucking. I'm nervous about the loss of standover height but am curious if the new bike would fit better since I would be able to run a 100mm stem. Any advice? |
| for what you describe... | jcw
Aug 7, 2002 2:00 PM | | cockpit length is much more important than standover. Cockpit length is what determines your weight distribution on the bike, and that, in turn, directly relates to how the bike handles. I'm 6' with a 32.5" inseam and ride a Large C-dale Jekyll with practically no standover and it's never been a problem. I'm not saying it'll never be a problem, but my experience has been that I've adjusted my emergency dismount style to compensate for the lack of clearance. All you have to do is let the bike drop to one side. You'll get much better climbing ability and bike handling with a bike that has the proper cockpit length. |
| go for the top tube length | Lopsided Mind
Aug 7, 2002 3:14 PM | | For the type of riding you described, prioritize your top tube length.
I have two bikes. The one I use for smooth jazz John Tesh XC riding has longer top tube and I have barely any standover height. My punk Sex Pistols bike has more standover clearance for huckering around.
It's easy to train yourself to tilt the bike to one side in case of an emergency dismount. Or you can just plant down one foot and keep the other on the pedal, this helps automatically tilt the bike. |
| Summary: John Tesh=top tube & Sex Pistols=seat tube NM | Lopsided Mind
Aug 7, 2002 3:16 PM | | NM |
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