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Bike size to height
G'Day all,
Before I start I know that there are many things other than height that influence frame size choice and bikes can be set up differently.
But I was wondering what size frame people are using and how tall they are.
I'm 179cm (5.101/2 in the old language) and currently ride a 20" hardtail which I'm finding a little too big. I used to ride an 18" hardtail which felt too small and last week I jumped on another 18" hardtail which also felt too small.
Here is the crux though, I jumper on a 17.5" Gary Fisher full sus and it felt perfect. The owner was around my height and recons its the best fit bike he's had. I'm wondering if a medium or 17-18" frame would fit me better than a large when I go a full sus.
So what are others running and how tall are you?
Cheers.
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I think you need to look at all the frame measurements. I am 183cm and am currently on a 19.5 Trek Fuel EX. At first this appears smaller than my last two bikes which were 20 and 21 inch. Looking at the other measurements the top tube length on the Trek frame was 20mm longer than my old bike giving a longer reach. Add to this not all bike manufacturers measure there frames from the same spot causing more confusion in sizing.
Top tube length was the most critical for me, I like it about 600mm otherwise I'm stretched out to much. 21" suits my leg length nicely. Edit. The Trance is a 20" and I'm 185cm.
I found the fork travel made the biggest difference for me, The handle bars sat higher than my old hardtail.
I'm a little bit shorter I think (well I say 5'10" but people laugh at me *shrugs)
my Trance is an 18 ... but I run a 90mm stem
My Bullit is a Medium (not sure what that equates too I think its an 18.5) ... but I was running s 70mm stem (now a 50)
My stinky is a 17.5 with a 50mm
They all feel good
I've also jumped on a small Merida & Trance x (I think they were 16.5) and they felt OK, or more like it didn't hurt and I didn't notice and real issues with steering or pedalling etc (but I think they had a 100mm to 110 stems respectively.
So at our height (ish), I think we fall between sizes ... I think I'd rather a slightly larger frame with a shorter stem, then vice versa so I think an 18.5 for an XC or a 17.5 for an AM would be what I'd like to be on