Advice on my new bike

[RobJShe]

Having been out of the mountain biking scene for about 12 years I have just bought myself a 2008 GT Outpost with a view to getting back into it and upgrading eventually. What I am wondering though is have a bought a bike too big for me? I am 6ft tall by the way.

I have gone for a "large" which has a seat tube length of 505mm (20 inches) and can`t help thinking it is too big. However having ridden it I do feel comfortable and have the seat raised. I can`t help but think though that the medium size frame with it`s shorter horizontal top tube would leave me to crouched and subsequently leave my knees too close to my arms whilst riding. Especially off-road.

The guy in the shop (a local dealer with excellent reputation) steered me away from the medium however and who am I too argue!

Any advice gratefully received.

[Trooper2]

What's your inseam measurement?

When you stand flatfooted over the toptube how much clearance do you have?

When you ride in the saddle do you have a natural bend in your arms or are your elbows locked?

Edited by Trooper2 on Sunday 3rd February 21:00

[RobJShe]

My inseam is 32 inches and whilst straddling the top bar I have very little clearance but just enough that if I came off I would`nt be singing soprano.

When riding I have a very slight bend in my arms but it is very slight.

Edited by RobJShe on Sunday 3rd February 21:23

Edited by RobJShe on Sunday 3rd February 21:24

[WildCards]

What size was the medium Rob? Sounds like a 19" possibly 18" or somewhere inbetween would be more suitable. If it's available that it is.

[mk1fan]

The first test to see if a mtb frame is the right size is the standover clearance. You should have (imoho) at least 75mm crutch clearance when you're stood over the top tube.

Although, this is only needed if you intend to ride 'proper' off-road stuff, i.e not just canal paths, bridleways or fireroads.

Does sound like you have short legs for your height as well. With out actually being there whilst you were sold the bike I can't comment on whether you received bad advice or not. I have had discussion with one of my LBS's regarding the size of a bike they sold another customer which was clearly too big for them. Their response didn't reflect well from a Professional point of view.

[RobJShe]

Thanks for the advice so far. I have this afternoon exchanged the large for a medium and it "feels" better - less cumbersome and not as big and clumsy.

The guy in the shop was unsure but advice from you guys and a couple of mates has confirmed the 18 inch frame is the better off road bike.

Just want to get out on it now!

[AbarthChris]

RobJShe said:

Thanks for the advice so far. I have this afternoon exchanged the large for a medium and it "feels" better - less cumbersome and not as big and clumsy.

The guy in the shop was unsure but advice from you guys and a couple of mates has confirmed the 18 inch frame is the better off road bike.

Just want to get out on it now!

You did the right thing mate, it sounds like the guy in the shop is an 'old school' shop owner, as they used to prefer a bigger frame whereas thats not the case now.

I'm 6'2" with a 33inch inside leg and I ride a 17inch Kona with a 440mm seatpost and a 18inch Craftworks, again with a 400mm seatpost. I'll always take a smaller frame (as long as the top tube is long enough) than a larger frame.

good luck with the new toy!

[pdV6]

My old commuter hack is a 20.5" Marin & I'm 6'2" with a 34" inside leg.

Although I used to ride it a lot off road, I wish I'd had better advice when I bought it ~10 years ago as the next size down - 19" - would probably have been a better fit.

Edited by pdV6 on Tuesday 5th February 12:09