Quick question about bike frame size

[goodtimes5]

When stores call a bike " 24" Mountain Bike," is the 24" referring to the frame size or the wheel size? I ask because I'm trying to buy a used bike but don't know if the bikes are big enough for me.

If you really want to be helpful, you could try answering this question: Will this bike fit me? I'm 5'10".
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2061608&sourceid=1500000000000003260420&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=2061608#Features+%26+Specifications

[Neil321]

im no lance armstrong but im pretty sure it relates to wheel diameter

[DZ/015]

This bike is probably too small for you. When talking about size, manufacturers generally are referring to wheel size. You should go to a local bike shop if you are in doubt about what type of bicycle will fit your frame. The only way to be sure is to try them out in person.

[smokeyrabbit]

Mountain bikes sizes refer to the frame usually. The one you linked says it has 24" wheels, however.

I suggest you type in "mountain bike frame size" into a Google search bos and check out the results.

[wordmunger]

Places like Wal-Mart will generally be referring to wheel diameter.

High-end bike shops will generally be referring to frame size.

On a mountain bike, 26-inch wheels are standard for adults, so a bike with 24-inch wheels will be too small for most adults.

[ejb190]

Bike sizing is kind of like shoes. Two bikes might have the same size, but they "fit" totally differently.

Will the bike fit you? You need to start with what kind of riding you are doing. If you are looking to just wander around and the bike seems comfortable, go for it. If you are planning on doing some more serious riding (several miles a day), you might want to consider heading to a bike shop and get properly fitted for a bike. If you are not comfortable on a bike, you won't use it. If you don't use it, it is a waste of money no matter how little you spent. I would never buy a bike without trying it out.

For an interesting article on the confusing art of frame sizing, check out http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html. There are a bunch of links at the bottom about fitting a bike.

[ejb190]

Sorry - Double post

[iJohnHenry]

For me, if I can stand flat-footed, straddling the crossbar, and have it snug to my crotch, it's perfect.

Then you adjust the seat so that you don't quite straighten your knees on the down-stroke. Best power that way.

Handle bars are a matter of comfort for your back.


EDIT: I'm 6', and my last bike had a 27" frame. An odd size from normal.

[iMpathetic]

Yeah, that's the kind of bike that an 11-year-old would ride.

As for fit, I have messed-up ideas, cause I'm a freerider. I'm a featherweight, of course, so I ride a Small '03 Enduro Comp.....

Yeah. I need to get out and ride a bit later today. The ****ing shock is leaking again. :mad:

</ramble>

[hmmfe]

For a mountain bike, you want a slightly smaller frame than you would in a road bike. As iJohnHenry suggests, straddle the bike and should have a little clearance between your crotch and the top tube. The reason I think is pretty obvious.

Typical mountain bikes use 26" wheels - and 29" wheels (29ers) are becoming popular. I would stay away from 24" wheels at you size. I am 6"0" and have a 19.5" mountain bike frame. As others have suggested, bike frame fit is very subjective. The angles (or geometry) of the frame will make a difference so you best bet is to test drive as many in your price range as you can find. Also, if you go to your LBS they will be able to "fit" the bike for you.

[iJohnHenry]

Yes, mine was sized and set for speed cruising, not off-road stuff.

I could go miles and miles, etc, etc. :p

[wordmunger]

For me, if I can stand flat-footed, straddling the crossbar, and have it snug to my crotch, it's perfect.

For a mountain bike -- one you actually ride in the mountains -- that would be disastrous. My mountain bike has a good three to four inches crotch clearance. Comes in handy when you need to stop quickly in rugged terrain.

[NicolasSMB]

Hello !

I developed a solution for bike sizing: SizeMyBike http://www.sizemybike.com. It is a bike fitting calculator available on iPhone.
I hope that this application will be useful for you !!!

http://www.sizemybike.com/iphoneh1.png

[Surely]

^^^ I'm sure it would be very useful if you are able to travel back in time to May 2, 2008.

[renewed]

^^^ I'm sure it would be very useful if you are able to travel back in time to May 2, 2008.

At least he searched and I'm sure someone will find it useful in present day. ;)

[Surely]

At least he searched and I'm sure someone will find it useful in present day. ;)

Um, it's a drive-by spam post.

[renewed]

Um, it's a drive-by spam post.

At least it's relevant to the thread. Just saying.

[Surely]

At least it's relevant to the thread. Just saying.

Even so, the poster has one post, and if you scroll up a little, you're looking at it.

The poster's sole purpose was to advertise his App.

It is no different than if a large company were to scour these threads for references to their products, and then start posting links to their stores.

:)

[renewed]

Even so, the poster has one post, and if you scroll up a little, you're looking at it.

The poster's sole purpose was to advertise his App.

It is no different than if a large company were to scour these threads for references to their products, and then start posting links to their stores.

:)

It's a relevant spam post. There we go. Agreeing is fun. :p