Sizing

[Kris]

Guys, im 84kg and going up to around 88, 183cm tall. Looking at buying a Mtb bike of 19.5" 2nd hand, would this be an ok size for me?

Thanks

[LordNikon]

Yes and no...

It all depends on the dimensions of the bike, whether it has a long cockpit or not etc etc etc, and whether you have longer legs, or a longer torso.

As always with this kind of thing it's best to get out and ride the bike and decide for yourself if it feels right.

[bighitter]

what frame are you looking at ?

[Kris]

its the Trek 4300 Alpha Disc. I know its got crap shorks, the brakes warp and the seat suxs but for a first time bike for $500 with helmet/light its not bad. Will change the other stuff as I get more experience.

[Gary]

Hey Kris,
I will start by saying that I am not very experienced and not qualified to give you sizing advice ;-) I went down the same path some months ago - being a noob I had no idea what bike I needed/suited and sprung some clams for a 2nd-hand FSR that I thought would give me enough flexibility for a year or so. I am 1.82 and about 75kg before a dump and I am finding my specialized L frame to be marginally small for me. I believe the 19" trek would be about M. I (stress my opinion only) believe you will end up getting a bigger frame sooner than you plan.

You can get a look see at the geometry here: http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Alpha_Aluminum/4300/index.php
And you can find any number of sizing guides by checking with google. It is really best to try it out, these can only ever be paper (er bit) based guides, so much depends on the frame and your own body geometry.

Good luck and hope you get into the saddle soon.
Cheers
Gary

[apsilon]

You really need to try it. Bike manufacturers are even worse than clothing manufacturers.

eg I'm 180cm and ride a 17" which I find perfect.

[chickadee]

the main thing i looked for when i got my bike was that i could toch the ground if my bike was say at a funny angle (which meant that i had to pass on first bike, before i even took it out *blush*)

So now i have an Giant ATX 17" and i'm 172, which is great for the more technical parts of the tracks, but for covering long flatish distances a bigger one would have been better.

So i guess it's all about what you are going to be doing most?


btw, personal opion only - i am not very experienced

[4heckssake]

like the others said it's personal opinion and varies with body size shape.

I'm 187 cm tall (short legs/long torso) and ride a 19". sometimes an 18". i can make do on other peoples 17" bikes as well but don't like riding anything bigger than 19".

[Kris]

Hey Kris,
I will start by saying that I am not very experienced and not qualified to give you sizing advice ;-) I went down the same path some months ago - being a noob I had no idea what bike I needed/suited and sprung some clams for a 2nd-hand FSR that I thought would give me enough flexibility for a year or so. I am 1.82 and about 75kg before a dump and I am finding my specialized L frame to be marginally small for me. I believe the 19" trek would be about M. I (stress my opinion only) believe you will end up getting a bigger frame sooner than you plan.

You can get a look see at the geometry here: http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Alpha_Aluminum/4300/index.php
And you can find any number of sizing guides by checking with google. It is really best to try it out, these can only ever be paper (er bit) based guides, so much depends on the frame and your own body geometry.

Good luck and hope you get into the saddle soon.
Cheers
Gary

Well I'm not sure of my weight before a dump but I'll find out ;)

This is a 19.5 so on paper it appears to be a good size, and yes I have every intention of testing the bike before I lay out the cash. Its been years since I rode a bike so I'm out of touch!

Will let you know how I go!

Appericate all the feedback guys, thank you