Mountain Bike Sizes

When considering mountain bike sizes, your inseam and height are the two crucial factors. Keep the following data in mind when choosing a mountain bike.

Height and Inseam Data

Those with a height of 4’11 and an inseam length of 27” need a bike frame size of 13 to 15 inches. Those between 5’3 and 5’’7 (inseam 29”) need a bike frame of 15 to 17 inches. Those who are 5’11 (inseam 29 to 31”) will require a bike frame of 19 inches. If you’re between 5’11 to 6’2 (inseam 33 to 35”) the frame should be 23 inches.

Those who are 6’4 and over have an inseam of 35” (and up). The bike frame should be 24 inches.

Assessing the Frame

One way to get the mountain bike sizes right is to stand over the frame. Place your feet on a level surface. The right size will have a few inches of space between the tube and your crotch. The space should be equal to your hand’s width across the fingers.

Assess the Seat

You should also look at the seat. When you get on the bike, it should allow you to place your legs nearly straight out. Put your foot on the pedal. The knee bend should be minimal. This is crucial in maintaining speed and reducing stress.

The actual sitting position is also critical in determining the right mountain bike size. When you sit, your feet should not reach the ground. If you’re able to firmly set it while sitting, the bike is low. The right height should allow you to touch the floor on tippy toes only.

Also look for a seat that’s level. If it’s inclined forward you’ll feel like you are slipping ahead. Backward inclination is even worse; you won’t get any power on the pedal and have to work harder.

When you sit, the weight and pressure should be the same as when sitting on an even seat. It also helps if the seat can be adjusted a little bit forward or backwards.

The Handlebar

The handlebar is used to help you make adjustments that will help you ride as comfortably as possible. This is one of the most critical elements when evaluating mountain bike sizes.

The marks of a good handlebar are allowing you to ride smoothly without straining the wrists and back. Finding the right one is actually a matter of preference.

Only you can determine the right type of handlebar. The best option is to go to the bike shop. The people there will help you find the right fit. Usually though, mountain bike handlebars are set four inches under the saddle.

The goal is to have a low gravity center. The lower setting will help if you’re going off the road. A low handlebar also helps negotiate rough terrain.

While there are guides on mountain bike sizes, in the end it’s really up to you to find the right one. But if you invest enough time and effort, you’ll end up with a bike that will provide you with hours of excitement.