Jan 4, 2010
What Does The Sizing Of A Mountain Bike Refer To?
I’m looking for an entry-level mountain bike. I’m 5′5″. What size should I get?
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i’d agree with the first answer, it varies a lot from manufacturer to manufacturer.
some list sizes in inches (15″, 17″, 18″…) and this refers to the length of the seat tube on the frame, usually from the centre of the bottom bracket (the axle on which the cranks and pedals turn), to the top of the seat tube where the seat post clamp is located. However, a bike with a longer seat tube, will also have other bits that are longer, most importantly the top tube (oddly enough, the horizontal tube running along the top), and also the head tube (where the forks and handlebar stem attach).
Other manufacturers just use a Small, Medium, Large, XL system.
At 5′5″ you probably want to look at 16″ or 17″ frames, or a small or a medium. The only real way to tell though is to go to a proper bike shop and sit on a few, then ride the ones you like.
it’s not your height that matters so much as the length of your legs, torso, and arms. some manufacturers design their bikes differently for men and women, as they have different skeletal frames. your best bet is to find a reputable shop(s) near you, try the bikes out. the staff will help you pick one out that is the correct size for your body.
What matters is the length of your legs–because you need about an inch or better clearance between your crotch and the top tube.
A medium or 56cm bike may fit you or it may not. Some bikes have a nicely slanted top tube. This allows you to ride a larger size, which will come with higher, more comfortable handlebars.
Your arm length may also need fitted. This is where a smaller bike could be nice. Smaller bikes have shorter top tubes and this makes the handlebars closer.
I’m 6 foot tall with very short arms. So, I have to ride a tiny (tiny for me) 56cm bike with epic length seat post and stem risers in order to take advantage of the short top tube.
Most of the “comfort mountain” class will fit you just fine because their ergonomics have a great clearance for standover height and comfortably close handlebars.
These also fit the bill for price range.