Dumb question about frame sizes

[Ponch]

I know that there are a lot of factors that go into sizing a bike, but is there a general rule of thumb when it comes to frame size and the riders height.

I'm 5'5" (yeah, yeah I know thats sort, but I'm pretty scrappy) what size frame should I be looking for?

Jesse

[dirttorpeedo]

Originally Posted by four1481

I know that there are a lot of factors that go into sizing a bike, but is there a general rule of thumb when it comes to frame size and the riders height.

I'm 5'5" (yeah, yeah I know thats sort, but I'm pretty scrappy) what size frame should I be looking for?

Jesse

when you figure out what frame you like check with the manufacturer to see if there is a shop that has the bike to test ride it. your size prob. small to med. depending on the maker. hope that helps.

[Ponch]

Is 18" med or large??

[TURNERob]

Originally Posted by four1481

Is 18" med or large??

18" is generally a medium......but as mentioned sizes vary depending on manufacturer.

[dhshuttlemonkey]

At 5'5", I would go with a small.

[LBmtb]

Originally Posted by mtbracer36

At 5'5", I would go with a small.

I'm about 5'6" and ride a Yeti 575. But like they said different manufacturers are different when it comes to small/medium/large/etc. Kona, for example, makes their frames towards the small end. So if you're a small on another bike you might ride a medium Kona. I think that Elllsworth runs large?

[EndoMaster]

Originally Posted by LBmtb

I'm about 5'6" and ride a Yeti 575. But like they said different manufacturers are different when it comes to small/medium/large/etc. Kona, for example, makes their frames towards the small end. So if you're a small on another bike you might ride a medium Kona. I think that Elllsworth runs large?

Some manufacturers have different sizing even within their own product line. Specialized comes to mind, I remember when I was comparing frame geometries that the top tube measurement wasn't consistent. Their hardtails tend to have longer top tube measurements than their full suspension bikes.

[Krunk]

Originally Posted by LBmtb

I'm about 5'6" and ride a Yeti 575. But like they said different manufacturers are different when it comes to small/medium/large/etc. Kona, for example, makes their frames towards the small end. So if you're a small on another bike you might ride a medium Kona. I think that Elllsworth runs large?

True

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by four1481

I know that there are a lot of factors that go into sizing a bike, but is there a general rule of thumb when it comes to frame size and the riders height.

I'm 5'5" (yeah, yeah I know thats sort, but I'm pretty scrappy) what size frame should I be looking for?

Jesse

Let us know what bike and size you are looking at and maybe one of us will have one you could ride. If you are looking at Turners there are allot of "Homers" around here.

I ride a medium Heckler and my inseam is around a 30", I'm 5'8. To repeat what everyone else says, sit on different bikes, play with different seat positions and try different stem lengths. They all will feel different.

I rode Craigs EPIC for the race on Saturday and while it is a medium sized frame I felt way stretched out compared to my positioning on my Heckler. It had a longer stem than my Heckler has on it, but it is also a XC frame vs. a freeride/trail bike frame that my Heckler is. I'm almost positive if I measured the two top tubes, the Epic's would be longer.

[Ponch]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm not sure what I am looking for yet, but I will probably buy something used. Just wanted to get advice and what sizes I should consider before wasting too much time. I would like to get a decent X-C frame that I could add/upgrade when I get more $$.

[ECOdork]

Take your time, do your research, and shop around! What better excuse to visit the area bike shops??? And amongst all the riders here you can get the low-down on lots of names and styles.

Originally Posted by four1481

Thanks for all the advice. I'm not sure what I am looking for yet, but I will probably buy something used. Just wanted to get advice and what sizes I should consider before wasting too much time. I would like to get a decent X-C frame that I could add/upgrade when I get more $$.