Selecting a mountain bike frame size require that the dimensions of the mountain bike frame are matched to the dimensions of the body of the individual that will ride the mountain bike. If the mountain bike frame dont fit the body of the individual, then the mountain bike will be difficult for that individual to ride, and will cause physical discomfort for that individual. Several different measurements of the body will need to be considered in order to ensure that the mountain bike frame that is select for purchase will fit the body of the individual corectly.
One of the first measurements of the body that should be consider for selecting the size of a mountain bike frame is the total height of the individual. The total height of the individual will help to indicate the size of the mountain bike frame that they should use. For instance, individuals with shorter total heights may require mountain bikes with compact frames that measures between 13 and 14 inches in size.
How to Choose the Right Mountain Bike Frame Size
Individuals that are taller than the shorter heights will require larger sizes for there mountain bikes, and individuals that is over six feet four inches tall may require mountain bike frames with travel sizes of 23 inches or larger in length. In addition to total height is another measurement that should be taken of the individual: the inseam length. The inseam length will help to determine the standover clearance that the individual will require when they are stand over the mountain bike frame.
Clearance of at least one or two inches should be provided between the body of the individual and the mountain bike frame to prevent discomfort during rides. The third measurement that will help to determine the attributes of the mountain bike that an individual should purchase is the size of the wheels of the mountain bike. The individual will choose the size of the wheels based off the total height of the individual that will be riding the bike, and the type of riding that that individual intend to perform on the mountain bike.
For instance, individuals that intend to ride smaller wheels will have wheel sizes of 26 inches in diameter, while individuals that wish to ride faster will desire mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels. Additionally, 27.5-inch wheels provide benefits of both smaller and larger sized wheels, and are a common size for those of average height and of intermediate riding abilities. Individuals that want more clearance from their wheels will also find benefits in larger sizes of wheels for their mountain bikes.
Another factor that will influence the selection of the size of the mountain bike frame that an individual will purchase is the type of riding discipline that that individual will perform on there mountain bike. For instance, individuals that intend to perform cross country riding will require frames that have minimal suspension travel, as well as head angles that are steeper to allow for better climbing of hills. Individual that intend to ride on trails may require frames with more suspension travel and slacker geometry to assist with descending.
Enduro riding will require bikes with even more slacker geometry than trail bikes, along with more suspension travel. Finally, individuals that intend to descend hills at high rates will require bikes with the largest amount of suspension travel, as well as the slackest geometry of any of the mountain bike types. Another consideration of the different attributes of mountain bikes is the geometric measurements of the mountain bike.
Reach is the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the head tube. Stack is the vertical distance between the bottom bracket and the head tube. The head tube angle will determine the position of the mountain bike’s front wheel, slack angles will increase confidence when descending hills, while steeper angles will allow the mountain bike to turn at higher rates when ascending hills.
The wheelbase is the distance between the wheels of the mountain bike; longer wheelbases are more stable at higher rates of speed, while shorter wheelbases will allow individuals to turn the mountain bike at quick rates. Finally, the chainstays are the distance from the bottom bracket to the rear wheel; short chainstays allow for better maneuvering in tight areas, while long chainstays will provide more traction for individuals when riding on uneven terrain. Other factors to consider when purchasing a mountain bike are the materials that are used to build the mountain bike’s frame.
Bicycles that has frames made of carbon fiber are lightweight and stiff, but typically more expensive than bikes made of other materials. Aluminum frames are common for mountain bikes and are considered to be the standard for most manufacturers. Additionally, steel frames are available for mountain bikes, and often have the added benefit of being highly durable.
In order to properly determine the size of the mountain bike frame that you should purchase, you should measure your inseam length while you are barefoot. Additionally, you should ensure that when you mount the saddle on the mountain bike, the angle of your knee is between 25 and 30 degrees when you are cycling at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Ensure as well that the handlebar of the mountain bike is the same width as your shoulders to allow for proper leverage when riding.
Finally, test ride any mountain bikes that you select to ensure that the reach and the stack of the mountain bike are suitable for your body. Bikes with frames that is too large may lead to back pain for the individual, while bikes with frames that is too small may make the individual feel awkward when they are riding the bike. Thus, taking these measurements will ensure that the mountain bike frame that you select will match the individuals body.
