What size mountain bike?

[emily_in_nc]

Hi ~ I'm a roadie who is just starting to look at entry-level mountain bikes for riding trails around our neighborhood to stay in shape over the winter - nothing too long. Anywho, my question is about sizing of mtbs. My road bikes are size 46cm (Aegis) and 17.5" (Terry), which are both the second-to-smallest WSD sizes for those particular models. I am 5'2" with approx. 28" inseam. Which mtb sizes should I be looking at to start? 13-14"? And are effective top tube lengths longer on mtbs than on road bikes? I've looked at the geometry for a few bikes (Specialized Rockhopper, for one), and all the top tubes (effective, so measured horizontally) are over 20" (even for the very smallest size women's bike), where my road bikes are ~19". Is this going to be a problem or does it work out just fine on an mtb? I don't want to have to buy a kid's bike!!

Thanks so much for your help!

Emily

[pedalfaster]

Lucky you! I see you live in NC; you'll be heading up to Pisgah in no time

From your description, yes you'll be looking at mtbs in the 13-15" range. As you know test-riding is key.

Several thoughts on the TT issue:

On road bikes TT length is more important than standover (IMHO). Standover becomes a bit more important off-road; especially if you are new and especially if you will be riding off-road. The more technical the trail, the more grateful you'll be for that ability to hop right off the bike!

Luckily, most modern mtbs have a sloping top tube.

Yes the effective TT length is a bit longer, but the seat tube angles are more relaxed as well. I think you'll be able to feel this when you test ride.

You can run a shorter stem on your mtb (I like a 110 mm on the road, but will run 100 or 90mm off road). You can also get handle bars with more sweep and even a bit of rise if you prefer.

If you just can NOT get comfortable on a stock WSD mtb, there's always custom

[sarahfixit]

I ride a 17" even though I have a 31 inch inseam. Its a little close but I like the open position the top tube gives. If you can't find a short enough frame in normal MTB there are also a few 24" designs out there. They are becoming popular with the crazy stunt guys as well, so ya know they'll last

[Irulan]

First don't get locked into WSD, a small men's frame might be just fine.
Second, if you are used to riding a road bike, most likely a properly fit mountain bike is going to feel shorter in the cockpit than what you are accustomed to. I made the mistake of fitting my first mtb too long based on what I was used to, and let's just say it was a mistake that held me back for a few years.

here's what my tips page says about WSD:

What about WSD (women specific design)? It's a great concept, geometry and frames just for women. This concept is for a specific body type: women who have a short torso and long legs. I ride a men's 15" Kona which fits me beautifully. I have a longer torso. Don't get locked into WSD, but go ahead and try it and see if it's right for you. For some women, it's exactly what they need. Try lots of bikes until you feel the one that's right for you. Some things you can change out on your bike are smaller brake levers, shorter cranks, and more narrow handlebars.

If your LBS (Local Bike Shop) is insisting that you try WSD, or only WSD, and treating you in a condescending manner - "hey little lady, we know what you need..." Run, do not walk, to a different shop. You deserve better than that. Try lots of different bikes.

ride a LOT of bikes. Fit is the most important thing, over brand, over suspension, over wsd etc.

Irulan

[emily_in_nc]

Thank you ladies very much for the input!

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Just had to give y'all an update on my lovely new mountain bike, purchased this morning at REI and taken out on her maiden voyage this afternoon! I got the last 2004 they had left in our local store, which just happened to be the very smallest size (12") Novara Bonita (yes, it's WSD - after trying several bikes I determined that I am just an WSD type of gal.) Since the 2005 models are out, I got a great deal on this bike, and it fits me to a "t".

Took her out for a brief spin this afternoon on our gravel driveway, road, and then a short bit of our trails, which seemed a bit technical to me, a complete novice at off-road riding. I feel so out of shape! But I didn't fall once, and the bike was so comfy that even hitting rocks and holes was not a problem. I am looking forward to this since I can see already that riding off-road is going to up my fitness level exponentially, and that can only help on the road too!

Thanks again for your input and help, and I'll be reading your web pages for tips and info, Irulan - looks like lots of helpful info there!

I'll try to attach a photo of my new steed below!

Emily

[pedalfaster]

Love the green!

Couple of suggestions:

If you are already clippless on the road get clipless for the mtb ASAP. #1. You already know "heel out". The brain is trained---don't let those nasty cages de-train you! #2. All those things you love about clipless on the road? Efficiency, connection with the bike, body english, yadda yadda yadda...well those apply ten-fold off-road.

Loose the reflectors. If you are riding at dawn/dusk you need a good light-set anyhoo. Broken bits of plastic reflectors on the trail are a big pet-peeve.

FYI: it looks like you made a good choice re:fit. As your skills increase you have some room to play with position. You can decrease the # of spacers under the stem, and go for a shorter stem with less rise as you ~may~ find that you need a more aggressive riding position.

Hope you love the dirt as much as you love the road!!!

As the old Adidas (trail-running shoes) ad used to say: "The road to hell is paved."