What size mountain bike should you have if you are 5"3 with a 29.5 inch inseam?

[need_help]

I just bought a 17.5" Specialized Rockhopper and am starting to think it is too big--why didn't the guy at the store get me to try a 15"? It is true I am used to riding stretched out but maybe this is a bad habit I should break? Does anyone my size have such a big bike? This is a big purchase for me (I buy a new bike once every 10 years or so) so I am despondant. Thanks so much for your advice.

[zoom-zoom]

That does sound too big. I am a bit taller with a 30" inseam and the Salsa 29er I'm getting is a 14. Some 15s would be comparable. I had a 16" bike years ago that was too big for me.

[indysteel]

I'm 5'4 with a similar inseam. I have a 15' hardtail, and a size small full suspension bike. No way could I ride a 17'5. Can you even stand over the bike comfortably? Go back to the shop and speak to the manager. I find it amazing that they would have put you on that size of a bike.

[ridebikeme]

I ride a 15" hardtail and a small fully, and like others I'm 5'5" with a 29 inseam. With that said, I agree with others that I would take it back and speak with the manager. The salesperson may ahve assumed that you were comfortable, but on the other hand might have suggested that it looked a bit long through the top tube. Although you may have been comfortable with being stretched out, remember that if you are planning to ride in the dirt that will also make it harder to handle the bike and much harder to learn to pick up the front wheel.

[Irulan]

5-3 here, 29" inseam. I ride a 15" FS and a women's med FSR. Me thinks you are on the wrong size bike. This is common that road riders switching over aren't used to how small a mtb cockpit might feel.

[Owlie]

I don't have a mountain bike (yet!), but the ones I'm looking at are in the 16-17.5" range (WSD 29ers right now). I'm just under 5'7" with a 33"+ inseam. I'm going to say that that bike is too bike.

[Irulan]

Take the bike back and give him heck?

+1 ( or ask for the manager)

[Giulianna23]

I am 5'6 1/2" and slightly over of a 30" inseam and I am on a Mens Medium size Giant MTB. According to the Giant website that is a size 18" . I don't feel that is too big for me..I can reach the floor with no problem with the saddle at the normal height like it is in the picture. The guy offer me to cut the seat post if anything but I feel just fine with it like it is. My torso is pretty equal in length with my legs so maybe thats why. I don't know much about this but In your case it looks like def your reach to the handlebar is the problem and they should have put you on a smaller bike.

[limewave]

I'm 5'7" with a 30-31" inseam. I ride a 15" mountain bike with an extended seatpost. After having a professional bike fit I was told I was just on the line between a 15" and 17.5". After doing ALOT of test riding I bought the smaller frame. I felt like I could really toss around the 15" bike while the medium frame felt bulky. I am very surprised he didn't have you try a smaller frame. That is so bad!

[ride4fun]

Please keep us posted on what happens. I agree that bike is to big .
My husband just bought a small size frame (he is 5'5") this after riding a Med. frame for 3 years,the fit is amazing and he rides so much better now.
Do not take NO for a answer , you need check out a smaller bike.

[Loraura]

Is it scratched?

If not, things like tires and grips can be replaced with exact new ones for a lot cheaper to put it back in new condition. If you fell and scratched it, well... I can see their point. My suggestion is to rent first, when possible. Spend a day or a weekend on it. If unsure, rent it again, till you are.

I've bought many bikes that were too big. Each one I've sold on Craigslist for a little less than I paid until I figured out what I needed in bike geometry.

I agree that stand over is not the best indicator of MTB sizing. Reach is the important one. Proper reach while the saddle is in proper relation to the cranks for power output.