Mountain bikes with 500 TTT?

[Cataboo]

I think mountain bike geometry is different than road bike geometry. So you possibly don't want to base the top tube length on what you have on your road bike.

[Catrin]

I think mountain bike geometry is different than road bike geometry. So you possibly don't want to base the top tube length on what you have on your road bike.

That would make sense and I was wondering that...a conversation with my fitter is in order the next time I see him. That LBS specializes in mountain bikes anyway 'Course, I am just looking...

[sundial]

Generally, TT on mtbs slope more than road bike TT to accommodate steeper seat tube and head tube angles.

[Catrin]

Generally, TT on mtbs slope more than road bike TT to accommodate steeper seat tube and head tube angles.

So of course the TT would have to be longer. That makes sense, thanks!

[SadieKate]

You need to be looking at effective top tube length, what the top tube would be if it were horizontal.

Remember mtn bikes do not have to fit to the mm the way a road bike should, at least assuming you're not going to plant your butt on it and ride it like a road bike. You move around so much more and it is such a more dynamic activity that you won't notice the 1 mm differences.

[Catrin]

You need to be looking at effective top tube length, what the top tube would be if it were horizontal.

Remember mtn bikes do not have to fit to the mm the way a road bike should, at least assuming you're not going to plant your butt on it and ride it like a road bike. You move around so much more and it is such a more dynamic activity that you won't notice the 1 mm differences.

I was wondering this, thanks! The differences are quite large though perhaps 25-35mm won't matter. When I am ready I will discuss this with my fitter. I won't know until the mountain bike clinic if my hands can handle it or if my skills have progressed enough to take on beginning mountain biking this year. I WANT to, but I don't want to set myself up for failure by taking it on too soon...

[indysteel]

Catrin, what's your inseam? I know that I had trouble finding MTBs that I could comfortably standover--but I have short legs, even for my height. You may run into the same thing. I ended up with a Specialized Myka.

[SadieKate]

I was wondering this, thanks! The differences are quite large though perhaps 25-35mm won't matter. When I am ready I will discuss this with my fitter. I won't know until the mountain bike clinic if my hands can handle it or if my skills have progressed enough to take on beginning mountain biking this year. I WANT to, but I don't want to set myself up for failure by taking it on too soon...

No, I said 1 mm, as in a FEW millimeters (maybe up to 10), not 3.5 centimeters! Move my mtb seat post 1 mm and I'm clueless. Move my road seatpost 1 mm, and beware!

Sheesh, give an inch, take a mile!