What size mountain bike?

emily_in_nc · 02-09-2005, 04:59 AM

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 · 02-09-2005, 06:15 AM

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 · 02-09-2005, 08:45 AM

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 · 02-09-2005, 08:49 AM

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:

Quote:

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 · 02-10-2005, 09:48 AM

Thank you ladies very much for the input!

Emily

emily_in_nc · 02-13-2005, 01:42 PM

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 · 02-13-2005, 02:39 PM

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."

emily_in_nc · 02-13-2005, 03:09 PM

Yep, I use Eggbeaters Candy pedals on my Bike Friday (love 'em!) and already have a pair in waiting for the new bike, just haven't gotten them on yet (but will soon, very soon). Also already planned to lose the reflectors too!

Thanks for the suggestions, though - I didn't know that I could have spacers removed from the stem, but that's good information. I am a long way from needing to get more aggressive, but maybe one day!

Emily

sarahfixit · 02-13-2005, 05:09 PM

Looks like a good steed

I like the look too. She will go the distance with you.

SadieKate · 02-13-2005, 09:15 PM

Congrats! New bikes are always such fun.

Yes, lose the reflectors! I've seen people do headers on the trail because the reflector broke and jammed in various wheel/brake parts. Ugly business.

I would guess from the road bikes you're riding, you will want to take out some spacers rather quickly because you're used to a more aero-road position. You can move the stem up and down by just putting some of the spacers on top of the stem to experiment with bar height. If you find that you can't get hunkered down far enough over the bars when climbing a steep hill (front wheel keeps lifting), swap some spacers to the top of the stem and try the hill again. You've got a very, very upright position on that bike and space to take the bar down without making it an overly aggressive position. Once you like your new position, you can have the steerer tube on the fork cut so that you don't have all the spacers on the top of the stem. BUT,don't do that until you are sure of what you want. You can't uncut the fork. Another solution is to get a stem with less rise.

Have fun! You've entered a whole new world!

Irulan · 02-14-2005, 08:18 AM

What SK said about the spacers. Lose them. A general rule for mtb is that the saddle should be level with or an inch or two higher than the handlebars, at least for xc trail riding, not downhill.

Now, ride it like you stole it!!!

Irulan

sarahfixit · 02-14-2005, 07:05 PM

Another adjustment trick if you need more range is to flip the stem upside down. I know it sounds wierd, but some mfg actually print the decals both ways for that.

emily_in_nc · 02-15-2005, 09:58 AM

Thanks for all the tips, ladies! None of my previous bikes has had a threadless stem so spacers, etc. are all new to me, but I do agree that I don't need the handlebars quite so high. Will investigate!

Another question...does anyone have any good mtb books or websites for BEGINNERS (especially women) to recommend? I read Irulan's tips, which were great, but now I am hungry for more basics. It's such a different type of riding than road riding.

Thanks!!

Emily

SadieKate · 02-15-2005, 10:06 AM

Get Ned Overend's video, "Performance Mountain Biking." It will give you a terrific grounding in all the basics.

Irulan · 02-15-2005, 10:28 AM

Ned also has a book, but I bet a video is great too.

You might google Wildflower Mountain biking, they have a video also for women.

Where are you located? You just might find a skills camp near you.

Sometimes just mileage is a good thing.

Irulan

02-09-2005, 08:45 AM	#3
sarahfixit MTB Racer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: eastern PA Posts: 97	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 __________________ Ride it, break it, fixit, ride it...

02-10-2005, 09:48 AM	#5
emily_in_nc Boston Terriers rule! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Land of the Elves Posts: 2,852	Thank you ladies very much for the input! Emily __________________ Emily

02-13-2005, 01:42 PM	#6
emily_in_nc Boston Terriers rule! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Land of the Elves Posts: 2,852	My new ride! 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 Attached Images __________________ Emily

02-13-2005, 02:39 PM	#7
pedalfaster Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midwest Posts: 499	congrats! 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."

02-13-2005, 03:09 PM	#8
emily_in_nc Boston Terriers rule! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Land of the Elves Posts: 2,852	Yep, I use Eggbeaters Candy pedals on my Bike Friday (love 'em!) and already have a pair in waiting for the new bike, just haven't gotten them on yet (but will soon, very soon). Also already planned to lose the reflectors too! Thanks for the suggestions, though - I didn't know that I could have spacers removed from the stem, but that's good information. I am a long way from needing to get more aggressive, but maybe one day! Emily __________________ Emily Last edited by emily_in_nc : 02-13-2005 at 03:10 PM. Reason: used wrong word (spacers instead of reflectors!)

02-09-2005, 04:59 AM	#1
emily_in_nc Boston Terriers rule! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Land of the Elves Posts: 2,852	What size mountain bike? 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 __________________ Emily

02-09-2005, 06:15 AM	#2
pedalfaster Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midwest Posts: 499	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

02-13-2005, 05:09 PM	#9
sarahfixit MTB Racer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: eastern PA Posts: 97	Looks like a good steed I like the look too. She will go the distance with you. __________________ Ride it, break it, fixit, ride it...

02-13-2005, 09:15 PM	#10
SadieKate Inner Geekette Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bendemonium Posts: 8,935	Congrats! New bikes are always such fun. Yes, lose the reflectors! I've seen people do headers on the trail because the reflector broke and jammed in various wheel/brake parts. Ugly business. I would guess from the road bikes you're riding, you will want to take out some spacers rather quickly because you're used to a more aero-road position. You can move the stem up and down by just putting some of the spacers on top of the stem to experiment with bar height. If you find that you can't get hunkered down far enough over the bars when climbing a steep hill (front wheel keeps lifting), swap some spacers to the top of the stem and try the hill again. You've got a very, very upright position on that bike and space to take the bar down without making it an overly aggressive position. Once you like your new position, you can have the steerer tube on the fork cut so that you don't have all the spacers on the top of the stem. BUT,don't do that until you are sure of what you want. You can't uncut the fork. Another solution is to get a stem with less rise. Have fun! You've entered a whole new world!

02-14-2005, 08:18 AM	#11
Irulan tree hugger Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: the dry side Posts: 2,520	What SK said about the spacers. Lose them. A general rule for mtb is that the saddle should be level with or an inch or two higher than the handlebars, at least for xc trail riding, not downhill. Now, ride it like you stole it!!! Irulan

02-14-2005, 07:05 PM	#12
sarahfixit MTB Racer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: eastern PA Posts: 97	Another adjustment trick if you need more range is to flip the stem upside down. I know it sounds wierd, but some mfg actually print the decals both ways for that. __________________ Ride it, break it, fixit, ride it...

02-15-2005, 09:58 AM	#13
emily_in_nc Boston Terriers rule! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Land of the Elves Posts: 2,852	Thanks for all the tips, ladies! None of my previous bikes has had a threadless stem so spacers, etc. are all new to me, but I do agree that I don't need the handlebars quite so high. Will investigate! Another question...does anyone have any good mtb books or websites for BEGINNERS (especially women) to recommend? I read Irulan's tips, which were great, but now I am hungry for more basics. It's such a different type of riding than road riding. Thanks!! Emily __________________ Emily

02-15-2005, 10:06 AM	#14
SadieKate Inner Geekette Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bendemonium Posts: 8,935	Get Ned Overend's video, "Performance Mountain Biking." It will give you a terrific grounding in all the basics.

02-15-2005, 10:28 AM	#15
Irulan tree hugger Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: the dry side Posts: 2,520	Ned also has a book, but I bet a video is great too. You might google Wildflower Mountain biking, they have a video also for women. Where are you located? You just might find a skills camp near you. Sometimes just mileage is a good thing. Irulan

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode