Q. I'm trying to get a mountain bike online for cheap, but don't know what dimensions to look for since kids bikes look the same as mens bikes with out a frame of reference? I'm 6' 1" tall and about 200 lbs...please help. These people online have all told me I would fit comfortably on their bikes w ith the frames ranging from 21" - 26"??? I think they are just trying to sell their bike to some sap :)
Answer
As a retired bike dealer, I can tell you that fit is very important. I would recommend getting fitted by you local dealer...but remember, all bikes are not the same size. There are really 2 measurements involved...1st is wheel size...that's the 12,16,20,24,26,and 27 inches . Then there is frame size...ths distance from the top of the seat post of the frame to the middle of the crank. How the bike isdesigned can make a difference in this measurement. There is also stand-over height and leg length. You should be able to stand flat footed over the frame and bend your knees a little (If you fall or have to jump off in a hurry you are going to bend your knees, so make sure you have enough clearence.) Most of the good manufactures will have these measurments readily available.
Don't let anyone tell you that you can raise the seat or put in a longer seatpost. That will not raise the handlebar height, and you will bent over too much, and not comfortable.
Lastly, are you going to ride off road, or just around town? The rougher you are going to ride, the smaller the frame you can handle (see above about falling off.)
Go see your local dealer.
As a retired bike dealer, I can tell you that fit is very important. I would recommend getting fitted by you local dealer...but remember, all bikes are not the same size. There are really 2 measurements involved...1st is wheel size...that's the 12,16,20,24,26,and 27 inches . Then there is frame size...ths distance from the top of the seat post of the frame to the middle of the crank. How the bike isdesigned can make a difference in this measurement. There is also stand-over height and leg length. You should be able to stand flat footed over the frame and bend your knees a little (If you fall or have to jump off in a hurry you are going to bend your knees, so make sure you have enough clearence.) Most of the good manufactures will have these measurments readily available.
Don't let anyone tell you that you can raise the seat or put in a longer seatpost. That will not raise the handlebar height, and you will bent over too much, and not comfortable.
Lastly, are you going to ride off road, or just around town? The rougher you are going to ride, the smaller the frame you can handle (see above about falling off.)
Go see your local dealer.
Bike Experts: Which Mountain Bike is the Best?
Im looking to buy a decent yet used mountain bike for $200 and was wondering which of these 4 bikes is the best? And if you could rate them in order that would be nice too. Thanks!
1) http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=10726687&cat=191&lpid=0
2) http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=10703534&cat=191&lpid=1
3) http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=10708237&cat=191&lpid=0
4) http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=10659868&cat=191&lpid=2
*Sidenote: I am 6'3" so let me know if any of the bikes would not work for me. Thanks guys.
Answer
None of them will work...period. You are 6' 3" tall & you're looking at kid's bikes with 24" wheels? Even a discount store special wouldn't work because of your height. Discount store bikes come in one frame size only.
Let me back up a bit... Once into the 26" and 700C wheel size (adult bikes) bikes are measured by frame size. For example, at 5' 10" tall, I have a mountain bike with an 18" frame. Because you are 5" taller, you would most likely move into a 20" or possibly even a 22" frame.
Please go to a real bike shop, if for no other reason than to just ask questions. Then go look in the classifieds for something that will fit you better.
None of them will work...period. You are 6' 3" tall & you're looking at kid's bikes with 24" wheels? Even a discount store special wouldn't work because of your height. Discount store bikes come in one frame size only.
Let me back up a bit... Once into the 26" and 700C wheel size (adult bikes) bikes are measured by frame size. For example, at 5' 10" tall, I have a mountain bike with an 18" frame. Because you are 5" taller, you would most likely move into a 20" or possibly even a 22" frame.
Please go to a real bike shop, if for no other reason than to just ask questions. Then go look in the classifieds for something that will fit you better.
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