What size mountain bike do I need?
What size mountain bike do I need?
Because choosing the right size bike will result in a more comfortable and healthy riding experience.
Ask experienced riders and they'll tell you that all bikes feel and ride differently, even if they look almost identical on paper.
Manufacturers listing mountain bike frame sizes can be confusing, and how to measure bike frames is not set in stone. The traditional method is to list the seat tube length, but even this can vary because some measure to the top of the seat tube and some measure to the middle of the upper tube connecting the seat tube.
Many manufacturers simply size their bikes as XS, S, M, L, and XL, but a few are starting to differentiate by the reach number. This means they have been able to increase the bike's reach, wheelbase and upper tube length, while trying to keep the seat tube length and stack height shorter and lower.
The smaller tube length means shorter people can ride a car with a longer reach because they can adjust the seat height lower, making it possible to ride a larger bike. It is still important to consider seat tube and upper tube length when buying a bike. The length of the seat tube will determine the minimum cushion height that can be set, while the length of the upper tube will roughly determine the extent of the stretch.
So, where can I find the size frame I need? As with everything else on the car, there is no one perfect solution because, within reason, seat cushions, handlebars and so on can be adjusted to help adjust the riding posture. We recommend looking at the manufacturer's size table, which usually lists the recommended height range for each bike frame size they make.
——