Small fella - Big bike

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Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#249123 26-Apr-2019 17:20

Curious - what if I bought a bike that is large and I am not - how will that effect anything?

I'm after a stumpjumper. I'm 5'7" and I'm told I need a medium frame, but why? WHy can't I have a small or large frame?

I get it if I'm 6'4" and I choose a small frame - not good. But the other way around, would I not be ok?

I'd appreciate some bikeucation from members please.

Cheers

kobiak

1615 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2225702 26-Apr-2019 17:37

distance between seat and handlebar. if frame to big, you'll find yourself stretches to the front creating too much pressure on the arms.

helping others at evgenyk.nz

Deamo

159 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#2225753 26-Apr-2019 18:12

kobiak:
distance between seat and handlebar. if frame to big, you'll find yourself stretches to the front creating too much pressure on the arms.

That

Ultimately, its only a recommendation. Ride different sizes of the bike you want and buy whichever feels best.

One of my co-workers is about my height 5'10 and he prefers to ride bikes a size down from what's recommended.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#2225757 26-Apr-2019 18:19

For little people, big bikes feel like they're riding a farm gate. If you're riding off road the ability to get off the bike in a real hurry is hampered by larger frames.

On the other hand, a few bigger folk rider smaller frames as they are more 'chuckable'. I used to ride DH on a hardtail as it was easy to flick around... having said that, a proper sized full suspension rig was far more fun in the gnar!

Remember, a small frame with a looooong seatpost is putting a lot more stress on the frame / post and can leave to a premature frame or seatpost failure.

Oh yeah, handlebar to stem distance is also VERY important.

Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#2226190 27-Apr-2019 11:41

Ok thanks. Your comments have helped me come to a decision.

I've decided that I need to get myself into a bike shop and try the size.

Many thanks.

GeekGuy

590 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2226328 27-Apr-2019 13:24

Yorkshirekid:

Curious - what if I bought a bike that is large and I am not - how will that effect anything?

I'm after a stumpjumper. I'm 5'7" and I'm told I need a medium frame, but why? WHy can't I have a small or large frame?

I get it if I'm 6'4" and I choose a small frame - not good. But the other way around, would I not be ok?

I'd appreciate some bikeucation from members please.

Cheers

Thats interesting ... you may be a bit taller then my brother and he owns a Boss Hoss.

He goes on tours around the North Island every now and then with a few friends.

I will ask him about the frame on his one.

mudguard

2119 posts

Uber Geek

#2226704 28-Apr-2019 12:04

The hard part with a quick test or sit in the shop, is how it feels after an hour, or two hours of riding.

I'm 178cm and basically for the brand I ride, I'm at the end of Medium, and start of Large. I've always ridden a medium frame size. When I got really into riding, predominantly downhill, everyone tended to ride a smaller bike than recommended. My bike is five years old now, and while people go on and on about evolution in geometry in recent times, I jump on a newer bike they've certainly got more roomy. The reach on my medium is 431mm which feels fine. I've ridden a few of the next size up and it hasn't been a problem, I'd get used to it pretty quickly.

Batman

Mad Scientist
29763 posts

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Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2226827 28-Apr-2019 14:36

Bike a bit big is difficult to ride but very ok if only cycling on flat tarmac. Bike too big is unridable.

Bike a bit small is very easy to ride but a bit uncomfortable over time.

Bike too small is easy to ride but uncomfortable, but the limiting factor is usually the seat post is too short for your height - need a new seat post from aliexpress. The other limiting thing is if it's way too small your toes will touch the front wheel when you turn it.