How to Choose a Mountain Bike Frame Size
Cam Merritt has been a professional writer and editor since 1992, specializing in articles about spectator sports, personal finance and law. He has produced content for "USA Today," "The Des Moines Register" and the "Better Homes and Gardens" family of magazines and websites. Merritt has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Drake University.
The right frame size can make all the difference in safe and enjoyable mountain biking. If your bike frame is too small, you lose power. Too large, and you sacrifice control. Frame size is determined by the length of the "seat tube," the metal tube running from the pedal assembly to the seat. Generally, the taller you are, the larger the frame you need, but the most important measurement is not your height. It's your inseam--the distance from the ground to your groin. Choosing a mountain bike frame size starts by getting an accurate inseam measurement. You'll need a friend to help you.
Step 1
Remove your shoes.
Step 2
Stand with your back against a wall, with your feet together and flat on the floor.
Step 3
Tuck a thin hardcover book or clipboard vertically between your legs, so that one edge of the book is square with the wall. The top of the book should fit snugly against your groin, but not so tight that it causes pain.
Step 4
Ask a partner to measure the distance from the top of the book to the floor with a tape measure. Your partner must hold the tape measure straight up and down. Holding it an angle will skew the result.
Step 5
Have your partner read off the measurement in inches. This measurement is your inseam, and you'll use it to find a frame size.
Step 6
Convert your inseam length to a frame size using the following chart:
Under 26-inch inseam: 13-inch frame or child's bike
26- to 27-inch inseam: 14-inch frame
27.5- to 28.5-inch inseam: 15-inch frame
29- to 30 -inch inseam: 16-inch frame
30.5- to 31.5-inch inseam: 17-inch frame
32- to 32.5-inch inseam: 18-inch frame
33- to 34-inch inseam: 19-inch frame
34.5- to 35.5-inch inseam: 20-inch frame
36- to 37-inch inseam: 21-inch frame
Over 37-inch inseam: 22-inch or 23-inch frame
Tips and Warnings
- The inseam-derived frame size is a good starting point, but it is still just a starting point. Depending on the size of pedal assembly you use, the kind of seat you want, the height at which you like to set the seat, and the handlebar width and height you prefer, you might decide to go up or even down a frame size. Keep this in mind when shopping for a bike.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Thin hardcover book or clipboard
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