I’ve always been a summer sports fanatic, and you just can’t get much better than mountain biking down some amazing trails in the warmer months of the year. Although the sport can be rough, it’s so rewarding. If there’s one thing you have to have before hitting the trails, it’s the right size mountain bike.
How do you measure a mountain bike frame? Like any sport, it’s critical to have the right equipment to set you up for success when riding down that mountain. First key piece of that is finding the right size bike for you. It’s so important to have a bike that fits your body, so understanding the precise measurements is key.
If you’re new to the sport, it’s not too late to join the team and try it out. You can rent a mountain bike for the weekend, or splurge and buy yourself a new piece of equipment. Either way, you’ll want to make sure that the bike you take out on the trail is a good fit for you.
How To Measure a Mountain Bike Frame
With safety being so important on the mountain, one of the most critical elements of mountain biking is finding the right size bike.
Matching the best bike for you is fairly simple, as long as you know what you’re looking for. To accurately measure a mountain bike frame, there are a few key steps you’ll want to take to get your figures right.
How To Measure a Mountain Bike Frame:
- Identify the various parts of the bike frame
- Measure the length of the seat tube
- Record your measurements to the nearest centimeter and half-inch
- Select the right size bike for your height
To begin when inspecting a bike frame, you will first want to find the very top of the seat tube, which is where the seat clamp holds onto the seat post.
Then you will also need to identify the center of the bracket running along the bottom of the frame. Basically, get yourself familiar with the skeleton of the bike – it’s going to be your security line down the mountain.
Once you have found both of these, you will want to measure the distance in between the two. Be sure to note this in both centimeters and inches, down to the half-inch for the most accurate measurements. This will end up being the length of your seat tube.
The seat tube will serve as a baseline guide to what size bike will fit you the best. Typically, manufacturers will base sizing charts off of a range in seat length against a range in height for the rider.
Each size will have a range of a few inches, which can then be customized further by adjustment of the seat to fit the rider more comfortably.
Do yourself a favor and check out the wheels on the bike as well. Typically, mountain bikes are going to house large tread tires with much thicker footprints than a road bike. Size of the tires could also affect the height of the bike in addition to the frame size.
How To Find The Correct Sized Mountain Bike
When you are confident you’ve recorded the measurements accurately, you’ll be able to determine if that size frame will fit your body as a rider. This is where your body stats enter the equation.
How To Find The Correct Sized Mountain Bike:
- Accurately record your height and weight
- Know what you are looking for in a bike
- Determine wheel size and bike style
- Ask the experts if you have questions
If you are going to rule the mountain, you need to make sure you’re on the best fit bike for you. In addition to the frame length of the bike, there are some other factors we need to consider as well.
Make it a point to review the steps discussed below so that you can find the correct sized mountain bike.
Rider height and weight will play the biggest role in sizing out the right fit for you. Mountain bikes come in all sizes ranging from very small for the young riders all the way up to the extra large frames for the big and tall.
Most models of men’s and women’s bikes will differ slightly in design to ensure catered comfort for all.
Make sure you record your height without your shoes on, as well as your current weight. These numbers will be the baseline to start from when sizing out your mountain bike.
By matching your bike frame to your body build, you will be able to control your bike on the trails – not the other way around.
People are all unique in their own way, that much is for sure. It is recommended that you go beyond just height and weight measurements to note your inseam as well.
Some people have much longer legs than others, and as pedaling is paramount in this sport, it might make a difference when choosing what size mountain bike works for you.
Check out different brands of mountain bikes before you decide to purchase one. Find one that fits your skill level, size and style. Look into your options for wheels and tires, then find a bike that has all of your favorite qualities.
Chances are you’ll be riding your new bike for several years, so make it a solid investment and choose the one that will endure several seasons with you.
If you can’t seem to narrow down a good fit for you (or maybe you aren’t even sure what “your fit” is), don’t be shy – ask questions.
The folks in the sporting goods stores typically know their stuff and are more than happy to walk you through what to look for in your new mountain bike. At the end of the day, they want to see people happy with their purchases too.
It’s like buying a car, just less expensive. No one just walks into a dealership and buys the first car they see. You’ve got to know what you’re paying for before you take it off the lot. Ask the experts what they would recommend for you, and maybe even take one for a test ride.
The experts will be able to note your body type and skill level, and from there, recommend a few options for you to look at. They may ask you several questions on experience and past trails you’ve conquered.
This will help them to see if you’re a beginner or more of an advanced rider, which could slightly change the type of mountain bike you could ride.
Online reviews can also be helpful if you are on the fence about a particular style or brand of a mountain bike. Before you break out your wallet, it can’t hurt to see what experiences other riders have had.
The mountain biking community is huge, so another great resource to ask about bike reputations could be those you hit the trails with. Hearing what works best for others could also help you in narrowing down what style and size mountain bike would be ideal for you.
There are multiple factors that go into choosing the best mountain bike for you, but getting the size of the bike right is one of the most important pieces.
After all, you want to maximize your experience so you feel safe and confident on your ride.
One thing that could slow you down is attempting to scale the mountainside on a bike that is either too small to hold your talent or a bit too big to rule the trail with you.
This could potentially bring your day to an undesirable end if you don’t have the proper gear. Knowing what to look for when choosing your ride is paramount.
Trying to ride a bike that is either too small or too big for you could result in an accident or injury, neither of which are desired outcomes from a day intended for adventure.
By understanding the appropriate measurements, you are keeping yourself out of harm’s way and safely prepared for anything the trails might throw your way.
If you’re just planning to rent a mountain bike, it’s always a good idea to chat with the experts in the store so they can assist in finding a bike that fits you.
If you’re heading out on vacation during the summer months, many of the ski resorts have fantastic and knowledgeable staff that will ensure you’re on the best mountain bike for your build.
Buying a mountain bike is definitely an investment, so if you’re thinking about taking that plunge, be sure and do your research on the different brands, styles, and sizes for your body type and skill level.
Don’t waste your money by putting yourself on a bike you don’t like to ride – what’s the fun in that if it’s just going to collect dust in your garage?
You’ll be so glad you spent the time learning the different parts and pieces of a mountain bike so that you can accurately measure the frame and find the perfect fit for you.
It will make your trip down the mountain much more fun, and the right bike will keep you safe from injury and lessen the potential for an accident due to faulty equipment.
Mountain Bike Sizing Guide
Using a mountain bike sizing guide can be a total lifesaver when you are shopping for your new wheels. A guide will outline general parameters to the available sizes and recommend what will fit you the best.
The guide will help to make sure you aren’t walking in blind or making up your own size match – and trust me, that is not something you want to guess on!
Overall, mountain bike sizing is generally universal when looking at ranges. Some companies may differ slightly, but for the most part, you will see the following items included in a mountain bike sizing guide.
Mountain Bike Sizing Guide Factors:
- Length of the seat tube
- Rider height range relative to bike size
- Rider weight range relative to bike size
Your key measurements are what will determine the right size bike for you. Certain mountain bikes companies may even have their own customized sizing chart.
It’s important to know what to look for in an accurate mountain bike sizing guide. When you consider what will fit you the best, be sure the guide includes things like frame size, rider height range, and general weight range.
Many guides will break down these ranges and then note various frame sizes for mountain bikes into general sizes from small to extra large.
Children’s guides are often completely separate from the adult sizing guides, for obvious reasons. Be sure to find a guide that covers the type of mountain bike you’re considering buying.
If you don’t have an accurate sizing guide, it’s basically like using the wrong trail map when you head up the mountain. If the guide doesn’t match your goal, it’s not going to do you any good.
If you’re unsure about what sizing guide to use, ask someone in the store to assist. They will get you on the right track and can help review the guide with you to find your recommended size.
Know that guides for sizing are exactly that – general guides. If you are teetering on the high range of one size and the low end of the next size up, you may need to try both and adjust the seating position in order to fit your body better.
Some mountain bikes are much more customized, so just be sure to work the size match before you make your final purchase.
Why Does Frame Size Matter On a Mountain Bike?
Yes, size does matter here. Though there are multiple different factors that play into finding the right mountain bike for you, the frame size is essentially the most vital component to consider.
Reasons Frame Size Matters On a Mountain Bike:
- Rider Comfort
- Overall Safety
- Skill level of expertise
Have you ever ridden a bike too big for you? Imagine trying to ride a bike that you can barely reach the pedals on, then put yourself on the side of a mountain.
Not only would you probably be stressed out, but it also would definitely not be the most comfortable ride. Especially on advanced trails, you want to make sure you are comfortable on your bike if you plan to hop rocks.
In review of safety standards for extreme sports such as mountain biking, everyone can agree that finding the right size bike is like having the right tools to perform an operation as a doctor. Okay, so maybe it’s a bit less life-critical than that…but you get the point.
If you end up on a mountain bike with a frame that doesn’t fit your body, you could seriously injure yourself.
Aside from the comfort factor, safety is nothing to joke about when you play in the world of extreme sports. Staying safe out on the mountain trails requires riders to be on the right size bike for them.
Tires may affect the end size of your mountain bike slightly, but the core skeleton that determines the baseline for the bike is the frame itself.
The frame is what will hold the rest of your mountain bike together, and is considered the first factor to measure when sizing as well as the most important piece on the bike.
As you progress in skill level and confidence on the trails, you may find that you want to change up the bike that you ride. More advanced riders may choose to deviate a bit from the standard sizing guide to customize their riding experience even further.
Once you’ve spent that much time on the trails, it’s easier to recognize what fits your riding style.
Before you purchase your mountain bike, make sure you are familiar with your options. Know your body height and weight measurements and ask lots of questions on the front end so you can make an educated selection and go home with a mountain bike that fits you and your experience level.
Do some research and find a sizing guide that will help you find the right fit for your adventure aspirations. Take your time when shopping for your mountain bike. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the perfect fit right away.
There are tons of options out there in many styles and sizes, you just have to find what fits you the best.
Mountain biking is a sport the whole family can enjoy. If you haven’t tried it yet, add it to your summer bucket list. Just be sure and keep in mind the things to look for in finding the right size mountain bike.
Don’t let yourself get caught up in trouble on the mountain trails simply because you don’t have the right size mountain bike.
Take your time, do your homework and find the perfect bike for you and all your summer adventures. In the long run, it will be worth every minute spent on the front end.