How To Find The Right Sized MTB
Mountain bikes are a great fun way to explore the rugged off-road terrain, and if you’re thinking of buying a new bike and plan taking off road it’s important to select a well-fitted bike for you.
Why? Well, let’s put it simply, having the right size bike is not only safer but you’ll get maximum performance and efficiency when you’re out tackling those tricky tracks and off-roads, where it’s vital you’re in complete control and feel comfortable. Plus a good size bike also puts less strain on the joints letting you ride longer and harder.
When sizing yourself up for a mountain bike, the first thing to do is take a note of your inside leg measurement. This information allows you to find exactly what size bike you need according to our sizing guide.
Women’s bikes are designed to be more compact to fit a female body geometry, so remember measurements are gender specific.
Mountain Bike Sizing Guide
As far as mountain bikes go;
- If you’re male, have a 27 to 30 inch inside leg, you’ll need a 16 to 17-inch frame. If you’re a lady you’ll be looking for around about 14 to 15 inch frame.
- If your inside leg is between 30 and 33 inches, then male riders will need an 18 to 20-inch frame and with female riders requiring a 16 to 17-inch frame.
- Inside legs of 33 – 37 and male riders should be looking around for a 20-inch frame with women leading 17 inches of frame.
Also, there are several forms of mountain biking, so if you’re a downhill rider, you have very different needs to those of a cross-country cyclist. These are all factors which have a bearing on which type of bike you should go for and how you measure it up so, please keep this in mind.
You’ve also got to take into account personal variation as you may have below average inside leg in relation to your height so it can go down to personal preferences and comfort. But ultimately finding a well-fitted bike should result in you having relaxed shoulders and slightly bent elbows along with your needs being ever so slightly bent at the bottom of each pedal stroke.
If you are unsure about the exact size you need then it’s vital to try out a few bikes as your body can vary and how you feel on the bike is the most important factor.