If you want to buy a new mountain bike, you quickly ask yourself the question: Which frame size fits my body size? Most manufacturers specify their frame sizes like clothing sizes in small, medium, large and extra-large. Others state the seat tube length in centimetres or inches. It is also becoming increasingly popular to choose a mountain bike according to its reach. However, as with clothing, the bikes are sometimes extremely different. This means that while a size M bike from one manufacturer fits me perfectly, I have to go for a size L frame from another manufacturer.
How do I find the optimum MTB frame size?
There's only one way to find the right frame size: try it out! Sit on it in the shop and ride a few metres. But how do I determine the right size for bikes from a mail order company or online shop? In order to find the right size without "sitting on it", almost every manufacturer provides size and geometry tables that indicate the right frame size for the respective body size. But be careful here! Just like clothing, frame sizes vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is therefore worth taking a look at the geometry table in advance >> Mountain bike frame geometry explained simply <<
However, to find the right MTB frame size, body height alone is often not meaningful enough. The stride length, which can be measured quickly and easily, is crucial. Once you have determined your height and stride length, you will often find size calculators on the websites of mail order companies and online shops that calculate the right MTB frame height from these two values. Simply enter your height and stride length and the online tool will spit out a recommendation. Practical. Most manufacturers include the inseam in the height tables.
What to do if the size doesn't fit perfectly? You're sitting a little too stretched out or the handlebars are too low. Here you can Fine-tuning the cockpit This can be remedied. A shorter stem, for example, brings the handlebars closer to the saddle and thus ensures a more upright riding position. The handlebar height can also be customised using the spacers above and below the stem. The Handlebar width is also important to feel comfortable on a mountain bike. The Adjusting the saddle can ensure a more comfortable sitting position.
