Mountain bikers. What size bike do you ride?

Been looking at some hardtail mountain bikes and from reading the size guides online i could use either a 18" or 20" frame. I'm 5'11" with 32" inside leg.

I've had a go on a 20" frame and it gave me about 2-3" of TT-NS (top tube to nut sack) clearance but couldn't try the 18" version as they had none in stock.

Not sure if an 18" frame would be too small but the 20" bike felt a bit big.

 

I don't think frame size means much anymore due to the varying geometry's

 

Yeah, every manufacturer has different sizes for the same frame size. I know some people who have a few bikes that fit them but are much different sizes (some as much as 4" bigger).
Just wondered what other people were riding to be honest.

 

I ride a 29'er in the biggest frame size, it's too big really and I should've got a medium, all decent makes these days are different

 

only real way is to try one i use to ride for Kona and due to a sloping top tube the size i rode was completely different to others makes
some good info to get you started
http://www.bikeradar.com/beginners/gear/article/mountain-bike-sizing-what-size-bike-do-i-need-40477/

 

Thats a good guide but i still come in the 18-20" frame size bracket again.
I know you should ride before you buy but the only shops round here are a couple of high end bike shops, halfrauds and go outdoors 35 miles away so trying to work out what i need online is doing my head in.
Most bikes in the price range i can afford have cheap coil forks which get pants reviews.

 

in theory either a 17 or 18 inch frame with typical geometry would suit you based on your inside leg measurement, but there's no substitute for a test ride....I'm 5'81/2" inside leg 31 but I ride a 15 inch frame....I prefer smaller frame with longer seat post/stem....and 165 cranks

try as many as possible....

 

With you on the Kona, still got my 1997 Kula, still rides lovely and low top tube makes its ride like a cruiser BMX

 

If you try the likes of wiggle, they used to offer a trial service by courier. Might be worth a try​

 

you'll almost always get a better bike secondhand, especially MTBs as people tyically buy a stock bike, upgrade, then get another....how much are you looking to spend, if you don't mind me asking?

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specializ...694359?hash=item35fcfcd397:g:0jAAAOSwoBtW5wiz

can't go far wrong with a Spesh rockhopper it's an older frame but looks in good nick...easy geometry, nice pingy frame....some decent bits on the above as well

a bike courier will set you back around £30...loads online

 

still have mine i use to do endurance cross country events on it. its the last chromoly cinder cone frame i just could not get on with the alloy framed ones.

just ignore the stupid gear its in, dont know whats going on i must of been tired

 

Steel rules! Rigid Surly Troll here...

 

Looking to spend around £400 mark, which seems will only get me an entry level bike with pretty poor components.
Theres not a lot available secondhand round here unless you want a Carerra.

Volkswombat, i don't think wiggle do the trial service anymore.

 

Small people always add a half....

never sized a bike in my life....

 

Thats a decent bit of kit. Still really needs riding before buying though.

 

There should be an abundance of secondhand gear up your way, edge of the lakes.

Tried pinkbike?

Get over to 4play bikes in cocker, great blokes and they have a good price range of stuff,

Or an ex hire bike from the likes of whinlatter, etc

 

I was being ironic...anyway, I'm not small, I'm a perfectly formed average height

 

I have a later framed version with similar kit on, in a 17inch....it's akin to the VW golf mk2 of mountain bikes...does everything pretty well
also rode a stumpjumper hardtail of similar vintage which was faster, but more twitchy

 

I`m 5`11 and currently ride a Rockhopper based on an 19 inch `08 frame - totally brilliant ride . It`s got a few decent upgrades but even the basic bike wasn`t too shabby , just a bit heavy .
I`ve built a few mountain bikes over the years and sold most of them now but still hung onto the Rockhopper as it`s a brilliant allrounder - shame you`re not closer as i have an identical frame and was thinking of putting another together to move on for about what you want to pay ...