Do adult mountain bikes come with different size frames?

Question

Several years ago I had an adult Huffy mountain bike that I really liked. It was very comfortable to ride and fit me well. It was demolished in an accident. I bought another Huffy that I thought was of identical size, but I soon realized it was somehow smaller and I was more scrunched up on it.

Do these bikes come with different frame sizes? I have never seen any indication that they do, but it's the only explanation I can think of that makes any sense.

If they do have different frame sizes, how is the suitable size for a person determined? Again, the second bike I bought seemed OK at first when I tried it in the store, but when I actually rode it outside, it was obviously smaller than my previous bike.

Answer 1

Yes - they do! People sometimes confuse the size of the bike with the tire size! (i.e: a 26" mountain bike...)

First an aside:

materials make a big difference in how a bike 'feels' and comfort. Older steel frames had a lot of give, more modern materials are often stiffer and transmit more vibration and bumps to the rider. Tires can also make a big difference in how the bike feels. An aggressive off road tread is going to feel rough on pavement, and depending on what pressure you run your tires at, how much bump and vibration they take up will vary, as well as they feel in steering - lower pressure - more absorption - but can feel a little sloppy in the steering, High pressure - transmits more, but steering feels more precise.

But back to sizes:

Most now only come in a range of sizes (sm, md, lrg, xlrg). A good shop will help you with fit, but generally if it is a mountain bike and that is what it will be used for, you want a frame that gives you 3-4" of clearance when you stand over the bike, road bikes you usually want just a little clearance.

If you have an odd leg length to torso leg, you are going to have trouble getting a perfect fit. I am 6', but have short legs, so a proper leg fit tends to make for a little short seat to handle bars distance.

You can always find people that will make you a custom fit frame!  

Answer 2

Some are marked S,M, or L , while some have an actual number for the size.

Answer 3

Yes, they do have different sizes. Most are marked with a Large (or long), Medium, or either Short or Small. Unfortunately, bike companies are like jean companies, they all have different size frames, but a small in one brand and a small in another could be very different.

Trying to find your size at a bike shop would be a much better experience for sizing (if they don't have the one you need they could order your size)