Help finding the right bicycle frame size for me??

Question

I'm looking into buying a mountain bike. I am looking to buying a specialized. I'm only 5'2 and need to find the right size frame for me. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks! ♥

Answer 1

Measure your inseam (the length on the inside of your leg) than take away about 13 inches. 10 inches is for the average height of the bottom bracket from the ground and the 3 inches is for standover height. This number will give you your maximum frame size. It is recomended that you have at least 3 inches standover clearence but it doesnt matter if you have more, I for example like having more standover height so i take away about 14-15 inches. E.g. my inseam is 30 inches so i take away 13 and i get a 17 inch frame size, although i would go for a 16 as these are more common and i liek more clearence, partly because im a boy and i dont like catching my nagins on the frame if i slip =]

I would also advise going and trying out different bikes and seeing which you feel more comfortable on as no calculation will be able to tell you weather you will like the bike unless you ride it.

Answer 2

It is smart of you to ask this question, because proper fit is important in bicycling.

Mountain bikes are XS, S, M, L, and so forth, and measured in inches. The measurement is the length of the seatpost (not the wheel diameter) and even the way that is done varies among manufacturers.

In a mountain bike you probably need an XS, certainly something with a frame size of less than 15", which is the typical small size in mountain bike sizing. A 13" might fit you best, but they are hard to find. It's best in bicycle frame sizing to err on the small side, that is, it's better to have one that is too small than too large, because you can adapt a smaller one by seatpost adjustment and stem replacement -- difficult with a larger frame.

Sheldon Brown has an excellent article on frame sizing. I've put the link below. Gary Klein's article on mountain bike sizing is the second link. According to Klein's scheme, an XS would be the largest size you could tolerate. Finally, I’ve also put  links to the Colorado Cyclist and Bikes Direct pages on this subject. They are both excellent online sellers, one high priced and the other low priced.

Good luck, and happy riding.