How do you measure size on a mountain bike? what does 19 inches medium mean?

Question

I am 176 cm so what size bike is suitable?

How is this measurement calculated?

Answer 1

Traditionally, this would be the size of the seat tube from the bottom bracket (where the cranks go) to the top tube.

I'm not sure though about new mountain bikes, most have compact geometry so I think that this measurement is now just an equivalency. That sounds just about right for someone your size.

Answer 2

The best way to size it is stand over the cross bar and see how much clearence you have between you and the bike.  The next is to ride it. It the only to get the perfect bike for you.  It has to feel right.  But for a quick answer though with your height 19" frame is a good place to start.

Answer 3

Ok, so the "19", medium is the frame size of the bike.  The exact points that a bike frame size is measured from vary from company to company however it is from the very bottom of the frame (where the cranks and pedals etc are) so about the center or bolt on the cranks.  Then it is measured to usually somewhere between where the top tube meets the (sorry, but for lack of a more technical term) "up and down" tube or where the seat post begins.  So a 19" medium bike is a good racing bike for maybe a 5' 3-6" person and a good fit for an all-around bike for people probably 5' 3" or so and up.  So...if you are looking for a racing bike probably a medium or MAYBE large frame would work, but I would go with medium, especially if you are looking for a bike where the seat wouldn't be so high.  I hope this helps!

Answer 4

The majority of mountain bike frame sizes are measured from the centre of the bottom bracket (where the cranks are attached) to the top of the seat tube (the top of the seat post clamp).  A medium (19") size frame would be the maximum size that you would ride, you might even find that a small (17") size frame would be better, a large (21") would definitely be to big for you. Some bike frames have different frame geometry and a 19" frame can be classified as Large these frames will have the same length seat tube and stand over height as a 19" Medium frame but the top tube (the horizontal tube that connects between the seat and head tube) is longer. Generally it's said that you need at least 2" clearance between your crotch and the top tube when you stand over the bike.

Here's a few approximates:

Large 21" = 5'11" to 6'3"

Medium 19" = 5'7" to 6'

Small 17" = 5'3" to 5'8"