Today, we see the number of mountain bikes being sold skyrocketing. More and more people are adding a bike rack to their car, taking day or weekend trips to areas that require a little bit of challenge and skill. Just as with other types of bikes, it is essential that you choose the right type of mountain bike frame. Although this process can be somewhat complicated, this information will make it little easier.
You need to consider your height and build. Obviously, a person who stands 5’6” would need a different frame from someone that is 6’1”. While the taller person has more options because they can ride a smaller mountain bike if wanted, the shorter individual would not be able to ride a larger bike. To ensure you get the right frame for your height, stand flat-footed, keeping a minimum of two inches between the top of the tire tube and your crotch.
Now, if you have a longer torso, being built longer from the waist up, you would discover that riding a smaller frame bike lets you reach the ground with both feet safely, straddling the top tube. On the other hand, you could also ride a larger frame bike, which means you would have a longer top tube. Although the choice is yours, the difference in this case would have to do with balance, an important part of riding a bike. If you chose the bike with the larger frame, you would have better balance since the smaller frame would throw off your center of gravity.
Interestingly, when choosing the best frame for a mountain bike, centimeters can make a huge difference. For this reason, you see bikes sold in frame size as centimeters instead of inches. Next, you need to remember that a smaller frame will not hold as much body mass as a larger frame will. While you generally want to ride the smallest frame possible, if you are a larger built person, it would make sense to go up one frame size for the most comfortable and safest ride.
Keep in mind that most mountain bikes provide various types of adjustments in handlebars and seats but you still want to think about your height and build. Just as with buying any type of bike, you want to take time to test out several. The right mountain bike would feel right and ride nice, as well as steer and stop perfectly. By working with a reputable bike shop, they can work with you but if you decide to buy at a store on your own, remember these tips.