Mountain Bikes
- Started
- Last post
- 140 Responses
- k0na_an0k0
NegativeSpace I'm 5'7" and always rode a 18" frame. I'm much more legs than I am torso and I never had a problem. If you're 5'9" I'd go with the 19, but talk to the shop dude.
If when you hop off the seat and stand flat footed you rack your bean sack on the frame, you need a shorter one, if you're clear of it you're fine with that frame.
Happy ridings.
- horton0
there's no golden rule for frame size, every bike has different geometry and feel... but considering you want the bike for XC i'd say 18" might be a little small.
but let the shop guy size you up, not the PVN ;)
- nvf0
Tom good luck with getting the bike today. we should celebrate later by consuming a bottle of domestic beer.
- horton0
* based on you saying 5'11" earlier, and not 5'9".
- DSmith0
Buy what feels comfortable. I always base my purchases on the first second I throw a leg over any bike. If it fits in the top tube then I get this familiar feeling and I'm able to just ride it. Anytime somebody says "you'll get used to it" my face screws up in a grimace and I toss the bike in the weeds.
Frame size is all preference. I'm 6'2 and ride a 17" hardtail but I come from BMX background so small bikes have always appealed to me.
Spend the extra money now on the better spec. Premium parts wear better and replacing shifter and derailleurs is where the bike industry gets you. Also upgrade the rubber right away. All bikes no matter who they are ship with OEM single ply bullshit so they can reduce the pricepoint.
Kona: They build solid bikes but their warranty program is a bit dodgy. I recco'd Specialized because they have an unlimited lifetime warranty on their frames. Its more of an issue with freeride over XC but ASK THE BIKESHOP ABOUT THE WARRANTY? They'll say its the same as any other company but its not true.
Also register your bike with Kona. If it gets stolen they will most times offer you a deal at a replacment cost. Bikes cost as much as cars these days so insure it too.
- NegativeSpace0
Sweet thanks for all the tips.
@nvf, thx man
I am going to see if they can swap the pedals for something with a large platform so i can use normal shoes while i adjust to the clipess. I have never rode them them but I have rode with toe clips before. I can imagine them being really nice for smooth trails and road riding, but I think i'd be a little nervous when it comes to climbing or something a little more technical.
- Point50
yo. Amazing thread here. I was just looking at bikes this weekend. However, I'm a straight up rookie. I haven't rode a bike since the day I got my driver's license. :(
Anyway, I tried to understand as much of the bike nerd lingo as I could here and it was kind of helpful. So many fuckin bikes out there.
- m2100
anyone in socal here? laguna beach/aliso woods area?
- kyl30
I'm loving my eggbeater pedals, you'll get used to the clipless in a couple of days
- weldedturkey0
That looks like a good all around bike for recreational trail riding, a little jumping (the slooped geometry yells for some aggressive riding).
Where to start? I would suggest riding a bunch of bikes before jumping into that one. Keep in mind 1400 goes a lot further in mass production brands like Trek, Fisher and Specialized, vs boutique brands like Turner, Santa Cruz, Yeti, Rocky Mountain, etc.
- DSmith0
I always think its funny that Rocky and Santa Cruz are considered boutique brands. So many of the people I know have Santa Cruz bikes that its almost like they have an enclave here in Vancouver. Rocky is also based here so I run into atleast 1 RMX a ride on the weekends. Numbers make them boutique brands but for the money you can't beat SantaCruz quality. I owned a Bullit a few years back and I would buy a Heckler or one of their Blur4x bikes tomorrow if I could justify the expense. Nice bikes for sure.
- m2100
agreed. santa cruz are amazing bikes. i'm on a turner... and its my favorite bike ever. also high on my list: intense, yeti, and titus. also, ironhorse are also incredible bikes, but more for dh then all mountain.
i expect the scott ransom to turn some heads now that its in the u.s.
- kyl30
was looking at santa cruz but the yeti was on sale and felt a bit better so I went with it. great bike and since i'm in CO now, I can front like a local ;p
- m2100
ha yeah.. for sure. did you get the 575? like to know how she rides. i'm thinking about that one these days...
- Timson0
I am about 5' 11", fairly long legs, I am thinking I need an 18" frame, but not positive.
NegativeSpace
(May 15 06, 05:42)http://www.wrenchscience.com/WS1…
check out the right colmumn.if you are between two sizes i'd recommend buying the smaller version, it gives more freedom of movement, more fun on the technical parts of the track.
- milo0
I've set my heart on the new Intense 6.6, anyone here riden one?
- milo0
I'm currently riding a Cove Stiffee FR - if your after a HT that can take a pounding, give it a try.
- ornj0
Got myself a Davinci Wilson with a Shiver and a Swinger 4way.
Blew out the 6way that came with it :-/
- madirish0
Santa Cruz makes great rides. rode them for years and help ride test the Super8 when it was coming out. that was also my last SC.
killer construction and a real attention to detail on their rigs. the price is a big one to swallow for many, but the product speaks for itself, and the company will always stand behind you- regardless what hell you put it through.
i luv dem squishy sleds :)
- milo0
The Nomad is getting some seriously good reviews in the UK, can't quite make up my mind whether i like the whole curvy frame or not though..