??Help on the right frame size??

[Biker]

I located a good deal on a jekyll 900 sx. It is a medium size frame. I am 6ft 2.5 with a 33in inseam. The guy at the bike shop assures me this bike size is ok for me. How can I tell?

I couldn't find any sizing info on the cannondale site.

thanks

Tim

[denis-on-enduro]

Originally posted by Biker
I located a good deal on a jekyll 900 sx. It is a medium size frame. I am 6ft 2.5 with a 33in inseam. The guy at the bike shop assures me this bike size is ok for me. How can I tell?

I couldn't find any sizing info on the cannondale site.

thanks

Tim

Well if you got it from eriks then they are correct because i jsut go thte specialized enduro medium frmae and it is perfect.!:crazy:

[funky-funky-chicken]

You can find the geometry here:

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/geo-41C.html

Do they have a large? I would try to ride both the medium and the large to get a feel for which one fits best. There is not that significant of a difference in the standover height, but there is an inch difference in the top tube length. The size will greatly affect how the bike handles.

Do you have an existing bike? If so, how does it fit you and how does it compare to what you are looking at buying?

I would recommend to try to test ride (not just around the parking lot) as many bikes as you can to find something that feels right. What's right is a matter of personal preference. It's not a good deal if it doesn't fit you!

[zerpy]

I'd definately say you need a test ride. I'm about the same height (6'2) and I ride a 21" specialized Hardrock. I think it kind of maxes out in the height of the top tube, I'd actually like a little more space, but I needed it for the length of the top tube. I was much too cramped on a smaller bike. But even with the height of the top tube on this bike, the seat is even, or maybe just above, my handlebars. And I have an angled stem (15 degrees) and riser bars.

I can say that on any medium frame I've ever been on, I feel like I'm riding a little kids bike:) I always need a large or extra large frame depending on the geometry or I am really cramped.

Make sure you do some tight maneuvering and some cornering. Do you have room between your knees and handlebars when really cranking it around? Do you feel cramped? Make sure you try lots of different geometries because what feels fine might feel like crap when you come back to it after being on something that fits.

You can find the geometry chart for the jekyll 900 sx on cannondale's site here:

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/00/cusa/geo-0VN9L.html

[Kingbozo]

I'm not super familiar with how Cannondale sizes their bike, but I am guessing that may be a tad on the small side for you. One thing to look at: When you have the seat height adjusted for proper leg extension, it really shouldn't be more than a 1 or 2 inches higher than the handlebars. A test ride is definitly in order. I'm only two inches taller than you and I am riding an Extra Large Specialized Enduro

[Ish]

I am 6'2" as well and while I am not familiar with the Canondale's - I would be surprised if a medium fits you - both in height and "cockpit" size. I have tried many other brands and a Medium is to small. Think of it this way - if a Medium fits you, then everyone under 6' has to ride a small????

Like everyone else says - you gotta test ride them. I would also try a couple different shops to get their opinions.

[zerpy]

Originally posted by Crash
I would also try a couple different shops to get their opinions.

Definately. When I was shopping for my first bike, I had one shop try to sell me a 15" bike. Hind site being 20-20 and now that I know the kid better, it turns out he is a BMXer and was new to the shop at that time. Not that BMXers are bad, but he's not (or wasn't at that time) familiar with MTB sizing.

[manual63]

Keep in mind the changing geometry of bikes these days. It's not so much the height of the frame you need to be concerned with. It's the top tube length you need to pay attention to. If the bars seem too close with a medium sized stem, then it is probably too small. You can tell if the frame is too short by how your body is positioned when the seat is at the correct height. Your knee should be slightly bent when sitting and having one leg in the down position on the pedal. Then lean forward and grab the bars. You should have a good 45 degree angle with your back. That is about right. Not too far forward, but not too upright either.

You can make adjustments to frames by putting on a longer or short stem, but this can cause handling issues. Too long of a stem will cause you to be over the front wheel too far. This makes the bike not handle correctly.

Look around in the forum some more, mainly in the Gear section. We have talked about this many times. Having the correct frame size is very important.

[pwpatton]

On first think about this medium sounds too small for your height. I would definatly look into a large before making any decision. Shad is exaclty right (IMHO) that top tube length is an incredibly important factor in sizing. I bought a frame that had too short of a top tube for me and I was extremely unhappy. And changing the stem did not work very well for me.

A 19" large frame is just a tad high in standover for me (not too bad though) but is usually perfect in top tube length. I've found the consequences of an incorrect top tube length (for a given rider) are worse than the consequences of an incorrect stand over height.

There is no substitute for the correct length of a bike. If stand over becomes an issue look for a large with a bent top tube (like the Santa Cruz Blur or Gary Fisher Sugar).

For what it's worth....

Phillip