Looking for a bicycle..what size
 

I'm looking for a mountain bicycle and I need to know what size is most likely to fit me.

I'm 6'2" and 195. I've ridden 10 speed bikes before but awhile ago. I just want to know what size I should be looking for to avoid wasting time.

I would be doing a combo of road and off-road, but mostly off. Oh yeah, I'm nimble, in shape and used to hop up picnic tables on my BMX...meaning I'm sure I have the skills for a decent one if that helps any in choosing a size.

Thanks

Paulie

one that ''feels'' right

depends on how much you plan on spending too
hard tail, with front shock or full or old school no shock
new or used ect

on the low used end a 26'' wheeled large adult bike for a starting place
with a better adjustable seat post and seat
bars and stems can be swaped to get the right feel

personally I would favor a better used bike for throwing around off/road
with at least a front shock by a name brand and better bits like brakes and shifters ect

you can debate measurements and frame geo but it has to feel right to you
and the best way is to get on a bike and ride it some

I'm tall, but I like a smaller mountain bike, with a long seat post. My rule of thumb as far as initial fit is, seat should be high enough to straighten your leg when the HEEL is on the pedal at the lowest point of crank rotation. Stem should be sized so that the bars hide the front axle when you are in a comfortable cruising position, elbows slightly relaxed, back fairly straight. Top tube long enough that you don't have to have a ridiculously short or long stem.

Small adjustments to saddle/stem to fine tune

(works for me, your mileage may vary)

Road bikes are another whole matter.

Paulie,
I sold santa Cruz bikes for 12 years. My favorite bike right now is the PIVOT Mach 5

I probably wouldn't look at anything smaller than a 20" frame. I'm 6'1" and my 20.5" specialized fit perfectly. My current bike is about a 19 or 19.5", and i would say it's barely big enough for me.

I'm 6'3", but I ride a 19" 29er because I don't like the slower steering of the 21" frames. The seat height was just about right on the road with the stock seat post at the max, but I installed a longer seat post just to be safe.

Ahhh.... I would give my left nut for a Santa Cruz Blur carbon.

Oh wait, I dont' have any of those.

Dang.

angela

I'm 6'1" and 195 and my Santa Cruz Blur (not carbon) is an XL I think. Your inseam length will factor in and may be different than mine. Bike fit can also be adjusted with different stems and handlebars, seats and posts.

I would go to a bike store that has a good reputation and brands you like and try several different sizes and models. If you plan to buy new, support your local guys. If you are buying used it will give you a good idea of what to look for in a used bike.

Do what Jerry says.

On a MB, I like as small a frame as practical with long seat post. You can drop the seat and get your weight back more easily on steep descents doing this.

he he ! Angela, you have more balls than most men.