Frame Size. Advice Needed.

il gatto

Planning on getting myself a Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc. Problem is there's nobody stocking them near me at the moment and I can't get to a dealer in the foreseeable. I intended to order from Cycleways, but then I realised I wasn't sure what frame to go for. I know all the advice is you have to try it out, and it's advice I've bleated at people down the years many times. Fact is I won't have a chance for a couple of months to actually do this.

The last bike I rode that I knew the frame size of was a Giant Boulder (about 6-7 years ago). It had a 17.5" frame. It was o.k., but standing over it, I had only an inch or so clearance over the top tube. I would prefer more. The Specialized comes in a 15" and 17" frame. I'm thinking the 15". Even though it has a dropped top tube, I think the 17" would afford me about 2" max clearance, the 15" around 4".

I'm about 5'8" or 5'9". My inside leg is 30" crotch to floor in bare feet (I'm no Paul O'Connell:o). I don't think my torso is freakishly long, or my arms. I also have a preference for a slightly smaller bike with a raised seat pin. I really want to get back cycling as soon as possible, so could I risk the 15"? Does anybody know if Specialized are erring on the small or big side with regards to frame sizing? I know it would be better to try one out, but that is impossible at the moment. Leaving this to one side, what are people's honest opinions on which size may suit me better?

Thanks.

Greyspoke

I'd be the same size exactly and have had a few specializeds in the past which I'm pretty certain were all 17". I think clearance over the top tube is less important than a lot of people imagine (famous last words!) as in pretty much all mtb mishaps you fall away from the bike rather than down on it. I also think that if the reach to the bars is a bit on the short side you feel as if more of your weight is over the front of the bike and you're perhaps a little more likely to go over the bars if you hit an obstacle or sudden drop.

Morgan

Where are you based? Is there no way you could make it to the shop?

il gatto

In Sligo. I'm working every day for the next 2 weeks, I have two days off which I'm tied up with family stuff, then I'm working every day for another 2 weeks.After that, I'm not sure. I'm going to call around to a few friends and try their bikes for size. None ride Specialized, but it may give me an idea.
Thanks for your answers.

il gatto

Was just in Halfords. Had a look at some bikes and I reckon 17" should be fine. Thanks all.