Buying an MTB online - Size

ravendude

Hi,

I'm planning on buying an MTB online, - I'm planning on getting a Scott Aspect 45 (2008 model).
I'm wondering about what size to get, I'm 5" 6, with a 30 inch inside leg measurement.

The bike comes in 2 sizes that would possibly suit me.

Small (15.4 inches) and Medium (17.3 inches).

Something is telling me to go for the smaller size though, - typically in the past I have prefered a smaller bike size. I tried a 16" MTB in Halfords and it felt slightly too big even.

I've also heard that US manufacturers (eg. Scott) often measure the height slightly differently, so you should add on an inch or so
.
Based on the manufacturers size chart ( http://scottusa.com/us_en/support/bike/size_chart ) , I should probably be getting a Medium.
Should I just go with the manufacturers recommendation?

I guess the question is, - is it common/uncommon for people to go for a smaller size than the manufacturers recommendation, - or am I very likely to find the bike too small?

Cheers

concussion

If a 16" felt too big in the shop, I'd think it would feel much worse on the trails. See if you can find a shop stocking Scotts and check the sizes. Best to have a small frame (good for stiffness and strength) with a long seatpost rather than cycle with the saddle as low as it will go. I've no idea what my inside leg is but I'm 6'1" and take 34" trousers. I have a 17.5" Trek which fits great with a 400 mm seatpost.

Enduro

I always err on the side of getting a smaller bike with MTBs, particularly if its going to be used more for technical riding rather than out and out racing.

Vélo

Small

ravendude

Small it is then.

Have ordered this one (last years version) instead of the Aspect 45. Doesnt have disk brakes, but is lighter.
http://www.slanecycles.co.uk/productdetail.aspx?id=868&subid=405&catid=66

Hopefully I'm saving a bit of money getting last year's model.

Not sure if I should have gone for a bike with disk brakes or not instead of the lighter frame.

Enduro

If you're going to be using it off-road in Ireland then you should definitely be getting disk brakes. They make a huge differenece, much more so than a few grammes of weight here and there.

Morgan

Should have gone for the disks - it'll cost you more in the long run to upgrade.

ravendude

have taken your advice on board and changed my order to a different model with disc brakes

davgtrek

well done ravendude thats a nice bike for the money.