The original wheel size for MTB is strong and flickable. While wheel size doesnвЂ™t necessarily affect bike fit, it is important to know the effects wheel size will have. However, getting a longer or shorter stem and adjusting the saddle position can usually dial in the perfect fit.

For example, someone with a very long torso and short legs, might struggle to find a good fit with general sizing.

The only time that general sizing doesnвЂ™t quite work is with unusual limb or core sizes. Unlike road riding where a lot of time is spent riding in the same position, Mountain biking encourages lots of changing of position вЂ“ so bike fit demands less fine-tuning. On a medium Enduro style bike with 160mm suspension, they may not have standover at all. So a medium sized rider on a medium sized 100mm front suspension cross country bike, for example, might have an inch standover room, between them and the top tube. Sizing and fit are largely dependent on the style of bike. It virtually does away with the need for buyers to have to consider reach and standover height. The vast array of MTB styles means that the general sizing that manufacturers use (small, medium and large) is ideal. Getting the right fit for your body shape For example, an XS size mountain bike with be likely to have shorter 170mm cranks and a shorter stem because riders around 5 foot tend to have shorter legs and a smaller upper body.ДЄlternatively, an XL mountain bike may well come with longer 175mm cranks and a longer stem, because, on average, taller riders have longer legs and a longer torso. Manufacturers scale components to fit average riders within each sizing bracket. Cross-country-style MTBs tend to have steeper geometry (for example, they may have a 73.5-degree seat tube and a 71-degree head tube) whereas enduro and trail bikes, tend to have slacker geometry (for example a 71-degree seat tube and 67-degree head tube). The ideal geometry largely depends on what type of riding you do. The angles at which the tubes are joined to form the frame have a profound impact on how the bike will ride. You can read our in-depth road bike size guide here. For more details, see the example chart above. The difference between road bike and MTB sizesДЇor road bike riders looking at MTBs, sizing can be confusing because MTBs tend to have a smaller seat tube and longer top tube length than their road bike cousins.ДЄs mentioned above, manufacturers assist customers through simplifying the sizing process using the вЂcatch-allвЂ™ sizing (Extra Small through to Extra Large). Ideally, you should aim not to feel either cramped or stretched.ДЈ. Top tube length - This determines the comfort, fit and handling of your bike to a large extent.However, some bikes - such as those with longer suspension travel - can have zero standover clearance, and still be the correct size. This is important for new riders as you may well need to stop and get your feet on firm ground quickly. Seat tube length - This can affect how much stand-over clearance there is between you and the bike.

The two key frame measurements on the geometry chart are seat tube length and top tube length. Sizing and geometry charts are sufficient for the vast majority of riders to pick the right size bike for them. Most manufacturers provide a sizing and geometry chart for each specific model. Manufacturers have made buying mountain bikes which are the correct size relatively straight forward. The difference between road and MTB sizesД«elow is a very approximate mountain bike frame size chart using height and inside leg measurement.Being comfortable will inspire more confidence and boost your ability to ride for longer and over trickier terrain.Д«efore looking at sizes, it is worth thinking about the type of riding you intend to do and decide which type of MTB would be most suited to you.Д¬ heck out our MTB size guide below. Get it right, though, and it can bring years of enjoyment on two wheels. Getting it wrong can lead to injury or handling issues. In the same way that human beings come in all shapes and sizes, so do mountain bikes.Д¬hoosing the right mountain bike frame size can be tricky.

What to carry on a xc mtb ride