How Much Standover Height On A Mountain Bike

The standover height is the distance from the top tube to the ground. This is important for mountain bikes because it determines how easy it is to get on and off of the bike. The standover height should be at least 3 inches in order to allow room for movement.

What should my standover height be?

Start with your frame—check your standover height. Begin by checking standover height, which is the distance between the top tube and your crotch when straddling the bike. Aim for about one inch of clearance if the bike has a traditional straight top tube, or two inches for a bike with a sloping top tube.^[1]

How important is standover height MTB?

The thing to bare in mind when going up a frame size his to make sure there is sufficient standover clearance. Standover is how high the top tube is at the point where you’re astride your bike and straddling it. If the bike has enough standover, you’re on to a winner.^[2]

Should you be able to stand over a mountain bike?

Standover height also used to be a decent way to measure bike sizing, with the idea being that when standing over a bike, there should be at least 1-inch of clearance between the top tube and the rider’s crotch. These days, however, most mountain bikes have ample standover height, no matter the size.^[3]

How do I know if my bike is too big?

If you struggle to make turns or need to sit up straight to reach the handlebars, the frame is likely too large. You may also notice that you cannot quickly turn or pick up speed easily due to the way that you sit in a larger frame. Pain or discomfort after riding also indicates that the frame is too big for your size.^[4]

How do I choose a mountain bike frame size?

The easiest way to determine your frame size is by height, but many riders find that they are between sizes. Choosing to go up or down a size depends on your personal riding style and body proportions. A bike with a longer reach will have a longer wheelbase. That makes it more stable, especially on high-speed descents.^[5]

Do I need to be able to stand over my bike?

The bicycle standover height is really important! If you can’t stand over the top tube without touching it, you run the risk of hurting yourself when you stop quickly. If the top tube is higher than you are, i.e. you have “negative” clearance, you’re an accident waiting to happen.^[6]

What height is a 27.5 bike for?

What height is a 27.5 inch bike for? 27.5 inch bikes are suitable for adults between 5’2” and 5’10”. That said, adults of all heights can ride this wheel size. Some brands claim that 27.5” wheels are especially useful for riders 5’7” and under.^[7]

How do you measure yourself for a mountain bike?

#2 – Bike Size Calculator Take off your shoes and stand with your legs 6″ – 8″ (15-20 cm) apart. Measure the height from the ground up to where your legs come together. Be sure about the bicycle type you want to choose: Mountain bike, city bike, or road bike. You can read about the different bike types here.^[8]

How tall should you be for a 29 inch mountain bike?

If you’re 5’6′ or taller, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you. Riders more than 6′ tall can rejoice: You’ll definitely enjoy a more natural riding position with the size and frame geometry of a 29er.^[9]

How do you know if a mountain bike is too big?

Struggling in Tight Turns. Are you finding it challenging to get your bike around slow, tight turns? Lack of Front Wheel Grip. Challenging to Lift the Front Wheel. Feeling Like a Passenger. Not Comfortable. Feeling Squashed. Feeling Unstable at Speed. Not Comfortable.^[10]

How do you know if a mountain bike is too small for you?

If you notice that your arms and legs are more sore than normal after a long ride, the frame may be too small. A bicycle frame that is too small could also be uncomfortable to ride. If you feel awkward or cramped, the frame is probably too small for your height.^[11]

Is it better to have a bike too big or too small?

Neither a smaller or bigger frame is better for everyone and generalizations in frame sizing are almost always risky. If your riding position is established first the best decision for you will likely become much more clear. Consider bike fit the holy trinity of comfort, power, and efficiency.^[12]