Mountain Bike Fit Vs Road
Most mountain bike manufacturers use classic small medium large sizing.
Mountain bike fit vs road. Road bike vs mtb fit. I think its the fact the majority of bike fit people are focused on road bikes and that road biking was the origin of the whole bike fitting science was the reason for my question re mtb. For the most part bike frame size is the only thing that changes when you go between sizes things like wheel size suspension and relative geometry number remain the same. The road bike vs mountain bike question has no easy answers which is why we recommend seriously considering your needs and buying the bike you like first.
How are mountain bikes sized. My local bike shop thinks a road shoe and pedal is best vs. My son s pushing the mountain bike version. Road bike frames can t use many mountain bike brake assemblies which often rely on cantilever attachments welded to the frame for operation.
He rides his road bike to work with mountain shoes and sometimes keeps his mountain bike shoes on all day during work. Bottom brackets may be interchangeable but they also come in such a variety of sizes that finding a matching road bike frame could be difficult. Mountain bike vs road bike sizing feel free to skip this section if you have no interest in road bikes in case you are used to sizing road bikes i must warn you sizing a mountain bike is different. Here s the numbers for my 6 5 body and xl salsa el mar.
Fyi over a 2 3 mile stretch of hilly curvy paved trail today an experienced road cyclist did it about 30 seconds faster than me on my mtb 26 2 2 tsali tires inflated to just under 40psi. 25 5 tt mountain fit 120mm 6 degree stem flat bar 3 inches below seat road fit 65mm 40 degree stem road bar 2 5 inches below seat. However if you put the mountain bike on the same touraine i e a smooth paved trail the difference in speeds between mtb and road bike should be closer. Cranks and seats are likely to be interchangeable.
Before i continue i want to point out that it you should consider buying a dedicated road bike instead because the geometry of even 30 year ol. The really short ugly stem is one way to shorten up the reach. With road bikes you get technical and take very precise measurements to dial in the correct frame size and riding position.