I'm 5' 10" with a 31in inseam and I ride an 18" bike as well. When I was looking for a new bike about 6 months ago, I was tried several different models in both 17 and 18 in size. It wasn't an issue either way as far as fitment. I could adjust the seat high enough for effeciency, and the reach to the bars on either frame size was comfortable and very managable. I didn't have a problem with standover on either size as well. I tried a 19" frame, just for grins, and it was too large. The standover was too high, the reach to the bars was just that, a reach, and very uncomfortable for any length of time. Numb wrists and sore shoulders. I would suggest doing what you planned on already. Go to a local bike shop and line up a 17" and 19" framed bike side by side and go from one directly to the other noting how they fit and feel. Hope my rambling helps a little.
5 foot 10in. 17" or 19" Frame?
OK Thanks for looking. I am considering buying a Ibex 550 or 650 and wondering about the frame size. I think my current frame is a 18.5 but not 100% sure its a trek 930 for 1995. The bike before that was a 18" GT. I have rode both fine but also think I would be ok on a 17". Im 5'10" about about a 32" inseem 170lbs about 10lbs extra belly added on the last couple years. On the trek standing over it I can raise the front wheel 2-3 inches up but thats it. I also have had issues about pulling the front wheel up while riding. I have always had to pull with everthing I have to get it up. Will going to a 17" frame help with that?. I know its best just to go to LBS sit on a 17" and see how it feels but it will prob be a couple weeks before I get the chance. Anyway anyone out there 5' 10" or taller ridding a 17" Ibex has said Im inbetween.
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If you can, ride them both and see which fits better.JonBoy said:OK Thanks for looking. I am considering buying a Ibex 550 or 650 and wondering about the frame size. I think my current frame is a 18.5 but not 100% sure its a trek 930 for 1995. The bike before that was a 18" GT. I have rode both fine but also think I would be ok on a 17". Im 5'10" about about a 32" inseem 170lbs about 10lbs extra belly added on the last couple years. On the trek standing over it I can raise the front wheel 2-3 inches up but thats it. I also have had issues about pulling the front wheel up while riding. I have always had to pull with everthing I have to get it up. Will going to a 17" frame help with that?. I know its best just to go to LBS sit on a 17" and see how it feels but it will prob be a couple weeks before I get the chance. Anyway anyone out there 5' 10" or taller ridding a 17" Ibex has said Im inbetween.
doesn't matter
What does matter is the top tube length... or virtual top tube. The seat tube length doesn't mean squat. It can vary between otherwise identical frames. I used to ride a k2 frame that was sized as a 16" frame, and was basically the same fit as my 19.5" Giant Yukon. the 16" frame obvisouly had more stand-over, but the length was the same between them.
That is the one primary downside of buying a bike off the internet. You can't check it out before you plunk down the fat cash for it.
What does matter is the top tube length... or virtual top tube. The seat tube length doesn't mean squat. It can vary between otherwise identical frames. I used to ride a k2 frame that was sized as a 16" frame, and was basically the same fit as my 19.5" Giant Yukon. the 16" frame obvisouly had more stand-over, but the length was the same between them.
That is the one primary downside of buying a bike off the internet. You can't check it out before you plunk down the fat cash for it.
Not on an IBEX but can say that bike specs can be all over the map. My first 'real' bike was an 18", then I went to:JonBoy said:OK Thanks for looking. I am considering buying a Ibex 550 or 650 and wondering about the frame size. I think my current frame is a 18.5 but not 100% sure its a trek 930 for 1995. The bike before that was a 18" GT. I have rode both fine but also think I would be ok on a 17". Im 5'10" about about a 32" inseem 170lbs about 10lbs extra belly added on the last couple years. On the trek standing over it I can raise the front wheel 2-3 inches up but thats it. I also have had issues about pulling the front wheel up while riding. I have always had to pull with everthing I have to get it up. Will going to a 17" frame help with that?. I know its best just to go to LBS sit on a 17" and see how it feels but it will prob be a couple weeks before I get the chance. Anyway anyone out there 5' 10" or taller ridding a 17" Ibex has said Im inbetween.
17
16
18
15
17
18
15
The last two were within a quarter inch on the top tube too. Best thing to do is to measure a bike you are happy with. Top tube length, and standover. Then use those numbers to get ya in the ballpark for a new bike.
A test ride is ideal, but if you're comfortable in your numbers, it greatly helps out.
Also try out some friends bikes and measure 'em too to get a feel of what's right and what's not about other bikes. And just rememberthat every brand does their sizes a bit differently.
Good luck,
JmZ
I'm around 5' 10.5" and went with a 19" Gary Fisher. Don't know if the genesis geometry changes anything or if I'm just riding the wrong sized bike like an imbecile but I guess it all boils down to personal preference. I do have issues with my hands beginning to hurt?...
I'm 5'9" and ride 17" Alpine 450. You should feel just fine on this frame. With the larger frame you might have a problem moving your bottom behind the saddle when going downhill.
BTW, get Ibex 650 since you get better derailleurs, fork and brakes.
BTW, get Ibex 650 since you get better derailleurs, fork and brakes.
I've said it for years now, Go smaller. When in doubt, always pic the smaller frame. Since you mention the front wheel coming up on climbs, go with the smaller for sure. A shorter TT (even if it's 1/4") is still better than a longer one. The difference in reach can be adjusted in stem length if you want it longer.
I ride on tight, twisty, climb/decend, singletrack, and a larger frame "I" know I wouldn't ride as good. To each his own. Fahn
I ride on tight, twisty, climb/decend, singletrack, and a larger frame "I" know I wouldn't ride as good. To each his own. Fahn
I'm 6'1" and i ride a Medium (17.5") GF sugar. Fits great...rides like it's on rails.bigbadwimp said:I'm around 5' 10.5" and went with a 19" Gary Fisher. Don't know if the genesis geometry changes anything or if I'm just riding the wrong sized bike like an imbecile but I guess it all boils down to personal preference. I do have issues with my hands beginning to hurt?...
å
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