Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Mountain Biking
Reload this Page >

90's mtb frame size?

Notices
Mountain Biking Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Check out this forum to discuss the latest tips, tricks, gear and equipment in the world of mountain biking.

90's mtb frame size?

Old 04-18-22, 12:32 PM
  #1  
dev_the_dude
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2022
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
90's mtb frame size?

Hi all,

I have an old 90's litespeed unicoi mtb that I've been riding for a few years. I'm 5'10 and the top tube comes right up to my crotch area, such that I can stand over the bike but its snug. Center of bb to top of seat tube is 20.5in. Otherwise, I like how everything else fits on the bike.

Theres a litespeed frame on ebay from the same era as mine, but is just a little smaller. Center of bb to top of seat tube is 18.5in (supposedly). I'm curious if it would be worth buying a new frame for a better fit? I have little to no bike mechanic experience, so I will need a shop to swap most of the parts. Would this be a worth-while upgrade, or barely noticeable? Would it be more complicated than just swapping parts?

Thanks!
dev_the_dude is offline  
Old 04-18-22, 02:27 PM
  #2  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Originally Posted by dev_the_dude
Hi all,

I have an old 90's litespeed unicoi mtb that I've been riding for a few years. I'm 5'10 and the top tube comes right up to my crotch area, such that I can stand over the bike but its snug. Center of bb to top of seat tube is 20.5in. Otherwise, I like how everything else fits on the bike.

Theres a litespeed frame on ebay from the same era as mine, but is just a little smaller. Center of bb to top of seat tube is 18.5in (supposedly). I'm curious if it would be worth buying a new frame for a better fit? I have little to no bike mechanic experience, so I will need a shop to swap most of the parts. Would this be a worth-while upgrade, or barely noticeable? Would it be more complicated than just swapping parts?

Thanks!
A 20.5" seat tube does sound long for someone 5'10". Most people your hieght would have been riding frames with seat tubes 17" - 19".

However, I go by the reach of the bike, not the seat tube. But still, the bike would have to be unusually short reach for that size, or you be very oddly proportioned for a 20.5" bike to not be too long.
Kapusta is offline  
Likes For Kapusta:
Old 04-19-22, 10:21 AM
  #3  
2old
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: socal
Posts: 4,219
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 872 Post(s)
Liked 795 Times in 603 Posts
I agree with the above. Everything should be easy to swap since the seat post most likely is 27.2, the front derailleur should have the same dimensions etc. You'll be more comfortable off road IMO since your "jewels" won't be as exposed. This would be a good time to purchase a few tools and learn basic bike mechanics (read Sheldon Brown).
2old is offline  
Old 04-19-22, 11:24 PM
  #4  
Rolla
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times in 1,439 Posts
Of all the reasons to replace a frame, getting a better fit would be one of the best. I'm 5'10" and I always rode an 18" frame in the 90s.

I can't tell you about the parts swapping out, but don't be surprised if a few things don't match, especially if the frames are different models. You might also find that the stem from the larger bike isn't the best length for the smaller one. The brake and shifter cables may need to be replaced, but that's a small expense.
Rolla is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.