Sizing Guidance

[adz313]

I've done a reasonable amount of searching on here but not quite got to the bottom of it, so hoping for some guidance ref sizing.

Currently on the hunt for an early-mid 90s bike (or frame), and trying to work out what size I'm likely to need.
187cm tall, approx. 89cm inseam (6'1"ish, 35" inseam)

Currently riding a modern road bike (Cannondale CAAD12) in 58cm.

So, any advice/recommendations on sizing for the following:
Specialized Rockhopper/Stumpjumper/Hardrock - possibly 19" (or is that likely too small)?
GT - seem to measure differently (CTC?) so possibly 18"?
Cannondale - 20"? would i get away on an 18"?
Marin - unsure here

Cheers

A

 

[marc two tone]

Re:

Can be tricky with retro mtb as, the frame size doesn't necessarily
grant you the geometry you need to ride comfortably. Height, inner leg considered.

I mean, I can get away with 18 inches c t c with some models but generally look
at 19".

Buying a gate frame size can be as troublesome as too small when
you are tall. Again geometry, feeling of impending face plant remains.

Ok, all data considered, 19" c t c should get you the basics, then
adjust stem choice, seatpost height to fine tune.
I ride mainly marin and can say that if you choose steel go 19"
Or aluminium, 18" with front bounce forks as they can be vertually
Horizontal when rigid.
Overall, frame size can be an exciting journey to get right.

I'm 6' 2" btw. Some past rides below.

 

[adz313]

marc two tone - thanks for the input, sounds like I'm on the right track at least.
I'm more than happy to tinker with bikes ref seatpost height/setback, stem and so on, so had anticipated that as part of any process (and part of the fun!)
I'd rather a bike slightly too small than too large, based on previous bikes (mostly road/singlespeed etc.)

 

[Tootyred]

I'm 6"4' with a 33" inside leg. 19" min I would say, unless you want to be seriously head down or your adding 80mm suspension forks.

I've a 19" orange and had a 19 Marin both early 90s, both hard ride for any distance with rigid forks and lower head.

But, you are a bit shorter than me, but with longggggg legs.

 

[adz313]

Tootyred - thanks, I'm only looking at rigid bikes/frames for the time being, although it's not going to be particularly long distance (although I guess that depends on I'd class as long distance vs you).
Never really thought I had particularly long legs (that 89cm is based on what appears to be fairly common guidance for a 'cycling inseam' i.e. not just jeans/trouser length)!

 

[Mikey08]

Re: Re:

Can be tricky with retro mtb as, the frame size doesn't necessarily
grant you the geometry you need to ride comfortably. Height, inner leg considered.

I mean, I can get away with 18 inches c t c with some models but generally look
at 19".

Buying a gate frame size can be as troublesome as too small when
you are tall. Again geometry, feeling of impending face plant remains.

Ok, all data considered, 19" c t c should get you the basics, then
adjust stem choice, seatpost height to fine tune.
I ride mainly marin and can say that if you choose steel go 19"
Or aluminium, 18" with front bounce forks as they can be vertually
Horizontal when rigid.
Overall, frame size can be an exciting journey to get right.

I'm 6' 2" btw. Some past rides below.

I apologise for the thread hijack, but that Parkpre looks very similar to a mystery frame I've had for a while.... (I thought it might be a Orange or Marin but there are subtle differences to both. Could you drop me a PM please?

 

[Mikey08]

adz313,

Good luck with the search mate. Sorry for hijacking your thread! Hope you get the help and info you need

 

[adz313]

adz313,

Good luck with the search mate. Sorry for hijacking your thread! Hope you get the help and info you need

Cheers, and no worries - hope you get the answers you were looking for!

Current plan is to pick up a 19” bike and see how I get on, then swap frame if needs must in the future

 

[marc two tone]

Re: Re:

Can be tricky with retro mtb as, the frame size doesn't necessarily
grant you the geometry you need to ride comfortably. Height, inner leg considered.

I mean, I can get away with 18 inches c t c with some models but generally look
at 19".

Buying a gate frame size can be as troublesome as too small when
you are tall. Again geometry, feeling of impending face plant remains.

Ok, all data considered, 19" c t c should get you the basics, then
adjust stem choice, seatpost height to fine tune.
I ride mainly marin and can say that if you choose steel go 19"
Or aluminium, 18" with front bounce forks as they can be vertually
Horizontal when rigid.
Overall, frame size can be an exciting journey to get right.

I'm 6' 2" btw. Some past rides below.

I apologise for the thread hijack, but that Parkpre looks very similar to a mystery frame I've had for a while.... (I thought it might be a Orange or Marin but there are subtle differences to both. Could you drop me a PM please?

Hiya mate. Ok I see some similar features on your frame, cable route for rear mech anyway. BB shell was 68mm, seatpost iirc 27.0mm. The alumax had a certain quality to the finish, almost clear anodised and silky, where marin go a bit rough.
1.1/8" headtube. And the mech hanger was the 3 bolt A-pro effort.
Didn't record the serial number. Sold on ebay a couple of years ago. You know to someone who cared not about bikes and got it for pit'ence. Seems to be my kinda black cloud.