Retro MTB Sizing

[DroppedMatt]

Hi all,
I'm looking to buy a retro MTB for a friend. I have a slightly tight budget of £100-120 for a full build.
She's 5ft4, and I have no idea on sizing....

I've been offered a GT Timberline (measurements being: Seat tube 41cm CTC and 46cm CTT, and an unconfirmed TT 54 CTC), but I've no idea if it'll fit her.
It'll be bought as a present, so unfortunately I'm not able to get her to test ride it for fit.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[mattr]

That's *probably* an 18" or medium frame. 16" CtC usually comes out as about 18" CtT (or maybe 17.5")

So probably on the borderline of being too big. UNless it's just for towpath pootling etc, then it might still be ok with a short stem etc.

 

[DroppedMatt]

Yeah, the seller estimated it was probably a medium.
Here's a photo.

 

[madjh]

If she is 1,64m (5,4 feet) No, it wont fit her. She needs a 16-16.5" or S size.

I´m 1.7M and my limit is 18" exact, I cannot ride a 18.5". Perfect for me is 17" or 17.5 even 16.5 is good.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

I'd say it's too big. My wife is 5ft 2 and I've had to build a very small (Xs) frame around 24 inch wheels for a good fit.

 

[DroppedMatt]

It'll just be used for relaxing weekend rides in and around the New Forest.
But judging from the feedback, I guess I'll have to keep on looking..
Many thanks for all of your input.

And if you see anything suitable, feel free to PM me or comment in this thread.
Thanks again,
Matt

 

[Remko]

Re:

The women I know prefer a more upright position.
A combination of a short toptube and long headtube is ideal.
The old Miyata frames have that
The seattube length is less interesting.
.
Below is my wife's bike, a 18 inch Koga Miyata.
She's 5'7".
There was also a 16 inch available.

 

[DroppedMatt]

Re:

Thanks for the info.
That’s a lovely bike ^. I see what you mean re: geometry. What model Koga Miyata is it?

 

[Remko]

Re:

Thanks. This is a 1993 Koga-Miyata TiRunner. I call it the Greg Herbold geometry. I think Koga used this geometry from 1992 - 1995.
I'm a bit confused because of the bikes presented in the catalogues. In the 1993 catalogue there are mostly mtb's shown with the long headtube. I'm sure the 18 inch and the 20.5 inch frames had this long headtube.
If you check the 1992, 1994 and 1995 catalogues most bikes shown have the short headtube, which suggests they're 16 inch frames.

Old Koga-Miyata catalogues can be found here:
https://www.koga.com/nl/service/brochur ... (2000-1976).htm

Post 1995 Koga-Miyata is not interesting anymore by the way, and pre-1992 frames are a bit heavy.

Of the lugged frames the TiRunner is known for bonding failure of the titanium tubing and aluminium lugs. Other combinations of bonded materials are fine.

 

[xxnick1975]

Re: Re:

The women I know prefer a more upright position.....

Think we know some of the same women, tiger :shock: