What size mountain bike?

[jonny jeez]

Do I look like my Avatar? According to my daughter, (and she's a teenager, so always right!), she reckons as near as damn it!

well in that case...in my best Tribiani voice

"how you doin!"

I'm kidding by the way, don't worry you've not found yourself a stalker.

 

[Juliet42]

well in that case...in my best Tribiani voice

"how you doin!"

I'm kidding by the way, don't worry you've not found yourself a stalker.

No problem, I'm known for my sense of humour, and according to my family I've never really grown up, still a kid at heart, perhaps that's why I really like messing about on bikes!

 

[sidevalve]

If by "rings" you mean the spacers then you can move them to underneath the stem. You can also get either a longer stem or an adjustable [for angle up - down] one. By the way never be ashamed of your bike whatever anyone says. You arn't trying to win any races or win any awards you're out to have some fun and any bike will do that. If you break anything bits will be cheap [try E Bay] it's less of a target for " pro" bike tea leaves [although the scum will still have it away] and if you fall of you wont be having kittens in case you've damaged it.
Better any bike than no bike, now go out and have fun on it.

 

[Pauluk]

Another consideration when sizing a MTB is whether you will actually be using it on steep inclines. If you are then its useful to make sure you have a very good clearance over your top tube. 2" clearance on flat ground may not be enough, on a steep incline, for you to reach the floor when off the saddle.

If you are not intending to use the bike on such trails then the extra clearance may not be necessary.

 

[Juliet42]

If by "rings" you mean the spacers then you can move them to underneath the stem. You can also get either a longer stem or an adjustable [for angle up - down] one. By the way never be ashamed of your bike whatever anyone says. You arn't trying to win any races or win any awards you're out to have some fun and any bike will do that. If you break anything bits will be cheap [try E Bay] it's less of a target for " pro" bike tea leaves [although the scum will still have it away] and if you fall of you wont be having kittens in case you've damaged it.
Better any bike than no bike, now go out and have fun on it.

It's only for having fun on, I'm not planning to try and win any medals or races, just really revisiting my childhood. Let's hope the weather improves a bit tomorrow, so that I can go out and get acquainted with the new toy!

But my Claude Butler hybrid, well, that's a different story altogether, that's the bike I take really seriously, I really love it!

 

[Juliet42]

Another consideration when sizing a MTB is whether you will actually be using it on steep inclines. If you are then its useful to make sure you have a very good clearance over your top tube. 2" clearance on flat ground may not be enough, on a steep incline, for you to reach the floor when off the saddle.

If you are not intending to use the bike on such trails then the extra clearance may not be necessary.

I can't think of any steep inclines I might come across around here, but I will bear in mind your advice, thanks.