What size bike...

dcouponzzzz

Hey, quick question. I'm 5"9.5 and buying a cannondale trail 4 (29s).

The size chart says medium up to 5"9 and large 5"10 - 6"1.

What size would you suggest I get? I'm leaning towards medium as my inside leg is only 30"-32"

Johnmcl7

It's hard to say as I'm a similar height and on bike discussions on models I've bought I've seen some people my height going for a large while I've gone for a medium. I don't know how Canondale size their bikes as I'd say a medium is probably better for you but I couldn't say for sure - ideally it's best to try at least a similar bike from the same manufacturer and see how it measures up.

glasgowdan

A medium. 29ers can feel large and I'm sure a size large would feel awkward for you.

esuhl

I'm about 5'10" and have a large 26" frame, which is about right. Maybe a tiny bit too big, though I'm guessing a medium would feel far too small... However, I don't really have anything to compare it to.

Sorry... that probably doesn't help much!

Nasqueron

Go to the bike shop, ask them to order the bike in, sit on it and get them to measure you up and if wrong, ask them to change it

colazombie

Go into the shop if you can and try it out. I used to ride a large, sold it and went down to medium on recommendation size guide and staff in the shop. It feels small and i much prefer the larger size

dcouponzzzz

I went with the medium, haven't ridden it yet as the discs are rubbing on the pads very slightly when the wheels are spinning (although they spin freely). I plan on taking it in to the local bike shop before riding in case any adjustments needs to be made. It actually looks to be slightly larger than my previous bike so I'm fine with the size

Nasqueron

Discs rubbing on the pads are easy to fit if you have an allen key, just loosen the 2 bolts, clamp the brake on and tighten them up again - youtube here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3uCGRAWG2M

Apjs87

Medium is the right choice for your size. Enjoy the bike

[Deleted User]

The Pro s go for a smaller lighter frame, but as a rough guide if your handlebars are in line with the front wheel axle with your hands in their normal riding position (eg on top of the bars on a racing bike ) when riding along, then you are in a good position. Don`t adjust the handlebar stem size with a shorter one though to get to this correct position because it will be making the bike very twitchy at low speeds. Adjust the saddle to achieve the handlebar/axle level

dcouponzzzz

Thanks for the replies guys. Being completely incompetent and having tried to follow the youtube videos for everything I decided it's best not to test myself on a new bike, so dropped it off at the local independant shop. Not sure why they want to charge £45 though :S I can accept that though considering the bike was discounted -£150 and another -£80 or so for being on cycle scheme!

I've got 2 other bikes free to pull apart and reconstruct to get more experience and confidence