Will a 21" Kona be too big for a 6'1" man?
Discussion
As a general rule, I would say yes, that's about right.
In my experience, for on-road stuff a 19" will bee too small for the average 6ft1 rider, as without a longer than stock seatpost it doesn't give enough distance to get the leg straight enough when in the seat (as most casual/leisure riders will be).
Bike sizing depends on more than just that though (reach and angle of reach for example)
Have a look at sheldon browns website.
What specific model/year of Kona is it? I can work out the corresponding geometry and what inside leg measurements it would likely suit.
In my experience, for on-road stuff a 19" will bee too small for the average 6ft1 rider, as without a longer than stock seatpost it doesn't give enough distance to get the leg straight enough when in the seat (as most casual/leisure riders will be).
Bike sizing depends on more than just that though (reach and angle of reach for example)
Have a look at sheldon browns website.
What specific model/year of Kona is it? I can work out the corresponding geometry and what inside leg measurements it would likely suit.
I'm 6' 1" and ride a 19" Kona Explosif which is plenty big enough, wouldn't like to go bigger, but if you're not bothered about offroading, then 21" would probably be ok. It's easier to get a small frame to fit somebody possibly to big for it by fiddling around with stem length, seat height, etc than it is getting a large frame to fit somebody too small for it if you get my drift Basically it won't look right and Konas always look better when they're on the small side. IMHO of course.
6 footish friend of mine rides a 18inch Kona - it looks comedic. Even he admits now that it is too small, but he bought it 'cos it looked right'. If he used a stem to make it fit better, the handling would be terrible. The top tube and wheelbase just aren't long enough; this will vary depending due to body factors, but what he has ended up with really is a disaster.
Beyond Rational said:
6 footish friend of mine rides a 18inch Kona - it looks comedic. Even he admits now that it is too small, but he bought it 'cos it looked right'. If he used a stem to make it fit better, the handling would be terrible. The top tube and wheelbase just aren't long enough; this will vary depending due to body factors, but what he has ended up with really is a disaster.
People possibly think that off mine, but seat down going down a track is brilliant! I wouldn't want it any other way! I'm 6 foot. Been riding 17-18 inch mountain bike frames for at least ten years. Switched to a large (20 inch) this year, and finally am comfortable on it.
I also think it makes it handle better than having a size too small, as you can move your weight about more without upsetting the balance of the bike (and as above, you don't need to use a comedy long stem & seatpost which themselves mess up the handling).
I also think it makes it handle better than having a size too small, as you can move your weight about more without upsetting the balance of the bike (and as above, you don't need to use a comedy long stem & seatpost which themselves mess up the handling).
Edited by budgie smuggler on Wednesday 29th June 16:00
So i popped down to view the bike a few days before it ended on ebay just to see if it fits. Had a quick ride around and liked it.
i ended up paying £290 as i thought what the hell. It's a kona five-o he said he'paid £1250 for two and a half months ago. I think it's a 2010 and older than he said but what the hell. Seems brilliant apart from the rear gears hunting up and down under heavy load. Fits nicely.
for some reason pics wont upload but its brushed aluminium with white forks.
cheers all for your input.
i ended up paying £290 as i thought what the hell. It's a kona five-o he said he'paid £1250 for two and a half months ago. I think it's a 2010 and older than he said but what the hell. Seems brilliant apart from the rear gears hunting up and down under heavy load. Fits nicely.
for some reason pics wont upload but its brushed aluminium with white forks.
cheers all for your input.
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