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Importance of Standover Height in Mountain biking

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Importance of Standover Height in Mountain biking

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flag Svard75
Posted: Apr 22, 2012 at 13:07 Quote
Hey guys. I am having trouble explaining standover height's importance. I am arguing that a mountain bikes standover height is fairly important for allowing one to safely dismount on a climb or descent. I am also stating that standover height is about as important as frame size. The other guys in the forum are saying it's not important at all. Have a read through the thread for more clarification but I need some input from guys who MTB all the time and who have plenty of experience.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/bikes-frames-forks/making-niner-air-9-carbon-into-road-bike-278197-2.html

Am I incorrect in my argument?
flag dguzzler
Posted: Apr 22, 2012 at 14:39 Quote
I started to read the posts but it hurt my eyes. Standover height and frame size are synonomous - isn't that one of the first measurements that should be made?
flag bikerboywill
FL
Posted: Apr 22, 2012 at 15:44 Quote
The only way I find a low stand over helps is when I'm jumping and cornering hard but apart from that dosnt really affect me
flag OldskoolMTB
Posted: Apr 22, 2012 at 17:48 Quote
There's a very good reason why I typically ride slightly small-ish frames... for the stand over clearance... which IS important.

I've been riding XC for over 20 years, with clipless pedals, and have had my fair share of close calls with "the boys". My current frame is a titch smaller than I prefer, as the optimum for me is a 17.5", and I'm 5'8" with a 32" inseam.

Sadly, from the bit that I did read in the posted link, I'm afraid that you'll never be able to convince them. Madder
flag husstler
O+
Posted: Apr 22, 2012 at 18:16 Quote
How to make a good point to help explain standover clearance and why it's important:

Step 1. Whack guy that doesn't get it in balls with 2x4

Done
flag dguzzler
Posted: Apr 23, 2012 at 5:36 Quote
hustler wrote:
How to make a good point to help explain standover clearance and why it's important:

Step 1. Whack guy that doesn't get it in balls with 2x4

Done

+1 Smile :
Thanks for the laugh, just what I needed this monday morning.
flag Chief98
Posted: Apr 23, 2012 at 12:57 Quote
So whats the general rule of thumb? Do you need an inch or two of clearance between your top tube and your manhood? Or as long as you can stand flat fooded you're good to go?
flag husstler
O+
Posted: Apr 23, 2012 at 13:06 Quote
What kind of bike?

How tall are you?

Do you have kids already?

Still growing?
flag Chief98
Posted: Apr 23, 2012 at 13:13 Quote
Haha bit more than just a rule of thumb I take it.

I'm 5'8" and looking to get into AM riding, I feel like the odds of crushing my junk are a bit higher when I rode strictly XC.
flag husstler
O+
Posted: Apr 23, 2012 at 13:29 Quote
Yes, it's a varying rule of thumb - keep in mind a longer travel bike tends to just be taller overall, even with a fancy swoopy top tube.

Same thing for 29ers, I find them to have higher standovers as well.
flag OldskoolMTB
Posted: Apr 24, 2012 at 4:29 Quote
Back in the day, the standard rule was to straddle the bike ( stand over the top tube in a non-sexual way ), grab the bike by the nose of the saddle and stem and lift it straight up... if you could see an inch or two under the tires, then you were good. I went more with a two inch clearance, but ultimately, it's what you feel comfortable with.

Now, frames tend to have a more sloped top tube, and the longer travel bikes will indeed have a higher standover.
flag siyross
Posted: Apr 24, 2012 at 11:50 Quote
the general rule for a mountain bike is 3 inches clearance between the top tube and your seat bone, on a road bike it is 1 inch.
For something more AM style I would not go smaller than 3 inches, It is noticeable when the top tube is too high, You find your voice is higher for longer.
flag eshew
Posted: Apr 26, 2012 at 1:45 Quote
Alot of bikes these days have a drooping top tube. When I replaced my dented 2002 Kona bear frame with a 2008 Kona Dawg I was skeptical of the new drooping design. What I've found is that the drooping top tube allows for alot more side to side motion when going into corners, riding through slow technical sections and crashing. You can really lean the bike over in preparation for corners, so much fun!

I have to say I love it, I can throw my bike around more so than ever. It really adds a whole new dimension into how I pilot the bike.

My knees don't get banged up, when I crash exiting the bike with feet ready is easier. When I ride my larger XC bike with a standard top tube I can't ride the same & it makes a difference.
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