Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Tom asked in SportsCycling · 7 years ago

how much of the seat's tube should be inside the frame?

help. just bought a used gary fisher mtb and the size is only large whereas my last one was XL. first::: big size difference. next, how much tubing from the seat should be into the frame to provide adequate support for the weight and stress that will be placed on the area? i'm 6'00' and weigh 180lbs. although not a competitive rider, I do like to push the limits and go down some pretty steep inclines. i'm not a mechanical engineer to can't gauge the length of tube needed to support my riding level. as it stands, there are roughly 4 inches and everything went well on my initial ride yesterday. although I think I can get used to this new size, I do miss the feeling of my xl frame. sturdy and safe....

thanx.

6 Answers

Relevance
  • 7 years ago

    Imagine the frame being transparent.

    The bottom edge of the seat post should be about 1 cm (1/2") below the bottom of the top tube. If the seat stays are below the top tube then the seat post should go below the bottom edge of the seat stay.

    If there is a minimum insertion mark on the seat post, use that instead.

  • 7 years ago

    Most seatposts are marked in someway to show you the minimum insertion allowance. I believe it is approximately 4 inches.

    A large frame is probably perfect for you. I know several MTB riders whose measurements say they should be on a large frame bike, but they prefer to ride a medium. Don't be surprised to find that your bike handling skills improve.

  • 7 years ago

    Bikeworks answer is excellent, he gives you 2 different ways to figure out how much of your seatpost should be inside the frame. Measure both ways, and if you have any doubt, you might invest in a longer seatpost. You are not overly heavy, but if you are an aggressive rider, err on the side of caution. Best case scenario if your seatpost fails, you need a new one. Worst case, either you damage your frame or injure yourself

  • 7 years ago

    The seat post should have a warning marker on it. You may have to look closely and/or wipe it down with a clean rag to find it. But every bike I've ever seen has one.

  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • John M
    Lv 7
    7 years ago

    There should be a minimum insertion mark on the seat post.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    7 years ago

    they are usually marked

    4-5 inches

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.