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I have a 17" 2001 Marin Nail Trail which I bought off my brother a couple of years ago as a way of getting back into MTBing. I've upgraded to disc brakes and had new wheels, but apart from that, the bike is pretty much original.
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I've now "upgraded" to a FS bike and Mr Squirrel has been learning to MTB on the Marin. He's rarely ridden a bike in the past, so is very much a beginner but feels that the Marin might be a bit small for him. Is there anyone out there with the same or similar who could advise on sizing. OH is 5'11 and has 31" inside leg.
If the bike is too small, I may be on the look-out to do a swap of either entire bike or frame only over the summer, once holidays are out of the way. I may be willing to build up a bike for him, as am ready for a challenge!!!
I'm not sure if Marin's sizing changed at some point, but back in the day, they used to be 17 1/2 or 19". If thats a seventeen and a half you have there, I'd say that's spot on for a 5'11" rider - especially with a 31" leg, which is short for the body height.
If the saddle height shown in the picture is how it's being ridden, then he deffo doesn't need any bigger.
Thanks, Reluctant - that is helpful to know.
I've just checked and it is a 17" - I rode this bike for a couple of years, but am 5'7" with 32" inside leg ... it was always a little long in the reach for me but OH has much longer arms and the ("rule of thumb") elbow - fingertip / end of saddle to mid-point on stem test seems spot on.
I suspect the bike is OK, but it's just his perception at the moment. The other problem is that he has size 11 feet which he's yet to position correctly on the pedals - I got him some V12 Copies, which have gone some way to solve the problem, but I think it's probably more a question of practice ...
I'd agree with Reluctants comment, I'm 5'10 and a bit and from memory a 17 Marin is about spot on.