Why are all second hand fives 18 frames?.....well the majority of them are, I've been told that the 16" frame is the best size to get for if your between 5ft6-5ft10 and wanting to do more technical riding, so I've been searching the web for a 16 but as I say the majority are 18's...are people buying bikes that are too big for them? And surely you'd rather it be the smaller size than the bigger if anything.....bikes that is! 😀
I wanted a 16 about 2 months ago and found loads mate.
Ended up with a mint 2012 frame.
Set up an eBay search and look on pinkbike.
You are right. There are loads of 18" around. It took me a while to find a 17".
I'm 5ft 9" and it fits me perfectly.
But the 17's have the same top tube length as the 18's, but has more standover clearance so position on the bikes gonna be same as riding an 18...more of a relaxed position on the 16 and better for the downs, or so I was told?
Well i tried a 16" and it felt just a tad cramped. The 17" just felt right. Very comfortable and confident on the downs.