Measuring a Mountain Bike
Mountain bikes come in three primary styles: no suspension (or traditional), front-suspension (or hardtail) and full-suspension. The frames are made from steel, aluminum or carbon fiber. Tires are usually 26" with some newer models having 29" tires. All mountain bikes are measured the same way - by the length of the seat tube, even if it is not one continuous tube, as with some full-suspension bikes. Here are the three types of mountain bikes, each with detailed measuring instructions and a frame diagram showing you exactly where to measure.
What style mountain bike do you have?
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Traditional Mountain Bike
Traditional mountain bikes have sturdy frames, 26" tires, and no front or rear suspension.
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Hardtail Mountain Bike
Hardtail mountain bikes have front suspension and 26" or 29" tires.
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Full-suspension MTB
Full suspension mountain bikes have both front and rear suspension with 26" tires.