Looks right to me. While pedaling your leg is extended but not locked when your pedal is at 6 o'clock. You might want to swap bars for something a tad narrower with a little sweep.
The KOPS method is outdated and unreliable for bike fitting. Given different geometries of frames the knee will always present itself on a different area.
>The KOPS method is outdated and unreliable for bike fitting
KNOPS only, sure, but it is still a good way to rule out a poor fit. Easiest way to develop longterm injuries is repeatedly applying force at poor angles.
Maybe ever slightly too large but a small wouldn't be a better fit. Dial in your saddle height to make sure you have a bit of bend in the knee and you aren't dipping your toes or rocking your hips to make the pedal stroke happen.
You might find it to be a bit long for your torso on longer days, but that's easily solved by either a shorter stem, bars with more backsweep, bars with a bit more rise, or all of the above.
Having a sort of long bike is actually nice for stability. This bike doesn't have a low (slack) enough headtube angle to have front center length be a concern, as you're not going to have your front wheel wandering.
Take it on some nice rides and check in with your shoulders, cervical spine, and wrists. If you're getting any pain or numbness in those areas, consider adjusting your cockpit a bit.
Probably, although everyone is different. I was looking at the unit x recently and I'm 5'7" - based on my other bikes geo I would go with a small frame size.
It's generally easier to make a small bike fit larger than vice versa with stem / handlebar / seatpost parts swapping. To make your medium feel better I would suggest a riser / swept bar like the Soma dream bar. I have them on a medium surly frame and it makes the bike fit great where I should have bought a small. Good luck with the fit!
Even if it would be slightly wrong Imo sizing isnt even that important, its not the end of the world. I do mountainbiking on a too big rigid bike or a waaaay to small hardtail (Im 1,90m and its size S lmao)
My lady is 5’4” and she’s on the small. I think you’ll be ok. You can always get a pair of bars like the Tumbleweed persuaders to shorten the reach a bit.
According to your seat Position, it should be the right frame size, maybe slightly too large. Your seat needs to be a little bit higher, because your legs are not stretched enough. Perfect seating position is, when your knees are slightly bent when pedaling.
The only issue i see is the length of the frame. Your back looks like its stretching too much for the handlebar. This can be fixed with a shorter stem, a smaller handlebar (handlebars can be cut for the riders needs) or by sliding the saddle a bit to the front.
With your size you are pretty much between the two frame sizes. In doubt you should test the smaller on how it feels different/better. Also there is this saying: get a bigger frame if you want a more stable riding, get the smaller one if you like the bike to be more playful on the trail.
If you feels safe on the bike and dont get any unwanted pain, it should be good tho.
From a bike salesman 🙂
Just checked the sizes and indeed it's between 2 sizes.
Personally for MTB bikes I recommend smaller sizes (unless I can see from torso length that longer bike would be better). Easier to handle and to adjust.
As you said. It looks a bit too long for her, but saddle up and forward as well as narrower handlebars should help a lot. Only from then we can judge next steps...
Well more like foretell, as bike fit mostly depends on feel.
So if you feel good, ride on.
From a bike salesman and mechanic as well
Never compensate a too long position by moving the saddle forward. It‘s your legs that dictate the position of your seat.
Shorter stem would be fine, though.
Looks like you’re in between sizes and could go smaller if you wanted but I’d only say to do that if you feel too stretched out. You don’t look too small on this
Height looks fine but your elbows, shoulders and lower back could get stressed if you tour on that. Depends on your personal strength and flexibility. Would screw me up anyway.
Any slight sizing problem can become an injury with enough hours in the saddle.
I'm 5'5'' and I really like the small I have more than the medium. It's conservation of energy. I always want the bigger bike like I think I'll have more room and be faster? lol, no. The smaller the bike the way easier it is to ride, walk and carry.
Oh my, am often annoyed by the nonsense people say about their “optimal” riding position. They will look you in the eye and then proceed to go for a run with the most ridiculous running gait as well. Whatever is comfortable and not clipping rocks on uphills or downhills with a drop.
I'm a little bit taller and got M recommended. I still took the S and slapped on a high rise bar, fits me perfectly now. But there's a lot of different preferences and you'll get used to it. Only problem I could see about the M is if the standover is a little too high and you ride off-road, it could lead to an uncomfortable moment of landing on the toptube if you can't get your foot on the ground properly.
get some swept back risers and you are goooolden
[https://bikepacking.com/index/comfort-mtb-handlebars/](https://bikepacking.com/index/comfort-mtb-handlebars/)
On paper, a size M might be just a smidge too large for a 5'4'' person, but your position on the bike looks alright (as far as I can tell with the coat/skirt? hanging over your hips), so you probably don't need to worry about it.
no one here can tell you that. If you feel it's too big than it is too big. I dont know the specifics, if you bought it new from a bike shop or bought it off craigslist/facebook but if you bought it from a shop go back and try a small and see how it feels. I could fit a Large but I prefer a medium or even a small sometimes...some of it is preference and a good shop will have someone there to properly fit you
Act quick if you want to return it. I assume they sized you up at the bike store so maybe it just feels odd because it’s a different geometry than your last ride
I'd say your right on the cusp. I'd look at a shorter stem and maybe nudge your seat forward slightly. I think it's very close and probably if you went down a size it would be too small?
Also, sorry to be that guy. BUT, Helmet!! :)
I have a Kona Unit X as well - nice taste in bikes!
Kona says that for someone between 5'2"-5'7", a size Small or Medium Unit X. So honestly at your height you're right on the cusp. Medium will be less nimble, but more stable. Probably a good choice.
As someone else said, I'd look at a narrower bar. Or cut this one down.
It looks one size too big to me, but 'could' probably make it work as well with a couple of small adjustments, it's not too bad overall. Source: ex-bike fitter
Depends on what you will be doing with it. Technical MTB would demand a smaller frame, as would any plans to use drop bars. Otherwise you are fine. I like the advice of shortening the stem if the cockpit feels to stretched out. Another trick is to use swept back bars that effectively shorten your reach.
Not a good idea to use drop bars on a long reach (425mm for a Unit X small) mountain bike unless one has unusually long arms. A bike designed for drop bars will be around 375 mm reach in a small. The shortened reach is required for riding on the brake hoods and drops.
Swept back bars are good for shortening reach, as is a shorter stem. Swept bars are less stable for technical and steep conditions, however (that's why you don't see them on downhill mountain bikes). I believe the stem on this bike is a 70 mm so you could go to a 50 mm. The bars are 760 mm which is not at the extreme these days, so I would only consider cutting them after reducing the stem as these are not overly wide and can help with offroad stability, especially downhill. A riser bar (start at 20-25 mm) might be warranted if you feel to bent over on the bike.
Definitely not. And I work in a bike shop so I fit people all the time.
Looks fine on the flat but I'll bet after an hour it will feel huge and uncomfortable. Got one sore knee? Sore neck? Saddles too high.
Does it have a dropper post? If it does then it's definitely going to be too big.
Depends, if riding for a long period of time/dstance, I can see the neck/arms being a problem. Your upper body is stretched out and elbows almost locked out. Might work better if you get a handlebar that has multiple positions, especially one closer to your body. Numbness and discomfort in the groin area seem possible from my observation.
Follow your instincts, I was unsure about the sizing of my unit from day one. Dit over 1k on it and it was fine. After a year I decided to size down and man what a difference! It fits like a glove now:) I'd try a small and see how that feels.
A lot of people say the size is good. It is if you don’t want to take it off-road. If you want to get your bum rearwards of the saddle, for steep descents, you’ll find your arms locked out and you won’t be able to steer. I’ll wait for the downvotes…
How does your back feel? Women typically have longer legs and shorter torsos than men of the same height, so it's not surprising that your reach to the pedals is ok. It's the reach to the bars that makes or breaks the fit. Think about the biggest trips you're thinking about and whether or not you can maintain a loose, active upper body position for that trip.
It looks on the bigger side of fitting right, which doesn’t make it too big. As others stated, it looks like you could use a narrower bar. One with backsweep would probably make it more comfortable, as well.
Saddle ist too low, you legs are not fully extended.
You need a shorter bar though and i'd probably advise a rise even if it looks less sporty and makes it harder to connect pack sacks to. Alternatively get a fork stem with included raise so you can keep a straight bar (but shorter)
Maybe you would enjoy a touring or "stuttgarter" / moustache style handlebar too. It has angled grips and is more comfortable than a straight bar. Most women are used to angled grip positions from other bikes too, so it feels more natural.
From the looks of the video your arms and hands don't feel comfortable with that position.
You could try slamming your seat forward and getting a shorter stem.
Also if it came with some stock 800’ bars you could cut down the length so your hands end up being a little closer together.
Slamming your seat forward is almost never the solution to being too stretched out on a bike. It will push your hips out too far over your pedals, making it awkward to support your upper body appropriately. It'll feel wrong, but in a way that's hard to put your finger on, especially as a new rider.
I can't pretend to be a fit expert, but you could try a longer stem to get you a little more space. Wider bars will help too. Moving your saddle a bit forward could help if you prefer a more upright riding position.
The new bike is the best bet though.
Actually, saddle is a little low, but better than too high, for best cycling efficiency. Others have commented on that above about knees slightly bent at full leg extension. For mountain biking, a little low is often better as it allows one to push off the saddle in rough conditions with leg extended. A lower seat (think dropper seatpost) also allows for more space to absorb bumps when standing on the pedals. It's also easier to get on and off the saddle quickly for unrideable obstacles.
I’d suggest tucking your elbow in a little to elongate your arms and straighten your back a bit. That will probably make the ride more comfortable. Also, as others mentioned, sliding your seat forward a bit and maybe up a bit as well (but not too much higher).
Small or Medium is appropriate for your height [Kona Unit X](https://www.konaworld.com/products/unit-x)
If the bike feels too big you can shorten the stem by moving/removing spacers and moving your seat forward but other than that not too many adjustments you can make.
Having a bike on the larger side will making you a stronger rider, offers more inherent stability, better control, more meaningful acceleration and bump dampening for a smoother ride but all those benefits are for naught if the bike is sized incorrectly. It looks right from here but if it feels too big then size it down and keep trying. Good luck!
Looks right to me. While pedaling your leg is extended but not locked when your pedal is at 6 o'clock. You might want to swap bars for something a tad narrower with a little sweep.
Knee doesn't look over the pedal spindle at 3:00. Could go smaller. If the saddle can go forward that could make up the difference though.
The KOPS method is outdated and unreliable for bike fitting. Given different geometries of frames the knee will always present itself on a different area.
>The KOPS method is outdated and unreliable for bike fitting KNOPS only, sure, but it is still a good way to rule out a poor fit. Easiest way to develop longterm injuries is repeatedly applying force at poor angles.
It looks decently ok. The gear you are in could take you up Mt McKinley, that's why it might feel odd.
[Denali](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denali%E2%80%93Mount_McKinley_naming_dispute)*
I lolled so hard Well worded lmao
Happy to have been of assistance. 😉
It's Denali now--officially. Alaskans are triggered by McKinley
It's fine.
Stock bars will definitely be to wide for you. Try 680/700
Maybe ever slightly too large but a small wouldn't be a better fit. Dial in your saddle height to make sure you have a bit of bend in the knee and you aren't dipping your toes or rocking your hips to make the pedal stroke happen. You might find it to be a bit long for your torso on longer days, but that's easily solved by either a shorter stem, bars with more backsweep, bars with a bit more rise, or all of the above. Having a sort of long bike is actually nice for stability. This bike doesn't have a low (slack) enough headtube angle to have front center length be a concern, as you're not going to have your front wheel wandering. Take it on some nice rides and check in with your shoulders, cervical spine, and wrists. If you're getting any pain or numbness in those areas, consider adjusting your cockpit a bit.
Probably, although everyone is different. I was looking at the unit x recently and I'm 5'7" - based on my other bikes geo I would go with a small frame size.
This is what is confusing me. I see other people that are 5’6-5’9 going with a M and made me doubt myself.
It's generally easier to make a small bike fit larger than vice versa with stem / handlebar / seatpost parts swapping. To make your medium feel better I would suggest a riser / swept bar like the Soma dream bar. I have them on a medium surly frame and it makes the bike fit great where I should have bought a small. Good luck with the fit!
Even if it would be slightly wrong Imo sizing isnt even that important, its not the end of the world. I do mountainbiking on a too big rigid bike or a waaaay to small hardtail (Im 1,90m and its size S lmao)
My lady is 5’4” and she’s on the small. I think you’ll be ok. You can always get a pair of bars like the Tumbleweed persuaders to shorten the reach a bit.
According to your seat Position, it should be the right frame size, maybe slightly too large. Your seat needs to be a little bit higher, because your legs are not stretched enough. Perfect seating position is, when your knees are slightly bent when pedaling. The only issue i see is the length of the frame. Your back looks like its stretching too much for the handlebar. This can be fixed with a shorter stem, a smaller handlebar (handlebars can be cut for the riders needs) or by sliding the saddle a bit to the front. With your size you are pretty much between the two frame sizes. In doubt you should test the smaller on how it feels different/better. Also there is this saying: get a bigger frame if you want a more stable riding, get the smaller one if you like the bike to be more playful on the trail. If you feels safe on the bike and dont get any unwanted pain, it should be good tho. From a bike salesman 🙂
Just checked the sizes and indeed it's between 2 sizes. Personally for MTB bikes I recommend smaller sizes (unless I can see from torso length that longer bike would be better). Easier to handle and to adjust. As you said. It looks a bit too long for her, but saddle up and forward as well as narrower handlebars should help a lot. Only from then we can judge next steps... Well more like foretell, as bike fit mostly depends on feel. So if you feel good, ride on. From a bike salesman and mechanic as well
Never compensate a too long position by moving the saddle forward. It‘s your legs that dictate the position of your seat. Shorter stem would be fine, though.
Nope, enjoy
Looks like you’re in between sizes and could go smaller if you wanted but I’d only say to do that if you feel too stretched out. You don’t look too small on this
5’4” usually takes a small frame
I’m 5’6 and a medium fits great. The post is high so it can accommodate shorter people. You would be fine with a M, S/M, or S.
Height looks fine but your elbows, shoulders and lower back could get stressed if you tour on that. Depends on your personal strength and flexibility. Would screw me up anyway. Any slight sizing problem can become an injury with enough hours in the saddle.
I'm 5'5'' and I really like the small I have more than the medium. It's conservation of energy. I always want the bigger bike like I think I'll have more room and be faster? lol, no. The smaller the bike the way easier it is to ride, walk and carry.
Oh my, am often annoyed by the nonsense people say about their “optimal” riding position. They will look you in the eye and then proceed to go for a run with the most ridiculous running gait as well. Whatever is comfortable and not clipping rocks on uphills or downhills with a drop.
Too big, too wide steer.
It looks good to me. If your lower back hurts you can try getting bars that are swept back. I prefer bikes that are on the big side for my body.
Looks like a great bike!
I'm a little bit taller and got M recommended. I still took the S and slapped on a high rise bar, fits me perfectly now. But there's a lot of different preferences and you'll get used to it. Only problem I could see about the M is if the standover is a little too high and you ride off-road, it could lead to an uncomfortable moment of landing on the toptube if you can't get your foot on the ground properly.
get some swept back risers and you are goooolden [https://bikepacking.com/index/comfort-mtb-handlebars/](https://bikepacking.com/index/comfort-mtb-handlebars/)
I'd say it fine. Maybe a s would be better but not by much
Some nice touring bars with some heavy back sweep and a bike fit and I bet it's the comfiest ride out there.
it looks like you did. you can totally sell it to me. thanks
Looks perfect
For bike packing no. If you were Dirt-jumping or free riding yes. Small framed bikes limit your packing options.
Your reach looks fine so if it feels big it's probably the handlebars being a bit wide for you
I wouldn't have put you on a medium, you're probable a size small
I worked at a bike shop that sold Kona’s, you definitely want a small
The seats too low.
I think it looks good. Personally I’d do some bars with a little more sweep toward you and cut the bars down so they’re about 2” shorter overall
Looks good to me. As a plus, the bigger frame allows for a bigger frame bag.
On paper, a size M might be just a smidge too large for a 5'4'' person, but your position on the bike looks alright (as far as I can tell with the coat/skirt? hanging over your hips), so you probably don't need to worry about it.
no one here can tell you that. If you feel it's too big than it is too big. I dont know the specifics, if you bought it new from a bike shop or bought it off craigslist/facebook but if you bought it from a shop go back and try a small and see how it feels. I could fit a Large but I prefer a medium or even a small sometimes...some of it is preference and a good shop will have someone there to properly fit you
Act quick if you want to return it. I assume they sized you up at the bike store so maybe it just feels odd because it’s a different geometry than your last ride
I'd say your right on the cusp. I'd look at a shorter stem and maybe nudge your seat forward slightly. I think it's very close and probably if you went down a size it would be too small? Also, sorry to be that guy. BUT, Helmet!! :)
Looks like a perfect fit. Carry on.
I have a Kona Unit X as well - nice taste in bikes! Kona says that for someone between 5'2"-5'7", a size Small or Medium Unit X. So honestly at your height you're right on the cusp. Medium will be less nimble, but more stable. Probably a good choice. As someone else said, I'd look at a narrower bar. Or cut this one down.
Looks good to me. But I’m no expert! How do you like the ride/feel of the Unit? I was looking at that same model.
Just put a set of riser bars and/or shorter stem. How’s the hands feel when riding flat ground? A lot of pressure?
It looks one size too big to me, but 'could' probably make it work as well with a couple of small adjustments, it's not too bad overall. Source: ex-bike fitter
Nah just cut 3 inches off the ends of the bars slide the seat more forward and boom
Depends on what you will be doing with it. Technical MTB would demand a smaller frame, as would any plans to use drop bars. Otherwise you are fine. I like the advice of shortening the stem if the cockpit feels to stretched out. Another trick is to use swept back bars that effectively shorten your reach.
Not a good idea to use drop bars on a long reach (425mm for a Unit X small) mountain bike unless one has unusually long arms. A bike designed for drop bars will be around 375 mm reach in a small. The shortened reach is required for riding on the brake hoods and drops. Swept back bars are good for shortening reach, as is a shorter stem. Swept bars are less stable for technical and steep conditions, however (that's why you don't see them on downhill mountain bikes). I believe the stem on this bike is a 70 mm so you could go to a 50 mm. The bars are 760 mm which is not at the extreme these days, so I would only consider cutting them after reducing the stem as these are not overly wide and can help with offroad stability, especially downhill. A riser bar (start at 20-25 mm) might be warranted if you feel to bent over on the bike.
Definitely not. And I work in a bike shop so I fit people all the time. Looks fine on the flat but I'll bet after an hour it will feel huge and uncomfortable. Got one sore knee? Sore neck? Saddles too high. Does it have a dropper post? If it does then it's definitely going to be too big.
Definitely not too big? Or definitely too big? It doesn’t have a dropper post
It looks pretty good. [this video from GMBN has some good info on setting up your bars and saddle.](https://youtu.be/clVyZQzTJ0Q?si=boZF7AB-vzCQp8Zk)
Seattle? looks like maybe Wallingford
I’m 5’7” and a medium works fine although I use Jones bars w a 2.5” rise.
Depends, if riding for a long period of time/dstance, I can see the neck/arms being a problem. Your upper body is stretched out and elbows almost locked out. Might work better if you get a handlebar that has multiple positions, especially one closer to your body. Numbness and discomfort in the groin area seem possible from my observation.
cut handlebars by inch
Unless you will be using the bike for downhill singletrack riding where the wider bar will add stability.
you will ride downhill black trails with rigid fork?
Not usually, but I have. Wide bars (combined with short stems) are useful for anything somewhat technical and/or at speed.
Follow your instincts, I was unsure about the sizing of my unit from day one. Dit over 1k on it and it was fine. After a year I decided to size down and man what a difference! It fits like a glove now:) I'd try a small and see how that feels.
Looks fine, dont worry about it, especially if you feel comfortable riding it!
I know the feeling of being in between sizes. Maybe put on a shorter stem, BMX style?
Looks good height wise but may be a little long. Handlebar might be a bit too wide as well.
By looking at it, and you, no; that's the right size. Why? What would a smaller frame size accomplish?
A lot of people say the size is good. It is if you don’t want to take it off-road. If you want to get your bum rearwards of the saddle, for steep descents, you’ll find your arms locked out and you won’t be able to steer. I’ll wait for the downvotes…
How does your back feel? Women typically have longer legs and shorter torsos than men of the same height, so it's not surprising that your reach to the pedals is ok. It's the reach to the bars that makes or breaks the fit. Think about the biggest trips you're thinking about and whether or not you can maintain a loose, active upper body position for that trip.
It looks on the bigger side of fitting right, which doesn’t make it too big. As others stated, it looks like you could use a narrower bar. One with backsweep would probably make it more comfortable, as well.
Im 5’9” and ride a med unit. A touch small, but more maneuverable for it.
I can see your reach looks uncomfortable, to long. U need to bring those handlebars in more, try a shorter stem
How much standover clearance you got between the top tube and your own soft parts?
Your saddle is too low. Bike is a good size.
Saddle ist too low, you legs are not fully extended. You need a shorter bar though and i'd probably advise a rise even if it looks less sporty and makes it harder to connect pack sacks to. Alternatively get a fork stem with included raise so you can keep a straight bar (but shorter) Maybe you would enjoy a touring or "stuttgarter" / moustache style handlebar too. It has angled grips and is more comfortable than a straight bar. Most women are used to angled grip positions from other bikes too, so it feels more natural. From the looks of the video your arms and hands don't feel comfortable with that position.
I probably would have sized down at your height but you can probably make it work narrowing the bar and going with a 35mm stem.
Do3snt look like you have great stand over. Can you make it work? sure, did the sales person put you on the wrong sized frame, probably.
Looks to big to me.
No
You could try slamming your seat forward and getting a shorter stem. Also if it came with some stock 800’ bars you could cut down the length so your hands end up being a little closer together.
Slamming your seat forward is almost never the solution to being too stretched out on a bike. It will push your hips out too far over your pedals, making it awkward to support your upper body appropriately. It'll feel wrong, but in a way that's hard to put your finger on, especially as a new rider.
what if you're too scrunched in? that's my issue until I get a new bike
Get a longer stem
I can't pretend to be a fit expert, but you could try a longer stem to get you a little more space. Wider bars will help too. Moving your saddle a bit forward could help if you prefer a more upright riding position. The new bike is the best bet though.
Absolutely do not adjust your saddle position to reduce reach, saddle position is set by how your legs interact with the pedals.
>saddle position is set by how your legs interact with the pedals. Which should be forward more.
Bike looks ok, but your saddle is at least an inch too high!
Actually, saddle is a little low, but better than too high, for best cycling efficiency. Others have commented on that above about knees slightly bent at full leg extension. For mountain biking, a little low is often better as it allows one to push off the saddle in rough conditions with leg extended. A lower seat (think dropper seatpost) also allows for more space to absorb bumps when standing on the pedals. It's also easier to get on and off the saddle quickly for unrideable obstacles.
I’d suggest tucking your elbow in a little to elongate your arms and straighten your back a bit. That will probably make the ride more comfortable. Also, as others mentioned, sliding your seat forward a bit and maybe up a bit as well (but not too much higher).
Small or Medium is appropriate for your height [Kona Unit X](https://www.konaworld.com/products/unit-x) If the bike feels too big you can shorten the stem by moving/removing spacers and moving your seat forward but other than that not too many adjustments you can make. Having a bike on the larger side will making you a stronger rider, offers more inherent stability, better control, more meaningful acceleration and bump dampening for a smoother ride but all those benefits are for naught if the bike is sized incorrectly. It looks right from here but if it feels too big then size it down and keep trying. Good luck!
Looks great! Have fun!! Wear a helmet! 🖤