a)
The basics
Understanding the basics of a bicycle frame size will help in determining the correct positions and adjustments for your body
size and comfort. The Mariner 500
’s frame was designed to easily accommodate all riders from 5’ 6” to 6’ 6” utilizing the
available adjustments
. The frame size can be considered anywhere from an 18” to 23” if comparing to traditional
measurements. The most important information to remember when sizing your bicycle is that you are comfortable riding,
especially when pedaling. With throttled electric bicycles, some riders may choose not to pedal and the measurement will be
different than for the same size rider who chooses to pedal. Scooters for instance have a much lower saddle height than
bicycles due to scooters not being pedaled. A higher saddle height is only recommended for riders who pedal allowing them a
full extension of their leg per rotation of the crank.
b)
Frame size
The typical measurement number used today in deciding if a frame size is the correct size for a rider is the seat tube length.
This number usually begins around 17” for MTB style bicycles and can go as high as 25” for Road style bicycles. MTB
bicycles will usually be 10% smaller in number size for the same height rider when comparing to Road sizes. The seat tube
length is measured from the centerline of the crank (bottom bracket) to the top of the seat tube (seat tube clamp). There is
another measurement sometimes forgotten which is actually more important, this is the top tube length (seat tube to the
steering tube). Most manufacturers will proportionally adjust the top tube length according to the seat tube length and with
stems being available in various lengths, fine tuning of this measurement is easily accomplished.
Prodeco Technologies Mariner 500
’s frame measurement will differ from traditional bicycle frames due to the seat tube
being longer than a traditional bicycle.
The Mariner 500 battery base required an added mounting area to the seat tube, therefore the better way to measure the
seat tube is from the base of the saddle clamp (seat post must be inserted at the lowest position) to the centerline of the
crank. When measuring this way, the Mariner 500
would be considered an 17” frame. Even though considered an 17”
frame, the frame is unique in other areas, allowing for all size riders and adjustable to be similar to a 19
” bike frame.
The Mariner 500
’s has a high seat tube angle. With the high angle seat tube, as a tall rider raises their saddle to accommodate
their longer legs, the saddle will pull back offering a longer distance to the steering tube. For fine detailed adjusting, the narrow
seat post saddle clamp allows the saddle to be moved back or forward an additional 7.5mm each way.
c)
Recommended sizing
In today’s bicycle industry, the top tube length is actually more important than the seat tube length. With seat posts now
available over 300mm, the seat tube length is no longer the most important number. The distance of the bottom bracket to
the road should also be taken into consideration when sizing a bike. The top tube length is traditionally the distance from the
center of the seat tube to the center of the steering tube. For purposes of sizing the Mariner 500, we will name the distance
of the center of the saddle to the center of the handlebar the steering length (similar to the top tube length).
You can adjust the steering length of your Mariner 500 by establishing the saddle position and handlebar height combined
with the adjusting of the stem rise via rotation. The saddle position can be adjusted for height and distance from the steering
tube via the quick release clamp and the saddle clamp. Keep in mind by increasing the height of the saddle, this will also
increase the steering length due to the angle of the seat tube. Below is a chart recommending the adjustment of the saddle
height and steering length for your size if you will choose to also pedal your Mariner 500. This chart is only a
recommendation and you should choose the most comfortable position for your style of riding and size. People of the same
height can have shorter or longer legs and also shorter or longer upper torsos. Please also keep in mind when sizing, the
Mariner 500 has a suspension seat post and this will alter the saddle height dimension
based upon the rider’s weight.
Rider's Height*
Steering Length Recommendation (a)
Saddle Height Recommendation (b)
(inches)
(cm)
(inches)
(cm)
(inches)
(cm)
5' 3"
160.0
22"
55.9
33"
83.8
5' 4"
162.6
22"
55.9
33 1/2"
85.1
5' 5"
165.1
22"
55.9
34"
86.4
5' 6"
167.6
22"
55.9
34 1/2"
87.6
5' 7"
170.2
22 1/4"
56.5
35"
88.9
5' 8"
172.7
22 1/2"
57.2
35 1/2"
90.2
5' 9"
175.3
22 3/4"
57.8
36"
91.4
5' 10"
177.8
23"
58.4
36 1/2"
92.7
5' 11"
180.3
23 1/4"
59.1
37"
94.0
6'
182.9
23 1/2"
59.7
37 1/2"
95.3
6' 1"
185.4
23 3/4"
60.3
38"
96.5
6' 2"
188.0
24"
61.0
38 1/2"
97.8
6' 3"
190.5
24 1/4"
61.6
39"
99.1
* This is only a guide for your height, adjust your position to your comfort level
(a) The steering length recommendation is the distance from the center of the saddle to the center of the handlebar
(b) The saddle height recommendation is the distance from the top of the saddle to the pavement
If you choose to use your bicycle as a scooter style vehicle only, you should establish saddle height at a lower position to
reduce the center of gravity. Saddle height can be reduced to 1 inch under your inseam. Your inseam is the measurement of
the inside of your leg. The steering length recommendation would not change and the measurement in the above chart
remains.