standover height

Question
Hello

How important is the stand over clearance?   My old KHS full suspensions, has about 4" which is great, while a new one,tried Ibis HDE 650B  27.5"  I tried,  had hardly 1" and it was much less comfortable.     Both are Med. 17"

Looks like some nice bikes that I'd like to purchase have hardly 1" clearance...  What is your input please?

Thanks you,  Gabe

Answer
Hi Gabriel

I understand the problem and yes different brands have a slight variation in standover height even though the frame size is said to be the same. That is the nature of cycling and bicycles.

Don't eliminate the bikes you like on that basis, see if you can put a smaller wheelset on like a 650 in place of a 700. or can you go down to a 16? or a 24" instead of a 26" wheelset and tires.

Yes standover height is important, but I would not eliminate a bike solely on that. You should check with your LBS since they sell the brands you will likely buy they would know more about how that particular brand measures eaverything/

I dealt with Fuji and KHS mainly when I had a bike shop, so am more familiar with them.

Hope this helpd

Have a great day

Jerry