BB Height Discussion

[benwitt11]

I'm looking into building a new hardtail AM rig. I've been debating the bottom bracket height at length, and I've kind of hit a wall. I'm interested in a rather high BB for clearance, I don't want something that rides like a ladder. I'm debating a height between 12.75" and 13.5". The bike will be based around a 5" travel fork, with 69/73 head/seat angles.

This is a bit out of my experiance. What would the pros and cons be of the range of heights?

Any other things that I should consider that I'm not?

Thanks for all the advice, cheers,
Ben

[bjanga]

Are you building a 29", my friend? I dunno if the big wheels would help clear obstacles better. Also are you running 175mm cranks?

[bikerpunk98199]

i would say a low bb w/ 170 or 165 cranks how tall are you?

[benwitt11]

The bike will be built with 29" wheels around a White Bros 130 Fluid. I am about 6' 1" with long legs. The top tube will be designed with loads of clearance, so that's not an issue. And yes, in my experiance, big wheels clear stuff a lot easier. No blind zelotry though, I'm not trying to sell anyone on 29er here. I really like the performance of the big wheels though, and I'm really excited to try to pair the clearing ability of the wheelsize wth a more relaxed, capable frame. I am planning on running 175 Saints with a 36t e13 bash guard. The bike will be along these lines, http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163983 though a larger effective TT, slacker head angle, stronger wheels, Saint brakes, the bigger fork, and more clearance.

[bjanga]

I really do not know what I am talking about but I would think a 12.5" or 13" bb height when your fork has an inch or so of sag would be ideal. A low bike is a wonderful thing. Are you building a frame?

[benwitt11]

I'm thinking of a higher than 13" bb without sag figured in. My current XC bike is about 12.5", I like that, but for the purpose of this bike I'd like a bit more clearance.

I am roughly designing the frame, (angles and such only, not tubing sizes.) Rob Pennell of Badger Cycles, (www.badgercycles.com) will be building the bike.