Advice on k2 4000

[Rob394]

I was just given a 1999 K2 4000 rs. It's my first mountain bike and it was given to me by a relative who didn't use it much and knew I wanted to start riding.  The problem is the frame feels too large. Measured center to top it is 21.5". I'm only 5'8" with an inseam slightly under 32". When I stand over it I have about an inch of clearance over the lowest part of the top tube. So I'd like some advice on what to do. Is it hard to find the same frame? I can't seem to find any. Should I get a different frame? Any recommendations? I'd like to keep as many of the parts as possible since they're in good condition and I can't afford to buy much as I'm a college student. Thanks.

[iliv2k2]

Hi, welcome to the forum. I'd say you have a large frame, since my medium 4000 frame is 20.5 inches from center of BB to top of seat tube. You best bet on finding a frame is eBay, but it may take a month or two (perhaps longer) for one to appear. Set up a saved search so you'll receive an email when one comes available. The 2000 K2 Evo frame has the same geometry.

[w2zero]

Check on craigslist too for the frame.  There are always proflexes for sale in the seattle area.

[Colin]

Bear in mind that the 4000RS uses a RK012 Needle bearing kit as a pivot bearing, whereas the plain 4000/5000 and most EVO's use a RK008 Nylon(?) bearing kit.
The frames and swingarms have different Part #'s but this may just be because of the paint jobs on them.............
So if you buy just a front triangle, will it work with the existing swing arm?
But on the plus side, the Evo 4.0 is listed as using the RK012 needle bearing kit but also uses the 15482 Carbon swing arm which is the same as used on the 4000 etc.......so if that is interchangeable then maybe they all are.
But then again if you get a full medium size frame and swing arm then you should be OK...........!

Col.

[Matno]

I have a large 5000 (same frame as 4000) and my wife has a medium. The height from center of the BB to top of the seat tube is identical for the two. Only the length of the top tubes is different.

Maybe you have an XL? My wife is 5'3" and has no problem with her medium frame. I'm 5'11" and feel more comfortable on the large, but I don't feel cramped at all on the medium and have ridden it on a lot of different trails. Personally, I think an inch of clearance over the top tube is adequate. You're much higher than that when your feet are on the pedals, which should give you several inches of clearance during actual riding. It used to be the standard "measurement" for bike fit to stand over the top tube and if you had 1" of clearance, the bike "fit." A lot of less technical bike shops still use this crude measurement, and it will get you in the ballpark.

Personally, I'd keep the frame you have unless you feel like you're too "stretched out" reaching for the handlebars.

[Colin]

Good points Matno, here's me trying to fix a problem and we don't know if there really is one! <GRIN>

I just checked the frame geometry table for the '98 4000/5000 and I guess the relevant measurements we are interested in here are:

TT = Top tube
C2T = Center to Top (from BB centre to seat tube top)
SO = Stand over

Size   TT   C2T   SO  
small  547  472   717
med  562  515   746
large  587  515   747  
WB    615  544   747

All in mm's obviously,

My (labelled) Medium 4000 is spot on with these measurements.
I'm 5' 8" and I find Mediums to be just right for rme with short (80/90mm) stems.

21.5" converts to 546mm , so it does look like you may have a "Way Big", if you're sure it is one, maybe you could swap it for a smaller one with some lanky b@stard on here....? <GRIN>

I think the way to tell is look at the headtube and where the top tube and down tube (square) meet it, on a Way Big there is quite a big gap between the two, i.e. exposed head tube; on all other models the two tubes virtually touch, with no exposed headtube between them.
(Can anyone with a Large/Way Big confirm this?)
see my medium 4000                                                                               and a Way Big 5000
 

Oh Bugger! every time I show that photo I start the whole "spinergy" wheel debate again! Please no more! <GRIN>

Col.

[Rob394]

First off thanks for the help you've all really helped.  It appears I have a Way Big as there is about an inch of exposed headtube. The other measurements seem to match very closely as well.  I find the stand over feels just fine it's the length that has been bothering me. Interesting that that is where the biggest changes are between the different sizes.  I've started looking for a new one while I continue to ride it. It's not too bad since I seem to have longer than average arms but it does feel stretched.  I may get a shorter stem in the meantime but I've already contacted somebody on craigslist who's selling a full bike.
Rob

[Rob394]

Assuming I do have a Way Big is the size of my fork different than a medium?

[iliv2k2]

If you decide to sell the WB, I may be interested in buying it. I'm 6'1" on a medium. What kind of fork is on it?

[Rob394]

It's a Noleen Crosslink ELT.

[kiwi]

Assuming I do have a Way Big is the size of my fork different than a medium?

the fork may be different on a way big yes.Sorry i cant be more definite

[Spokes]

Oh Bugger! every time I show that photo I start the whole "spinergy" wheel debate again! Please no more! <GRIN>

Col.

The Devils wheels they are, get rid of them I tell thee!