Question about bicycle sizing.?

[Eric]

I just bought an older Trek 8500 hard tail mountain bike from a friend. It appears to be a really nice bike. It needs a fair amount of work so I have not been able to ride it yet. I am new to bicycling so please help me with this issue if you can. I am a male, 5-11, 185 pounds. The bike is a size 18 or 46cm. The Trek website says I should be on a 19-21. I do not know how the sizing works. Is this bike too small for me? It seems okay standing over it. What is the negative side of riding this bike if it is technically too small for me? I really like it but am concerned I am too big for it based off of what the Trek website says. Any input? Thank you for your time.

 

[bob a]

With the saddle set at the correct height check that the seat post is not showing the minimum insertion mark. If you don't feel cramped you should be ok one inch is not that much. If the bike does feel good and the insertion mark is showing you can get a longer seat post.