What size bike to buy?

[bolo]

Hi guys, being new to the downhill sport (did XC before), i would like to get some advice concerning which size of frame (bike) to buy, i am 1.73m. Does the DH frames also comes into sizes like 15, 17 etc or it would be small, medium...

 

What size should i get?

 

Thanks for advice

[Capricorn]

Hi Bolo and welcome to teh forums!

DH bikes tend to come in Small, Medium, or Large, and with specialized, you can also get XS size for the small pinner.

Based on your height, you close to the borderline between Small and Medium, but leaning toward medium. I'd say you should start with a medium, especially if you have standard to longish legs (odd length reference i know, but some would say they have short, normal or long legs relative to others of similar height).

 

Do you have access to DH frames of various sizes? best thing to do is saddle up and give them a spin to see if u feel comfortable with the reach and the space in your cockpit (knees not knocking up on the stanchions or handlebars etc)

[bolo]

Hi Capricorn, thanks for the reply, i from Mauritius and on work contract in Windhoek,Namibia. I ride a medium Trek fuel Ex9 for xc which suit me perfectly. My plan is to buy a DH bike on the forum and having it ship to me like i did with my Trek, so there is no possbility to ride before buying.

 

I tried to do a bit of research on what size would suit me best but like you said i am in the border line for both sizes. I intend to 'race' it in Mauritius and represent Mauritius next year for the African Championship, (just for fun obviously!!). I read a few comments saying that a smaller frame would be better to trash it around etc...what is your adivice on that point in my case where i am on the limit of both size?

 

Thanks

[Capricorn]

There is no cooker cutter formula for this thing, as at the end of the day, it's what you are comfortable with so as to maintain your natural riding style.

 

If u truly borderline, then go small. I know i'm changing my previous suggestion to start with a Medium, but i think of Sam Hill, who is 5'10 or thereabouts,and he's rocking a Small Demo 8.

[bolo]

ok, thanks man.