Morewood Shova frame size???

[CharlG]

Hi guys!

 

Really new to the forum...been roaming the pages for a while but havent posted much at all!

Loving the gravity section!

 

Im currently riding a 2012 Silverback Alpine hardtail....not a bad bike (and also nothing to write home about) but the riding that my mates and i are doing and are more into is that of the freeride/trail type riding. Been thinking seriously now about upgrading to a dual sus rig which i reckon would suit my style of ridng and also give more confidence on the hairy descents (which i love, but the hardtail is really being put through its paces)

 

Im considering an older Morewood Shova lt/st as i would need to be able to climb aswell.

 

Is the Shova a compotent all-rounder for climbing and descending?

 

And im really not sure what frame size i would need...Im 1.8m tall and weigh 90kg's.

 

What would your thoughts be on frame size for me?

 

And also, if i were to go look at a Morewood Shova how would i know what the frame size is...? Is it indicated somewhere on the frame?

 

I was thinking possibly a medium frame but was told today by the guy at The Bike Shed (Contermanskloof) that the older Shova sizes were some what smaller than the current line-up of Morewoods and that if i was looking at the older frames then i should go with a large. But in the same breath ive read on the forums here of people in similar situations being told to go for a medium....really not sure???

 

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

Thanks

[ThePubSA]

You might border between Med/Lrg frame,depending on brand, sizes differ. Im 1.9 & border LRG/XLRG depending on make

[CharlG]

Thanks GrubScrew, ye thats what i was told. That not all makes have the same size frames etc...do u ride a Morewood or have you ridden one..? If so, what size was good for you?

[ThePubSA]

Thanks GrubScrew, ye thats what i was told. That not all makes have the same size frames etc...do u ride a Morewood or have you ridden one..? If so, what size was good for you?

Have ridden 1 or 2 woods,havent owned 1 Yet .I usually go for xl , can always run shorter stem & no layback post to shorten the frame out,rather then super long stem & high seatpost.

Have from med-Xl bikes so prob not best to ask My trance x a large tho,feel abit cramped on long rides sometimes,but throws down better then the xl would i rekon

[Airborne]

I am 1.76 and ride a medium Shova ST and Zula and they are perfect for me.

The Shova is a 2008 and the Zula a 2011, both are comfortable.

 

A mate of mine is 1.85 and also has a medium Zula and very happy with it.

[CharlG]

Thanks for the replies guys..would the Shova be a decent bike for all-mountain riding? Have heard some guys saying that its basically a DH Izimu with a shorter fork..? Is that the case?

[CharlG]

Apologies for all the noob questions.. just trying to get my facts straight to make an informed decision when the time comes!

[Airborne]

Thanks for the replies guys..would the Shova be a decent bike for all-mountain riding? Have heard some guys saying that its basically a DH Izimu with a shorter fork..? Is that the case?

 

Shova would be perfect, I am running 120-150mm Rock Shox Uturn upfront with a Fox DHX4 Air rear.

I have just converted to 2 x 9 with Truvative chainguide and shorter stem.

 

I am really enjoying this bike, dare I say it even more than my Zula.

[Iwan Kemp]

Shova LT will be too much bike. Shova ST will be okay but remember that it'll be quite heavy. As in VERY. If you're planning on running a stem of 70mm or shorter (which you will have to to do the bike justice) I'd go with the Large. I am 179 and Med Shova with a short stem is too short for me when doing longer rides.

[Airborne]

Shova LT will be too much bike. Shova ST will be okay but remember that it'll be quite heavy.

 

 

Agree, ST better option.

[CharlG]

@ Airborne...how tall are you and what size is your shova?

[Airborne]

I am 1.76 and ride a medium Shova ST.

[CharlG]

Excuse the ignorance guys..difference between LT and ST? is the lt a longer coil spring and the st a shorter travel air shock? And then why would the st be the better option?

[CharlG]

My bad Airborne...just saw now a few posts up that you did state your height and bike size! Shot

[Iwan Kemp]

Excuse the ignorance guys..difference between LT and ST? is the lt a longer coil spring and the st a shorter travel air shock? And then why would the st be the better option?

Yes

 

The LT was closer, but arguably more hardcore, than today's Mbuzi. It is A LOT of bike and probably a step too far. Unless you are TRULY into FREERIDING. Don't want to insult your intelligence or what you know or do on a bike, but lots of guys refer to any descent as "downhill" and any form of something technical as freeride. If you're doing what you're planning to do on your Silverback, but just want extra burl and a bike that can handle a little more with better composure then the ST or a current Shova will be enough.

 

Shova is one mighty mean capable bike. Most guys don;t need more than 140mm travel anyway.

[Airborne]

You can check out the differences here:

 

http://www.morewoodbikes.com/support/bike-archive/2008/frame/shova-st.html

 

http://www.morewoodbikes.com/support/bike-archive/2008/frame/shova-lt.html

 

I went with the ST because its a multi purpose bike, FR/AM, enduro and XC and will even take you down some the DH tracks baring the hectic stuff.