MTB - In between sizes

[Tubeless]

Have searched, surprised not to find more on this.

 

Stuck right in the middle according to recommended size. ie 497mm recommended. L=470 ; XL = 520

 

XC riding with some local trails. So bit of a mix.

 

So what is the feeling, go with the larger frame or smaller?

 

 

[Daniel J Méssem]

cant you try em out 1st?

 

larger with a shorter stem is how I like it, same reach but longer base... but my riding buddies go for smaller for the flickability or whatever kids are calling it these days

[Pulse]

Personally, I go for the smaller size (I'm in the middle benltween M and L)

 

There was a recent thread about rather going larger with a shorter stem...

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

checkout ur arm length, if u got long arms go bigger and shorter stem.

[YUMEYA]

Same prob as you.

I prefer a medium mtb and large road bike. 

[ZakAttak]

This is an interesting thread....

 

I feel for you... I'm 176m and tossing between a Small or Medium 29er.... However, I am comfortable on a Medium 650B and 26er...

 

So don't know what to do...

[ZakAttak]

Found this as well... Makes for some interesting opinions:

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/130437-173m-tall-buying-large-bike-any-advice-would-be-appreciated/?hl=size+bike

[J∆kk∆ls]

Go smaller. Having a big bike under you on a single track can be tricky. But if your doing some long mileage a bigger bike might be more comfy. Mmm

 

I'm switching from XL to L for more flick ability:P 26"

[Klipspringer]

http://www.mbr.co.uk/news/size-matters-why-were-all-riding-bikes-that-are-too-small/

 

Read this thread too, interesting technical articles on bike sizes.

[BMXER]

I always opt down a size. Too big and you will feel like you are steering a ship.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Larger size. On an mtb you need more room to maneuver - a longer top tube mated with a shorter stem will enable you to move around more freely without upsetting your weight distribution and getting too far over the front wheel.

 

This is NOT bmx or dirt jump where the frames are as small as possible to allow tricking. You need as much room as possible on the top tube, and the bigger frame does that

[Oxter]

Cant believe someone hasn't mentioned the weight...no more weight weenies on the hub??

 

I'm in between M and L and felt more comfortable on the M frame.  All my previous frames where L though, and you know what...i still loved riding them.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Cant believe someone hasn't mentioned the weight...no more weight weenies on the hub??

 

I'm in between M and L and felt more comfortable on the M frame.  All my previous frames where L though, and you know what...i still loved riding them.

Probably down to the stem that was on the bikes - if you're inbetween, and have the same stem length on each bike, you would prefer the medium as you'd feel stretched out on the large. 

 

The key is to go bigger, with shorter stem. Going bigger with the same length stem just doesn't work. 

[Oxter]

Probably down to the stem that was on the bikes - if you're inbetween, and have the same stem length on each bike, you would prefer the medium as you'd feel stretched out on the large. 

 

The key is to go bigger, with shorter stem. Going bigger with the same length stem just doesn't work. 

totally agree

[Skylark]

If you sizing a bike more for bombing down hills than XC racing how does the sizing influence things there?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

If you sizing a bike more for bombing down hills than XC racing how does the sizing influence things there?

Same. Longer = more stable = more space to move on the top tube = faster

 

Shorter stem = better steering = better handling = easier to get the front up and over stuff. 

 

Essentially, we should be looking at reach, then determining our ideal top tube length whilst looking at a stem of between 40 & 70mm. No more than 70mm. And even that is too long, IMO, for MTB. 

 

Take the new Reign, for example. 20mm difference in TT length between M & L. If you were using a 70mm stem on the M, you would actually be better off on the L with a 50mm stem, or go even to a 40mm stem and you'll be more comfortable. 

 

Likewise in the difference between old reign X and new Reign. 30mm difference in TT lengths. If I had a 70mm stem on my reign X (which I probably should, given my reach - I'm feeling a bit cramped on the bike when it gets tricky) I'd be able to go across to a new Large Reign and actually keep my current stem (40mm) and have EXACTLY the same fit as I would have with my current setup, with a 60mm stem - and actually be better off as I'd have more room to maneuver on the top tube, and in the air...