Advice needed regarding correct MTB size

[Dupi]

Hey guys,

 

After some serious homework I decided that my first mountain bike should be a Silverback Sola 4. So that leaves me with one last decision to make…and it seems that it might be the most important one to get right…namely bike size.

 

Keeping in mind that I’m a total newby, the two most basic measurements to consider seem to be the actual height of the rider as well as inseam length (standover height). I took these two measurements and they are as follow:

• Height – 1.75m
• Inseam length – 0.80m

According to most charts this translates to a medium size bike. I do however seem to be on the border between medium and large, which somewhat complicates my decision. I would therefore greatly appreciate your opinions and recommendations regarding this matter.

 

Looking forward to your reply.

 

Cheers

Dupi

[supertorro]

Go to a bike shop with competent staff  and get measured and fit correctly. Ride both if possible in the conditions you expect to ride

 

My personal experience when being between Medium and Large is go for the Large and a short stem. But that's my personal experience and likely doesn't apply to you.

[GAP]

Go to one of the popular bike shops in CT.

[Ryanpmb]

"Medium" and "Large" varies from brand to brand... What are we looking at in cm's or inches? ETT is also important - actually more so...

 

Based on your dims given you're not between a M and L. You'll be a M 16.5 - 18" frame.

[Eugene]

The shop you are buying it from should be doing the sizing for you.

 

I disagree that you sit between a large and a medium. Considering your inseam length (I assume it was correctly measured) you are between and small and a medium. Probably aim for a medium. But as mentioned earlier, some brands have different sizing.

[dirtypot]

Based on your size I'd say definitely go for the medium.  I don't think you're that close to the border between sizes.  The large will be too big for you, and you'll be too stretched out.

[Thomo]

Most of us can fit on 3 different sized modern bikes with small tweaks to the set-up.

@ 1.75 I doubt that you'll be between M and L ... probably medium, and perhaps even on the upper end of S.

Obviously there are many other factors which should be considered.

Get to a store for some assistance.

[supertorro]

Most of us can fit on 3 different sized modern bikes with small tweaks to the set-up.

@ 1.75 I doubt that you'll be between M and L ... probably medium, and perhaps even on the upper end of S.

Obviously there are many other factors which should be considered.

Get to a store for some assistance.

I'm almost the same size as OP, as good as makes no difference. And for me a Large has definitely been the better option. And as mentioned with some tweaks you can fit on just about anything

[Martin PJ]

I have seen larger bikes go better downhill over bumps. Greg Minaar rides double XL and he is 6'3'', should only be XL.

 

I am 1.74 and my bike is medium, but it looks pretty big for me as a 29er. I love it.

[Dupi]

I have seen larger bikes go better downhill over bumps. Greg Minaar rides double XL and he is 6'3'', should only be XL.

 

I am 1.74 and my bike is medium, but it looks pretty big for me as a 29er. I love it.

Thanks for all your replies.

 

I am beginning to feel more confident with my decision, seeing that the majority of you are of opinion that the medium would be the better fit.

[werner1619]

I am 176, 900 inseam, and have had medium and large bikes. 

 

I have been more comfortable and had more confidence on a medium.

 

W.

[Aggies]

If you are on the cusp the rule is. It is easier to fit you on the bigger frame than to fit you on the smaller frame.

 

My advise.

If you like a long stem setup go smaller. Same applies for XC style racing.

If you like a short stem setup go larger. Same applies for Trail style.

[Dupi]

Hi guys,

 

So I did the bike fit at the shop and it turns out you were right...I'm a medium.

 

I was recently introduced to TITAN's Expert bike, which is more or less in the same price range as the Silverback Sola 4. I have no experience in either one of these two bikes and would greatly appreciate any comments from the more experienced riders regarding these bikes.

 

Cheers.

Dupi

[supertorro]

I am 176, 900 inseam, and have had medium and large bikes. 

 

I have been more comfortable and had more confidence on a medium.

 

W.

I'm not sure about my inseam, but it's pretty close to you. I have the exact opposite preference. Horses for courses i guess.

Can't help with the TITAN or Silverback models specifically. I would go with the Silverback to support a friend who works there. But that's not much use to you as a differentiator between the 2. Compare the specs and see if anything stands out as a real winner between the 2

[Paul Ruinaard]

A lot of accurate advice here so adding my 2 cents worth may or may not be useful.

 

WRT the border between M and L depending on the bikes (all are different) you usually get the issue at 1,79m or 1,8m not shorter.  I am at 179,5m and know.

 

I ride a medium as I find that a large frame feels like it takes me for a ride. This is on a Specialized Epic. I found a Medium Santa Cruz quite small and also a medium Specialized Enduro quite large. So it varies on top tube length and slope.

Worth noting though is the trend to shorter stems and wider bars which give better control. On a large frame therefore using a short stem and a wide bar you may end up with a better control over the bike. Short means sub 80 mm BTW - right down to 20 or 30mm.

 

I suggest looking at some advice 

[bullet77]

I'm 1.78m and my first 29er was a Sola4. The LBS convinced me to take the medium(in stock) and they even put a 110mm stem on to make it fit me. I felt cramped right from the start and eventually took the bike back and traded it in on a Sola3 in large. The bike fit me perfect and felt right.

The Sola4 has an air fork. What fork is on the Titan?