Frame Size (L or XL)

[Jo Han Solo]

Hi there,

 

I'm in the processs of buying a Merida Ninety-Nine 9.600 Full Suspension bike, but due to new models coming out end of August all stock seems to be exhausted. Not only on Merida but various other makes.

 

I have managed to find one of the last ones available at R 15k from a reputable dealer, they normally go for almost R 25k. So really a good deal.

 

Only problem, its a XL and based on my height of 1.82m and inside leg of 86cm I should buy a L according to the guide. 

 

What potential issues would I have if I went to the XL? It might not feel to bad when testing, but over time....., Stage races, etc?

 

Regards,

Johan

[cpelser]

Hi Johan

 

I am also 182cm, but my inseam is only 82cm. That means either I have short legs, or you have very long ones compared to your body, but I think it's a bit of both.

I ride a medium (18") Giant XTC hardtail.

 

According to wrenchscience.com I am a 17" (although they would obviously also not be perfectly accurate as it's just an algorithm) - Go register and test yourself under "fit measurements"

 

I would say Merida's XL is definitely too large for you.

 

Usually you can get around a frame that's a little too large by buying a short stem, or getting a handlebar with a bit more sweep, but that's when there's slight adjustments required. You have long legs and maybe a shorter reach as a result which may aggravate your problem.

 

What's more, I would almost want to advise you to consider alternate options than the 99.9 600, as it cannot lock out the rear shock at all.

 

I'm usually no brand disser or anything, but I considered the 99.9 600 myself and just saw it was a lot of sacrifice for the money saved. I opted to stay hardtail carbon.

My wife rides a Silverback Slider which I think is awesome.

 

Anyway, over the next two months as 2016 stock arrives dealers will have massive specials, rather wait for something closer to your size.

 

I wanted to say it'll be okay if you're just a weekend warrior, but then again most weekend warriors can subject their bodies to the rigours of a hardtail, and for R15000 you'll get a way better hardtail.

 

All the best!

[BSG]

Hi there,

 

I'm in the processs of buying a Merida Ninety-Nine 9.600 Full Suspension bike, but due to new models coming out end of August all stock seems to be exhausted. Not only on Merida but various other makes.

 

I have managed to find one of the last ones available at R 15k from a reputable dealer, they normally go for almost R 25k. So really a good deal.

 

Only problem, its a XL and based on my height of 1.82m and inside leg of 86cm I should buy a L according to the guide.

 

What potential issues would I have if I went to the XL? It might not feel to bad when testing, but over time....., Stage races, etc?

 

Regards,

Johan

I bought exactly the same one about 2 months ago. I'm 176cm and moved from Merida 29er ht size M to the L on the full susser. I must admit that I feel as if the bigger size fits me better. But I'm no expert on sizing, I just want to tell you what happened in my situation.

[porqui]

I always say rather too large than too small but in this instance you might struggle to get the right set-up. Could play havoc with your back.

[Jo Han Solo]

Thanks @porqui, @BSG and @Mongrel. All valuable points.

[JXV]

I am 1.81 with 81cm inseam. Previously was happy on a medium Giant hardtail , very unhappy on a XL Diamondback (discount deal) and currently totally at home on a L Santa Cruz .

 

Avoid wrong sized discount deal! The price should not even enter into the decision unless the size is right.

 

For your height a XL will likely have too high standover and will be too long leading to neck and shoulder discomfort on long rides. I reckon you are in the middle of L size range for most frames.

[BSG]

smitjj, the reason why I bought the Merida is because of the price, I got mine for R18k, my back packed up 2 years ago, had 2 operations and my S5 and S6 lower back vertebrae got fused together and I still have the hardtail but I did the Knysna 80km mtb which was for me very tough and I had no pain in my back whatsoever. Yes with the Merida you will get some tail bob when peddling, but if the shocks are pumped to the correct pressure you will be very happy. Yes for a few THOUSAND MORE you can get a better specced bike, but you can add quite a FEW THOUSAND if you want to go new. There are a lot of bargains secondhand on the hub, but I like new and I like Merida and I'm very happy with my bike.

[NicNacDH]

I am 1,82 with 87 inseam.

Go for Large, XL is to big!

The issue is, long legs but short upper body.

[Patchelicious]

I'm 182cm and ride a medium road and large MTB. XL will def be too big for you.

[Aggies]

At 1.82 and 85 inseam a XL will be too big! No debate, you will struggle. I am 1.87 and inseam of 91 and at the very start range of XL.

[cadenceblur]

At 1.82 and 85 inseam a XL will be too big! No debate, you will struggle. I am 1.87 and inseam of 91 and at the very start range of XL.

what size did you take in your Pyga?

[Aggies]

what size did you take in your Pyga?

I took XL. Had an Ergofit done on Tuesday and they dropped my seat height to 785mm!! (Used to be 800mm).  I feel very comfortable and asked the fitter if I should maybe have taken a Large and he indicated a very definite NO.

 

To get all the angles correct, my seat is also very forward. If the same is done on a Large, I will be totally cramped and would need like a 80-90 mm stem and you don't want that on a trail style bike.

[cadenceblur]

Good call! We're the same height, I had a large and always felt cramped and had that "high / over the bars" feeling.

Getting my XL tomorrow!

[Aggies]

Good call! We're the same height, I had a large and always felt cramped and had that "high / over the bars" feeling.

Getting my XL tomorrow!

Enjoy. If it is the 2015 fame, have a look at how I did the cabling and used some AMS stickers from CWC.

[cadenceblur]

Already had a look, thanks.