bikerdoodle Posted November 17, 2015 Posted November 17, 2015 I posted about a month ago regarding new or second hand: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/154931-first-mtb-new-or-second-hand/ After looking at new bikes for a week or so, I spent the next 3 weeks looking for a secondhand bike, but haven't found anything in my size / price range / desired condition. (And I missed out on two good deals.) So back to new it is. I was keen on the 2016 Merida Big Nine 300, which is just over R9k. I'm am 1.91m, with an inseam of 92cm, and all the online calculators, including Merida's, say I should get an XL frame (21"). But with the 350mm saddle at maximum extension, the LBS says the measurement from top of saddle to centre of bottom bracket/crank(?) is 10-15mm too short. So they have ordered an XXL (23") for me. I'm going to ask them to setup both the XXL and an XL for me, and then see which feels better, but any thoughts on what to look out for / how to know which size is right? (I noticed that for example the Merida XL top tube is 620mm effective, the Momsen XL is 630mm, and the Merida XXL 640mm - so obviously this also differs from bike to bike.)
Rudi Pollard Posted November 17, 2015 Posted November 17, 2015 If you are on the limit between sizes you can go with either one. Obviously with the XL you will need to get a 400mm or even longer seat post. With the XXL you can keep the original seat post but will need to get a shorter stem otherwise the reach would be too long. With both you will need to spend some extra cash to get comfortable on the bike.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted November 17, 2015 Posted November 17, 2015 That's one helluva short top tube for an XL bike. Yes, you can get a 400mm seat post, but it will most probably be better to upsize to the next frame. Some frames are just small, and this seems to be the case with the "big" 9. 640mm top tube will be FAR better for your larger frame than the 620mm. Seriously. It'll also mean that you won't have to get a monster sized stem in order to make the XL fit you properly. Never put a monster sized stem on an MTB - it really does negatively affect the handling of the bike...
droo Posted November 17, 2015 Posted November 17, 2015 If you're on the limit go with the bigger size as long as you've got enough standover. Rather go for a longer TT and a shorter stem than the other way round. EDIT: Myles got there first. Funny that.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted November 17, 2015 Posted November 17, 2015 If you're on the limit go with the bigger size as long as you've got enough standover. Rather go for a longer TT and a shorter stem than the other way round. EDIT: Myles got there first. Funny that.3 words. Cracked Ribs. Codeine. EDIT TO ADD A FEW No good for workie.
raptor-22 Posted November 17, 2015 Posted November 17, 2015 I tend to agree with Droo and Myles on this one. At 92cm inseam and 191cm total height you're probably average build i.e not long legs short torso. or short legs long torso.SO you're likely able to fit on both bikes. The shop could use their heads a little. SOme saddle have higher rail to seat height than others. They could make up the 10=15mm by cleverly selecting a saddle with more rial to seat height. Otherwise fit on bth frames and see which one works out best
bikerdoodle Posted November 17, 2015 Author Posted November 17, 2015 Stand over height I should clear by 6cm. The salesman considered a 400mm seatpost, but the owner was concerned about the warranty implications. I'm feeling better about the sizing, thanks.
Rudi Pollard Posted November 17, 2015 Posted November 17, 2015 Stand over height I should clear by 6cm. The salesman considered a 400mm seatpost, but the owner was concerned about the warranty implications. I'm feeling better about the sizing, thanks.The only warranty implication I am aware of is if you dont have enough seatpost left in the frame. So if you get a long enough seat post there wont be any impact on warranty. As an example this is from the specialized owners manual. Merida should have something similar. SEATPOST MINIMUM INSERTION 1 : To prevent damage to the frame, it’s important to have a minimum amount of seatpost in the seat tube.Carbon frames:Small / Medium - 70mm insertionLarge / X-Large - 100mm insertion Aluminum frames:If you cannot see the seatpost tube through the seat tube hole, your seatpost is too far extended. If a greater saddle height is required, replace the seatpost with a longer one.
raptor-22 Posted November 17, 2015 Posted November 17, 2015 The only warranty implication I am aware of is if you dont have enough seatpost left in the frame. So if you get a long enough seat post there wont be any impact on warranty. As an example this is from the specialized owners manual. Merida should have something similar. SEATPOST MINIMUM INSERTION 1 : To prevent damage to the frame, it’s important to have a minimum amount of seatpost in the seat tube.Carbon frames:Small / Medium - 70mm insertionLarge / X-Large - 100mm insertion Aluminum frames:If you cannot see the seatpost tube through the seat tube hole, your seatpost is too far extended. If a greater saddle height is required, replace the seatpost with a longer one. Thats probaby why so many break at the seat tube.
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