Trek Top Fuel sizing

clwydian_rider92
clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
edited October 2011 in MTB buying advice
Looking to buy a Trek top fuel, however im very confused over the frame sizing, Seller states, "Size is large which is virtual 19.5inch actual 18.5inch"

I'm 6ft1, so was just wondering whether this would fit, as my H/T at the moment is 20inch.

Whats the virtual sizing? And the two different sizes stated.
Giant XTC SE 2006
Cube LTD Race 2009
Trek Fuel EX 9

Comments

  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Actual is the actual seat tube length, virtual is the 'quoted' size, ie it's an 18.5". You'd have to try it, if you're long in the body you may find it a bit cramped, I'm 5'10 and have an 18.5" TF 9.9.

    Sounds like your seller has it the wrong way around, the carbon ones are 'virtual 18.5", actual 23.5"' (or similar) because of the seat mast.

    Lovely bike though.

    Edited because what I thought, and what I wrote bore no correlation!
  • clwydian_rider92
    clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
    Reading a Trek catalogue now, is it the virual or actual size that it states?
    Giant XTC SE 2006
    Cube LTD Race 2009
    Trek Fuel EX 9
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Look at the top tube lengths for a better sizing comparison.
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  • clwydian_rider92
    clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
    For example though in:

    http://www.evanscycles.com/product_docu ... y-data.pdf

    what inch am i looking at? Is that actual or virtual in that table?

    Cheers
    Giant XTC SE 2006
    Cube LTD Race 2009
    Trek Fuel EX 9
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The actual is listed lower down in cm.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Go to an Evans and sit on one.
    I don't do smileys.

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  • clwydian_rider92
    clwydian_rider92 Posts: 416
    cooldad wrote:
    Go to an Evans and sit on one.

    Easier said than done cooldad considering the nearest Evans is 1.5hrs away and the local trek dealer doesnt stock them....
    Giant XTC SE 2006
    Cube LTD Race 2009
    Trek Fuel EX 9
  • ukmtbdude
    ukmtbdude Posts: 12
    Hi, like njee20 I am 5ft 9 and have a virtual 18.5inch which is fine for me.
    You need to go and sit on one and have a good ride. I would have gone for a 17.5inch if it was not for trying one at evans.
    If you get one they are a real sweet ride.
    I now have a 2010 and 2011 Top fuel 8 because I found them so good.
  • munchertoo
    munchertoo Posts: 11
    These and EXs come up small in my experience, in that they are long and low compared to the "average fit". So if you are at all leggy, you end up with buckets of post out, pushed way back behind the pedals. Got to sit on one really - no other way.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    So if you are at all leggy, you end up with buckets of post out, pushed way back behind the pedals. Got to sit on one really - no other way.

    +1 to that - I've had two 18.5"s, and they feel the same as a medium (17") Spesh.
  • perica_mali
    perica_mali Posts: 35
    I'm 6ft2 and ride 2010 Fuel EX8 in XL size (21,5) with 70 mm stem and it suits me perfect!

    First bought 2008 Fuel EX7 in size L (19,5) and it felt a bit short.

    Try it!

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