Bike size - ridden both and can't tell!

ian220476

Hi,

I'm on the cusp of ordering my new steed (29er). My height suggests that I am at the top end of the Large model, and bottom end of the XL. As per all of your advice I've ridden both and am still none the wiser!

The geometries suggest there is a 2cm difference in the horizontal length which to me was more important than seat tube height (think it is seat post to steerer?) either way I can't really feel the difference. The XL maybe feels marginally stretched but that is if I am looking for it, without a comparison I wouldn't notice, and when I rode it first I didn't. To compound matters the XL has 120mm stem as standard, shortening that would help tighten up the steering anyway if I was feeling at a later date.

The wheel base is 2cm longer as well which is to be expected and the seat tube is 5cm longer on the XL - for me this is just a case of whether I have the seat post sticking out the frame by say 20cm instead of 25cm. Standover height is all fine etc.

I'm at a loss as what to do to make the decision. I can get a really good deal on the XL, not so much on the L, but based on the bike cost it is the bike that must be right. Is there anything else I should be considering its driving me nuts being so indecisive on it! What would you do????

Thx
Ian

supersonic

I'd go for the XL. The larger frame will be a little more forgiving (shock absorption) and as you are more likely to shorten a stem, you have some room there.

kenan

You would find it eaiser to sell the large if you needed to as it would fit more people.

cooldad

When things get steep or interesting I'd take a small over large

bikaholic

If both bikes feel comfortable, then take the smaller of the two - it'll be lighter and easier to manoeuvre.

Notice that, in the "How to" skills videos (current one is Martyn Ashton doing drops), all the bikes are smaller than what a regular Joe Bloggs would choose.

Pudseyp

Personally I would have the large as in decents they to me are more controllable....however it depends how much the discount difference is as yes you could shorten the stem etc...how did they both pedal through the stroke ?

supersonic

What is going to feel better on the downs and easiest to steer? XL with 80mm stem, or L with 100mm? Almost always the former. Plus the longer wheelbase would be more stable.

ian220476

Hi Guys,

Appreciate the feedback. It is a quandry!

Its a 29er and I am getting it to supplement my Stumpy 2010. It is going to be used primarily for 12 and 24 hour enduarance races as well as 3 or 4 hour XC sprints and all day epics.

Having taken onboard your comments and my experience of the bikes in one iteration or another I've decided to plump for the XL. The discount isn't insignificant, but it was the bike that was key. Having taken onboard your comments it has helped clarify.

Stability and ability to shorten stem is probably more sensible than looking to extend the bike with setback posts and a longer stem so agree that makes more sense. I also agree with the comments about a shorter bike being more 'nibble' when life gets more interesting. Invariably XC races don't have seriously 'interesting' downhills so this should be fine. If it gets that interesting then I'll roll out Stumpy!

Again, really appreciate all of your feedback. It helped qualify my thinking and influence which way I have gone. Although in the opposite drection to some of your suggestions, your reasonings were spot on and insightful and with the adidtional info I could have posted around use and other bikes available were gratefully recieved as allowed me to distinguish between the 29er and Stumpy.

I'll let you know how the first ride goes - or my next topic 'Bike too long - how to shorten top tube'

Cheers

gmacz

Xl for me as well.
Top of large leaves you feeling as though you are sitting on a bike that is too small and you always feel you made the wrong choice.
Xl means you are more a part of the bike as opposed to just sitting on it, with the handlebar height closer to seat height.
For me, a very long seat post is just ugly and the sloping top tube at a steep angle is just a cheap way of covering a wider range of size of rider.
Old school is a straight top tube and old school got it right.

DodgeT

Kind of know what you mean... Could never decide between med or large. First 4 bikes i had were medium. Now have a large enduro and its a monster in comparison to the others, but feels so much better. Still have 1 of the other bikes, a medium vulcan.
Feels funny at first when I get back on it, a bit like how I guess this guy feels

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ySVAyy3Tank/SP4ArSBynNI/AAAAAAAAAhw/xrlwy_lalCQ/s1600-h/fixedgear1.jpg

gmacz

You got it
That was the only bike the LBS had in stock and the poor bloke was measured and it just happened to be a perfect match. :roll: