Top tube length in the real world.

phz

Finally about to pull the trigger on a BFe, but still umming and arring over which size to go for.

Currently ride a Small Mr Hyde (15") which has a 585mm 'virtual top tube'.

Obviously then torn between an XS (14.5") and S (16") BFe. For chuckability and standover would ideally prefer the XS, but it only has a virtual top tube of 563mm as opposed to 577mm on the S.

So, question is - in the real world will I really notice a 20mm shorter reach if I plump for the XS (given that I used to happily run a stem on the Mr Hyde 20mm shorter than my current one)?

slainte :?: rob

supersonic

It depends how that top tube length is 'added on'. If the frames are identical in geometry, but the seat angle is slacker for the extra 20mm, then the BB is going to be in the same place relative to the headtube.

Is the seat angle is the same, then the BB is going to be further away - this might make a slight difference.

the phantom pieman

What do Cotic suggest?
They seem to be quite approachable ....

phz

the phantom pieman wrote:

What do Cotic suggest?
They seem to be quite approachable ....

Yeah, thought that too. Am waiting for a reply from them.

slainte rob

the phantom pieman

pHz wrote:

the phantom pieman wrote:

What do Cotic suggest?
They seem to be quite approachable ....

Yeah, thought that too. Am waiting for a reply from them.

slainte rob

Give them a ring - they are sometimes a little slow on emails

phz

Got a reply from Paul at Cotic first thing Friday morning!

Confirmed my leaning towards the XS and pointed out how far forward my saddle is on the current bike (something I'd not noticed myself), so the shorter XS top tube should be easy to compensate for if necessary.

Time to put an order in...

slainte rob