Should I face facts that no off the shelf bike fits?!
getting2old4this
Posts: 15
Hi all,
Been looking at a new hardtail for the last couple of weeks, and still not managed to find 'the right one' despite looking at loads of different brands and sizes. I'm 5'7ish and short inside leg of about 28.5". 17" seems to big, especially on the stand over, but 15" just that bit too small. Do people think its better to go small, and adjust with a longer stem and layback post, rather than trying to find the perfect fit off the shelf?
Tried a 15" Scott Scale today, really liked it but found I wanted to sit on the back of the seat at its furthest back, hence the thought of a layback.
Anyone had similar problems or a good fix?
Cheers again all, great place and hope to be of some help to others in the future!
Been looking at a new hardtail for the last couple of weeks, and still not managed to find 'the right one' despite looking at loads of different brands and sizes. I'm 5'7ish and short inside leg of about 28.5". 17" seems to big, especially on the stand over, but 15" just that bit too small. Do people think its better to go small, and adjust with a longer stem and layback post, rather than trying to find the perfect fit off the shelf?
Tried a 15" Scott Scale today, really liked it but found I wanted to sit on the back of the seat at its furthest back, hence the thought of a layback.
Anyone had similar problems or a good fix?
Cheers again all, great place and hope to be of some help to others in the future!
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Comments
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What brands have you actually tried?0
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I'm 5'6 with 29"inside leg my Scott Aspect is a 17" it's perfect for me I don't have much stand over but I don't care about that. I have a 90mm stem and a layback seatpost and never feel uncomfortable.0
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Tried cube, Norco, Trek, Whyte, Pinnacle, Specialized, Orange and now Scott. To be honest the Scott was probably the nearest in the 15" so was thinking stem and layback on that might be the answer. Small frame with a longer reach if that makes sense. Bit put off with the bigger 17" , just 'feels' on the big side and made that mistake many years ago.0
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It's got to feel right otherwise you'll hate it or will be constantly changing parts to try and get it right.0
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I wouldn't worry too much about stand over height. Very rare that you need to put both your feet on the deck at the same time"Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes
Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build
Trek Session 80 -
A 15 inch bike can be bigger than a 17 inch bike in reach, standover and many other ways. it is only one tube measured from many. Don't fall into the sizing 'trap' and think you have to be a certain size.
If unsure of geometry, keep trying and see what feels best.0 -
5'9", 28" inside leg and ride a 16".
As SS says, ignore seat tube length, that is massively adjustable via the seatpost, it is effective top tube lengh that matters as it dominates the length of the cockpit from saddle to grips.Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
And as said above, standover really doesn't matter.0
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Finally made a decision. Went for a Scott Scale Elite in a 15". The height was great, and the reach was the same as many of the 17" i tried. Looking at a new stem just to give that extra bit of comfort, but other than that delighted with the choice!
Thanks for all the help and advice, not sure if it gets said enough on here but its really appreciated.0 -
Good work, glad you got to try it and it all fits!0
