Whats with the numbers after bike model names?

Ulysses

Maybe a n00b/stupid question.
I know a lower number is lower spec'd than a higher number. I was really wonder how it came about to be 5.9, 6.9 etc, and what the .9 means over say using .0 or .5?

Chunkers1980

Maker specific, could mean anything.

IDave

A lot of manufacturers have their 29er model end in a 9, and now we can see 650b (27.5") ending in a 7 - Lapierre for example.

But generally there is no consistency and it's down to the individual brand whether high numbers or low numbers are the higher spec. If you look at the rrp that gives you an idea.

Ulysses

Cheers

The Rookie

It's like buying a car, you could buy (for example) a Ford Fiesta but you could have a Zetec, Titanium or an ST (and whatever else they do) each has different 'trim' options, same with bikes, each bike 'model' is a family and the numbers reflect the pecking order in the family.

Some (like Carrera) have different names for the same frame so for example the hardtails go Subway, Vengeance, Vulcan, Kraken and Fury.....but they could just as well all be called the Vulcan 1.0 through 5.0!