Size choice - Trek Fuel EX 8 GX 2021 - on the fence with ML and L

contact8HCgCwgL
contact8HCgCwgL Posts: 1
in MTB buying advice
Hi,

I've decided to buy new Trek Fuel EX 8 GX (2021 version). But I have a problem with deciding which size should I order. Unfortunately stores near me don't have this one on in their stock, so I cannot try it.

My dimensions are as below:

* Height: 180 cm heigh (5'11)
* Inseam leg length: 79 cm (31.1 inches) (measured with no shoes)
* Arm span: 170 cm (5'7) so ape index < 1

Apparently my arms and legs are shorter than average.

Trek on their website recommend this dimensions:

* ML (18.5 virtual / 17.5 actual) - height 165.5 - 179.0 cm and inseam leg length 77.0 - 84.0 cm
* L (19.5 virtual / 18.5 actual) - height 177.0 - 188.0 cm and inseam leg length 83.0 - 88.0 cm

So I match for both L (looking at height) and ML (looking at inseam leg length), and therefore I'm not sure which one should I choose.

Here are all dimensions for that bike: https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/gb/en_GB/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-8-gx/p/33001/

Is here anyone with similar dimension who use Fuel and can share your experience?

I will just add, that my intention is to buy the bike that will be as universal as possible, as I'm planning to use it in various routes with a both uphill and downhill parts, short and long routes.

Thanks
Adrian

Comments

  • mully79
    mully79 Posts: 904
    I wear 30" leg jeans and have an old fuel (same virtual/actual measurements and the large means i cant run a long dropper so Im using a 100mm version.

    For the large
    (18.5") 470mm + (pedal arm ) 175mm = 645mm.

    (31" leg ) 787mm - 645mm = 142mm

    Some of that 142mm would be taken up by the dropper collar and the seat itself. My naff maths matches my experience therefore ML everytime.

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