I sized down to a M and after 2 months now, I am very happy with my decision. My local terrain is much more technical than in your video, and I find the M much easier to “up and over” a lot of the obstacles. Some bikes are also physically huge. My M is almost a 1:1 of the previous year’s L. My body type is also the opposite of you two. Long torso with short legs.

@Jon-nz3dm

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 6'4" or so and have a 32" inseam...I'm part of the XL torso gang

@JesseStarrPhoto

Жыл бұрын

I’m 6’ and when seated, I’m taller than most people who are 6’3+. Fitting bikes is really hard with long torso.

@Everyday-man

Жыл бұрын

Hello, how tall are you ? I’m having a hard time deciding. I’m 5’10 approx 179cm. I’m getting recommended Large by online sizing, one recommendation was Large with 27.5 wheels, but that is sold out.. would i fit a Large with 29s

@weslee6637

Жыл бұрын

brother can you help me out. Im new to MTBing and im the same as you, like a gorilla haha. Trek guy at the shop wont sell me the small because he says im just too big, but on the medium i have negative stanover... theres no help really for this online..

@devinbyrnes8058

Жыл бұрын

@weslee6637 that is strange. With the new geometry, it is easy to get on bikes a size larger than you should. You should be able to straddle the top tube. Maybe the Trek just doesn't fit you. Stores have a huge excess of bikes right now, if the salesman thinks it doesn't fit, see what else he can recommend, but tell him you want to be able to clear the top bar while standing.

It is simple. When the terrain gets rough and steep I'm slipping forward on the pedals if the bike is too big. This happens alread by adding 5mm stem length. Except of that it costs a lot of power to bring the weight forward and backwards all the time. Like a long board surfer who is walking from the front end to the rear of his surf board. It costs time to switch your weight.

The size up or down thing goes back and forth every few years

I have felt this way forever. I’m 5’7” with a very muscular build and really prefer a L vs a M. Every bike shop always say to get the M but always feel more comfortable on the L. Every medium I get, I end up sliding the saddle all the way back and adding 10-20mm longer stem. Thanks for this video

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Glad we could help!

@KnjazGromowladny

2 жыл бұрын

I am 5'7" too and they usually want to sell me a S size. A few days ago I try S and M of Giant Trance X and M looks better. I heard that reach for me should be approx 430, M size has a 450 and I fell better on it. But there is a question - how it will be ride on a trail?

As a 6'2" person I have always struggled with what size bike to get. Sizing by RAD (spread between the bottom bracket and handlebars) has been the best decision I've ever made and now I almost always ride Large with riser bars.

@igorjaksic6235

11 ай бұрын

Hi, I am the same height and I following Lee`s suggestions I got a size L with 455mm reach, but the bars are too low when seated. What kind of raiser bars and stem do you use?

@cobikeadventures

11 ай бұрын

@@igorjaksic6235 I have the Enve M9 on one bike and Spank on the other. Spank is great for the price. I have both in a 50mm rise on 475 and 480 mm reach bikes.

I'm about 175cm tall. This year when i got my stumpjumper evo S4 size i thought i made a mistake, felt very long! but after 3 rides on stock components i put a 35mm stem vs the stock 50, and riser bars 40mm rise and the bike feels perfect. im still geting used to it being much more longer than my 2020 stumpjumper M size but the length is very beneficial! this summer ive been woking a lot and not being able to ride tons but ive beaten a few PR's on some of my local trails on days that i wasnt even trying to go fast or beat my PR's, and i can tell that this achivements are due to the bigger frame and geometry improvements over my other bike rather than me just being a better rider, i mean yeah i am improving but not significantly for those reults to pop up on days i didnt even feel fast or tried to be fast... so upsizing its pretty beneficial!

Thanks guys I feel better now lol I ordered 2 large custom frames from Marino after riding a M the last 8 months. Being 5’10” sucks... in between M and L in basically everything.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Glad we could help! I'm right there with you between sizes on most bikes too. It can be frustrating at times.

@Everyday-man

Жыл бұрын

You’re a life saver finding this comment! I am also 5’10, most are recommending me Large bikes, some medium. One recommended me a Large but only if i go 27.5 wheels.. i am getting so confused i wanted to give up tbh.. are you liking the Large frame? And what size tyre are you on, there is a sale on atm on bike sales online. But the Large only comes with 29inch.. will i/ we fit haha would that extra tyre make it to tall?

@entity3380

7 ай бұрын

Same here. What have you end up with?@@Everyday-man

This is a really helpful video, thanks. I'm 5'10 and have a large ripley, I've spent way too much time worried I should have gotten the M. If I had good skills like Jeff Kendal-Weed or something, maybe, but I if I'm honest with myself I have a pretty "boring" style and am totally stoked to stay rubber side down when I ride.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! I would bet that most of us are pretty average in our riding style. I think you made the right call with the large.

@mikeyp3694

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 5'7" with very long arms and the medium Ripley felt a bit too cramped for me....at 5'10" for you the large seems like the ticket.

@jg8273

2 жыл бұрын

The 2 fastest EWS riders (RR and JM) both are sized down.. Mountain Bikes don’t require precise fit like a road bike. Sizing up is safe, sizing down is for performance.

Well done! This is probably the biggest new bike dilemma especially w/ the modern geo trends. Im a shy 5’9”, riding 30 plus years. No longer a playful rider at 60. demoed ibis and yeti med and large. You guys are spot on. Loved the large rail and speed factor. Cornering required more input or front would push especially on large yeti. All things considered, I would have gone large on the ibis, ended up going with the Med yeti 130 LR. Can ride it all day feels like home. Good luck to all

Great vid. Im 6’5 and a large guy and ordered an xl rockhopper expert. Went into specialized and they immediately told me im an xxl. I went with the xxl. We shall see

True when you sit on the borders between two sizes. Good one, really helped me feel in ease with the sizing decision I took a few months back when I purchased my bike. Re the comfort though, probably I would recommend anyone who upsizes to consider having a spare shorter stem just incase.

If the frame is too small then there's always the chance of catastrophic implosion. I bought a cube analog in a L and you guys have confirmed this decision! Hi from Australia!

I think you guys are spot on with this, and I have always thought the same thing. I am 5'8" and right there between a medium and a large, but every bike shop has always talked me out of going with a large, and insisting I get the medium, and that is what I do. But, I think my next bike will be a large. You guys gave me the confidence to stand my ground and say, nope, I want the large. Thanks for another great video.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! To each their own but I’m a big proponent of riding the biggest frame possible. I feel more people benefit from it.

@tonybasoni8443

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge ,...I totally agree. I am excited to get a large next time.

@kerrywilliams6596

2 жыл бұрын

I used to have the same problem. I’m 5’11” and was always told large. But I have long legs for my height and always felt like I was way over the back on climbs, so instead of listening to the shops I insisted on an XL for my last bike and absolutely love the sizing.

@tonybasoni8443

2 жыл бұрын

@@kerrywilliams6596 ,.....Thanks for sharing that. I find it funny how the guys in the bike shop treat you like you know nothing about riding a bike if you dont listen to what they tell you, you have to do. And if you are willing to try a bike that is a little bigger than what they think you should ride. They are so adamant that you cannot ride a bike that is slightly larger.

@kerrywilliams6596

2 жыл бұрын

@@tonybasoni8443 you know it man. I fully agree that there are so many factors that go into deciding what bike fits you best. It can be a mine field, so hopefully we all find shop employees that listen as well as advise. Then we’re all better off.

One thing you guys forgot to mention is leverage. I had a m/l frame from specialized and my first local technical black diamond trail I took it to I had a nasty crash. I bought the same bike only one size down and did the same trail clean and also had my best PR (smallest frame I’ve owned so far). There’s a reason why most pros size down and not up. Also not everyone’s trails are in the open desert, so the trails you ride dictate your riding.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. thats why we recommend you really take a look at your riding style and terrain rather just just size for picking a new bike.

@mudkayak6305

2 жыл бұрын

Your height?

@threeeightsixeight

2 жыл бұрын

yea im 5" 10' and prefer medium bikes. the amount of times that ive wanted a smaller bikes out weighed the times I wanted a bigger bike by ten fold. I bought a large 5010 and ended up trading it for a medium and I dont regret it in the slightest.

The smaller the bike, the smaller the “sweet spot”. That really made a lot of sense to me, another boring, but happy, average rider. I’ll stick to the XL, thank you very much.

THANK YOU for making this video. I'm a tall rider(6'4" or 6'5") but I have short legs so I've wondered for a while if a large would be better for me(since bikes have gotten super long reaches now). This really helped me put that thought to rest. I'll stick with XL, especially since I'm not that good of a rider and the balance point on the bike is definitely important to me.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Glad we could help out!

I started mountain biking in 1985, and I guess I was inadvertently ahead of the game, with new bikes now having short stems, longer reach, and steeper seat angles. I always went with a bigger bike and a short stem, and back then all the bikes had longer stems. But it was mostly due to me being only 5'10" tall with legs like someone who is 6'1", and short arms and torso. On a medium frame I would have a ridiculous amount of seat tube exposed, and then the bars felt too low, so I always went with a large, put on a short stem, and moved the saddle forward. Little did I know I was creating what was closer to modern MTB geometry, with the exception of the head tube angles.

@erikd6124

Жыл бұрын

Interesting. Have you heard about RAD(RIDER AREA DISTANCE)? Im like 6 '0 182cm. Really long legs, wide shoulder and a huge fingertip to fingertip measurement. And my knees and hip like a slack STA. Should I size up or down I wonder....

One thing not discussed (if you can’t sit on both sizes) is that if you go larger size it may have too long of a dropper travel for your normal pedaling position. I’m 5’9” and usually between a medium and a large. My first large bike, even with the post slammed, the seat was too high and I had to get a different dropper post (~$200) with less travel. Medium usually fits me with stock items. I love the playful feeling of the medium here in PA but could understand the appeal of the point and shoot of the larger frame size elsewhere. Love the content!

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a good point. Most newer bikes are getting lower and lower standover heights making this less of an issue. I addressed it a little in the written piece (linked in the description) if you want to read more about it.

@erikd6124

Жыл бұрын

Maby your arms are long for your size

Interesting stuff. All bike presenters: longer, slacker, wider and larger. Bike racers: smaller bike, steeper head angle and narrower bars. Makes me wonder what’s driving the industry. I’ve personally found that being in between sizes look for the reach # that matches your body. For me, it’s usually the smaller bike that allows more control and use of body leverage.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Bike racers have way more skill than I do. They’re able to survive on the smaller bike. I’ll take the forgiveness of the bigger bike all day.

@davidjohnston9652

2 жыл бұрын

I agree on skill for sure, but pros aren’t looking to make riding more difficult. They are looking for the right fit and efficiency of movement making the bike an extension of the body and not being a passenger. Bike manufacturers sizing is one dimensional (based on height). I’ve found that the RAD # is what counts and find the size that matches. It might be the larger size or smaller depending on the bike make and model

Very well said. I noticed the same that there is much more room to maneuver on large bike vs you need to precise or you can go OTB on small bike

I’m a little under 6’-2” and had a 2018 Large Epic for about a year before I switched to a 2021 XL Epic Evo and it was the best change I have ever made. Just like they mentioned the XL has a larger sweet spot where you can move around and still feel balanced going through high speed corners. You will feel the longer wheelbase in tight twisty single track but I will take confidence at high speed over the need to toss the bike around a little more at slow speed any day.

@GFClocked

2 жыл бұрын

You kinda have to take into account that one is a classic xc 456reach going to ->485 reach. But then these guys are riding exie which is 519 reach on xl. It's a much much much bigger bike. Their large is your xl. I'm 187cm (6'1.5") and I'm not so sure if I'd want a 519 reach xc bike. I'm right now debating between 480/500 reach and even 500 seems like might be much.

@seandooley4881

2 жыл бұрын

@@GFClocked Reach is a good measure in most cases but it doesn’t take into account the seat tube angle. If the seat tube angle varies at all it can change how roomy the bike feels quite a bit. Reach may be different between two bikes but if you look at the top tube they may be closer to the same size due to the seat angle. If they both have the same seat angle and the same reach then I just shorten the stem to maintain the feel between bikes.

@GFClocked

2 жыл бұрын

@@seandooley4881 I agree with you. For seated position seat angle is super important, not just for reach/"largeness feeling to the cockpit", but also for weight distribution. I noticed that with 75deg on my current bike when I get to ~800mm(bb to seat) height, my weight is all over the rear wheel and its impossible to climb (even with seat shifted forward). I really wish at least bigger bikes would come with steeper seat angles , or maybe sometimes even a tiny bit longer chainstay.

@VredesbyrdNoir

2 жыл бұрын

@@GFClocked did you end up deciding one way or the other? I'm also 187cm and I'm currently riding a 2021 Pivot Switchblade in XL with a 490mm reach. When I first got it based on the dealer's recommendation, I was worried it might be a bit too big due to the long top tube. Most of my height is in my legs which meant setting the saddle quite high, but I moved it forward on the rails and swapped in a 40mm stem to get a good seated position. It's really stable at speed and I was pleasantly surprised when I found out I could still hop around and do stunts without too much effort. I still wonder how the large size would feel to this day but without anywhere to demo one, I don' t think I'm going to have to keep wondering for a while!

Good info but look at the trails you are riding in this video. From my perspective everything looks sort of like a wavy straight-ish line. In Northern California, we are dodging redwood trees, blown out steep sections and a lot of much tighter turns in rapid succession. I have been riding two sizes of the same bike back to back to figure what I am going to put my money down on next and I keep coming back to the smaller bike (I am right in-between sizes). Most of the people at my local shop are pointing me in the smaller direction as well. The big bike feels amazing and completely stable going 1000mph but it just doesn't fit many of the trail features that I am confronted by on the majority of my trails. If all I cared about was straight-lining stuff, I'd agree with you, but if you saw our trails, you'd probably have a more middle of the road approach.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

I learned to ride in Northern California. I’m very familiar with the trails. While the trail we filmed on is very straight and open, this advice comes from riding a huge variety of terrain including steep blown out sections, tight technical sections and open flowy sections.

Awesome insight in this thank you. At 6 ,1 riding a large and wondering about an XL for my next bike. This vid really helps

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! It could be worth trying the bigger frame!

100 % agree always bought giant large but i went with xl n really enjoy xl n did wrong decision went back to large

What I would consider helpful in choosing a bike is: Input your height, weight, distance from floor to top of your hip-bone, distance from your middle finger-top to the bony end of your upper arm-bone, your agilty (high, moderate, clumsy)! Using this data, the youtube bicycle expert should tell you (with charts) what your frame-size and wheel diameter should be. Videos I have viewed do not come close to giving this level of help.

Awesome video! Why others don't cover these basics, I just don't know. Thanks guys!

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joel! Glad you liked it.

Im 6’1” and just got my first new mountain bike. It’s a large giant talon.. just getting into the sport so didn’t want to spend a bunch. Anyways, the folks at the store were reccomending I get an XL.. since I’m right on the edge of the two.. One thing we neglected in my height was the fact that I have a giant head. Like 2” bigger than most peoples. So really my body is more like 5”11. Which sits pretty comfortably on a large. The XL just felt HUGE and hard to maneuver. Anyways, point is, bodies are different and you gotta take everything into account, and ultimately go with the bike that feels best. Im happy with my choice!

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Presactly. That’s why we always say, nothing beats riding the bike in person to get a feel for size.

This is still useful in 2023! I’m on the shorter side and now between XS and S. As an XC and road bike rider, reach and stack mean a lot more to me on the road, as I’ve noticed new mountain bike geo’s just getting longer!

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

Glad it’s helpful!

One thing I’ve noticed is a smaller bike (I’m 6ft so either a smaller large or a big medium) can be more fun on my local single track where it’s either less demanding or I know the trails better while an XL or bigger large can feel better at bike parks.

@bikersedge

2 ай бұрын

Yup. Thats the biggest difference.

I am 6' and I always rode a large; my latest purchase was about a year ago. As you mentioned, with the different geometry compare to bikes of yesteryears, I do wish sometimes I got an XL bike. Definitely will consider it for my next purchase.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

A lot of the newest bikes are going super low on standover height giving you even more flexibility with sizing based on handling rather than how long your legs are. Great to see.

Lee McCormick is rolling over this. Surprised no comments on RAAD sizing. My personal testing at 5’9” I prefer medium over large.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

For sure personal preference, skill, riding style and trails all come into play. I'd still argue that the majority of riders, especially those watching a video about what size bike you should buy (likely newer), would benefit from more stability over more maneuverability.

@dntfakethefunk

3 ай бұрын

Same. I’ve used Lee McCormicks RAD sizing measurements and I was riding a L when I should have been riding a M.

From experience... go bigger when you're new to MTB or have limited experience. Truly experienced riders end up dialing their geometry numbers from stack, reach, handle bar width stem length etc.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

For sure. This video was designed for the folks who don't have it dialed.

This video is so good!! Such an amazingly informative video

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you like it.

Great video. I'm going back and forth between a Medium and a Large for what I'm building right now. Fortunately frame is not yet available / in production. So I have a bit of time. But wow. One week I'm thinking this, the next week I'm thinking that. Thinking of going larger as I too am a Betweenosaurus Rex (my saddle height is up where a lot of XL riders are, whereas my reach is more on par with Medium size riders). I think when you're inbetween sizes with 'normal' body proportions it's an easier decision to make. I'm thinking of going larger with a shorter (35mm) stem. Perhaps my mind will change next week? lol

It's not just the sweet spot that's important, it's the seat angle too. As they get steeper, for every 1 degree you lose approximately 1cm of cockpit reach - the roominess between your seat and your handlebars. I'm looking at the new Nicolai Saturn 16 in XL and XXL, compared to my Santa Cruz Megatower in XXL. I'm 6'6' with even leg/torso length and, despite the Saturn in XL being almost identical to the Megatower in XXL, i'm thinking it'll be best to go XXL on the Saturn, as the steeper seat tube angle will push me closer to the bars. I also have an early Trail Pistol that has a steeper SA than the Megatower and I have the seat slammed as far back as it goes, run a 50mm stem and still feel cramped compared to the Megatower.

This vid makes me feel good that I bought both my mtn bikes (Epic Evo and Tallboy) in size XL (I'm 6'2.5"). I enjoy riding both on high speed trails with just a few jumps. I do prefer a smaller size for road/gravel bikes (size 58 large feels awesome to me).

I have a Tallboy 3 and Tallboy 4. Would have sold TB3 if there wasnt a criminal racket in bike shipping cost but I was glad I hung on to her when my pivot axel cracked on TB4. Both bikes are XL. It was really shocking to me how small the TB3 felt after not riding it for 10 months. I attribute most of that to head tube angle and running the long chainstay option on the TB4.

Althought it may be obvius for some people, the point you make, is very solid and logical. Everyone, as you notiecd, advice to force the smaller bike allways. I didnt do that, and got a reasonal size, and i've been mad since them if i made a misteke hehehehe

One thing no one is talking about is that with a longer bike you are riding more on your shoulder joints. On long days this will fatigue you when stretched out. And over the long run, it will be detrimental to your shoulder health. A shorter bike works your delts more and saves your joints. For me personally, I don't feel great stretched out especially over time. Not to mention a longer bike is not optimal for climbing because you want your weight to be more forward. Sure it's more stable on the downhills and riding fast on straights, but there is a reason that Richie Rude rides a Yeti medium when the recommended size is a large. The moral of the story is that there is no real rule to bike sizing. Ride what you feel most comfortable with.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. Different things will work for different folks. The Richie Rude thing doesn’t hold up for us average joes though. Pros can get away with riding smaller bikes because they have the strength and skill to allow them to ride a bike that’s too small for them. They don’t need the added stability that most of us can benefit from. Plus those European tracks are tight. The smaller bike probably does them well out there.

Also depends on the style of bike. Up sizing an XC bike doesn’t make sense compared to a trail bike

Good thoughts. I'm 5'10 with short legs and a long torso. I am riding a medium right now and wonder if I would feel more planted on a large. I have also had a couple of wrecks this summer that make me wonder the same thing.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

It's worth a demo at least. I'd say most of our customers at the shop that are 5'10" end up on a large.

@toyobB

2 жыл бұрын

I’m 5’9” and have always ridden medium size bikes until I got a revel ranger where I sized up to a large. I had a pole stamina and really liked the longer reach and just matched it up on the ranger. I do have a longer torso and stubby legs and it just feels right with the large frame.

@cben86

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 6'0" with long arms/torso and short legs. I recently got an XL Privateer 161 with a 515 reach! Came from a bike with a 465 reach and l'm happy with the longer reach. Important to note that the steep seat tube on the 161 (80 degrees!) helps keep the cockpit short while climbing. I'm an intermediate rider on pretty chunky rough SoCal terrain for reference..

@dadventuretv2538

2 жыл бұрын

I’m 5’10” with same build and on an XL Bronson. Changed stem to 35 mm, higher rise bars and 170 mm cranks and it fits like a glove. So stable on fast gnarly decents yet really isn’t too bad on slower stuff

@mattmiller7650

2 жыл бұрын

@@toyobB interesting! I’m looking at a Ranger soon. At 5’10” I’m on a L Rascal but thinking to size down to a M Ranger as reach #’s increase with that model. Wheelbase too. Let me know how you feel on it.

Good video as always. Had the same conversation with a friend 2 days ago… i looked up Switchblade, Occam, High Tower, Ripmo measurements… the difference between L and XL seems pretty small RE: wheelbase… between .9” and 1.1” for any of those… seems pretty minor to have much of an impact on hairpins… i ride a Large Occam, 6’ tall, long legs, medium torso…. Feels like my saddle is high in the air on climbs and i drop my dropper almost all the way for most descents.. it works, but makes me wonder about if an XL would suit better. I also see the above bikes have almost identical published “reach” and “stand over” and very similar angles… but i think different brands definitely ride different!! Love my Occam… it lives up to the fun of the review you did of that bike… and i can’t help keeping an eye out for improvements. :) Thanks for another great vid.

@rogerb3927

2 жыл бұрын

Ok.. that was a novel.. sorry.

@westcoasto

2 жыл бұрын

Great article. At 185cm I am right at the top end for a L Ripmo. I went with the XL because I was a little bit over their cutoff for XL (183cm). So far it's a little adjustment from a previous size large bike (with 27.5" tires), but I think I made the right choice.

What is your estimated reach and RAD and how does that compare to the reach and RAD of the two bikes that you are comparing. It would make the video content more informative if there was some context.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

That makes sense, but this video is more generic advice for people stuck between sizes regardless of those sizes.

Agility vs stability

I have a L 2019 instinct and I'm 6'2 and I feel a cramped and not really that comfortable on the bike over the years. Upgrading my bike in the next few weeks and it will be a XL for me. The bike is to small for me as when I'm in the attack position i tend to find my self more over the back side of the bike. Great for going down hill, not so great in the corners as if i don't correct my self it washes out my front which has happened a lot.

I can ride a large frame with 29 inch wheels. But I prefer a medium with 27.5 inch wheels. I like to have a ton of control. I'm a playful rider.

So good! Professional video right here boys.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words!!

I had a lot of concern buying a new bike that I wasn't able to demo. I'm 5'10 and ended up with a large Norco Optic based on their size charts and then talking to some folks. I think a medium would have fit but have been very happy with it but wish I could have tried out the bikes before buying just to get that nagging feeling out of the back of my head.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

You probably made the right call! Send it.

Good breakdown 🚵‍♀️🚵🏽‍♂️

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks!

Peeps! just look for the reach measurement of the previous/current bike. I'm 6'2" barefoot with a 34" inseam riding a large Vitus Sentier 29 with a 468mm reach. For me it feels snappier and very maneuverable. Planning to buy a full squish with a 470 to 480mm reach to have a little bit more stability without compromising bike handling so yeah! reach is the go to measurement for bike fit. Happy trails....

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Reach isn’t always a good metric to rely on. For example a bike with a 480mm and a 74 degree seat tube angle is going to fit very differently from a bike with the same reach and a 78 degree seat tube angle. Head tube angle and subsequent wheelbase are also big factors.

I went from a small to a medium and I definitely go faster

Your larger frame bikes probably do work well out west. But on the east coast where the majority of trails are tight twists and turns I had trouble with a medium 29er with long reach and long wheelbase. It was nice on the open areas but not so much for the tight twists. I am not a playful rider, i am just trying to have some fun and i think consideration must be given to the trails and where you are riding.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

The trails you ride certainly factor into bike size. That’s a big reason I think a lot of EWS pros size down.

I went with a small frame with 29 tires instead of a medium frame with 27.5 tires. I think I made the right decision.

@bikersedge

11 ай бұрын

Right on!

Now, do the same video riding trails in New England.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Fair point.

6'1" XL. Long time rider. I hate to be cramped on any bike.

I’m 6’3” and have always ridden Large for the past 20 years. But as I get older I’m less confident on squirrelly bikes. Was wondering if I needed to size up. After watching your video, I think it’s time. Thanks.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

I’d say at 6’3” you’d be pretty comfortable on most XLs

I watched the video twice to make sure I didn’t miss it, but there wasn’t a single mention about how the sizing affects climbing performance. For me, living and riding in CO, and not doing lift service, 3/4 of most rides is spent climbing. Where’s the love and info for the climbers????

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

A lot of this info applies to climbing as well. All the body position, stability, slow speed corner stuff, weight distribution all apply to climbing. We could have spent more time on climbing performance. Most people want to know how bikes go downhill so we focus a little more on that in our videos.

I’m only 5’9 and ride a 467 reach! That would be madness a few years ago but I’ll never go back it’s too nice

Very informative vid gents. Thanks

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks. Glad you liked it.

I just started riding and got a Trek Marlin 5 in ML. I'm 5'8 with a 30 inseam. The large felt better for me, the medium for me (as a beginner cyclist in general) felt sketchier. The Trek store said the ML would most likely be perfect. However once the ML got in the Trek store had to actually cut the seat tube a bit because at the lowest position I could not mount the bike. After cutting it though I feel very stable on it even as a newbie and it still feels maneuverable.

Need to try the same test on ; trail bikes, all mountain ....not just xc bikes... your results may change.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

This advice isn’t based strictly off this one ride on one trail on one bike. It’s based on 30+ years of riding experience. The same hold true for bikes of all types. The Exie was simply a stand in to make a general size advice video.

I agree with the sweet spot comments. I fall squarely in size L. I occasionally take out my wife’s M Bronson with a longer stem. I usually have a blast throwing her bike around and hitting jumps. However, with fast techy stuff it takes extra focus and energy to stay in the sweet spot.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Right on

Would have been helpful with some geometry numbers on these two bikes, like how much the reach and toptube differed between them. And your height as well.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

We purposely didn’t because this wasn’t about the Exie specifically. It was general advice for choosing between two frame sizes.

Wow I couldn’t have said it better. My first mountain bike was 1990 so man can I tell you about small. And ginormous stems with skinny scrawny bars. Man those days were, in retrospect and compared to now, not great. I mean I still had to have a 20 in bmx to get any air. Todays bikes are amazing in their ability to really do it all. But I am a complete convert to larger bikes, in particular larger front centers and reaches with relatively short chainstays. Take this geo, add 27.5 wheels to keep it playful and that is my ideal bike. Which is why I ride a Bronson. That is basically the geo of a Bronson. And at 5’10” with short legs and monkey arms and torso, I sized up to an XL: 490 mm reach, 1252 mm wheelbase, 430 mm chainstays, 150/160 travel rear/front to soak up the hits and 27.5 x 2.6 rubber to keep it fun - so she’s uber stable at high speed overly gnarly terrain, takes care of you in drops and big hits, yet still likes to pop and play and have fun and is an absolute blast to jump and climbs quite well. To dial in the fit I swapped to a 35 mm stem, some higher rise 800 mm handlebars, 170 mm cranks, and slid the saddle forward on the rails- I probably added a degree or degree and a half to the effective seattube angle. At 49 years old now I like the extra safety net that this bike gives me- it allows me to continue to ride like I want to- like a lunatic- and have that little extra there for when I botch it I dont crash, or crash as terribly; the bike takes care of me a bit. And I appreciate that- crashing is not cool anymore. And anyone who says thu can’t maneuver them either doesn’t know what they are talking about, are just talking nonsense to support what they like (smaller bikes), or doesn’t know how to corner them. Yes, you ride them a bit differently. Yes you corner them a bit differently. But the learning curve is not that bad. Hey if an old guy like me can do it who grew up without dropper posts and hanging his ass off the back of the bike pretty much all the time cause they were so damn small, then anyone can. And once you learn it they are fine. Like you said, unless you are elite, or ride like Jeff Lenosky or Ratboy or Danny Mac, the benefits of a larger bike will serve many people better than a smaller bike. Just my opinion, but people shouldn’t be afraid of change. It’s how mountain bikes got as good as the are today.

In my experience, it's nearly always better to buy the largest bike that you can get a good fit on, even if you have to push the saddle all the way forward and use a 35mm stem. If you are riding a very progressive, very long Enduro bike, only then should you consider riding the smaller bike. I'm 5'8" and I wouldn't even consider riding any less than a size large bike and on Downcountry or XC bikes I would go for a size-XL bike if I can get a reasonable fit by pushing the saddle forward and putting on a short stem.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed! I’m a fan of the biggest size you can comfortably ride. That advice usually works out for most people.

Great insights ty

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Great . Now I´m even more confused. Great video. Im 188 cm with a 87 cm inseam and want to buy my first bike. I have tested a few bikes, but I don´t have any experience. Just one day on a Tyee in the Bike park and one Day on a YT Capra. I also tested the canyon Spectral in a parking lot and ilked it a lot. But I dont know if I should go L or XL.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

I would argue that more people, especially newer riders, will benefit much more from the added forgiveness of the bigger frame rather than the increased maneuverability of a smaller frame. Also at 188 cm you’re probably in the XL size range with most manufacturers.

@juffkasvennsson4609

Жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge Thanks mate

Do you have any thoughts on handle bar length? I cut mine down.. quite a bit.. rides better. Fits better. Any thoughts on calculating length? 800 mm is friggin huge

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

We did a video on bar width and stem length. Go check that out!

Super helpful video. I'd love to get some advice on the decision I'm making. I'm deciding between a Canyon Spectral 29 medium and large. I'm 5'11", leaner build with longer arms. Canyon's tool recommends medium, but their support team recommended large. Here's the interesting bit, I'm currently riding a 2001 Cannondale Jekyl in medium and haven't ridden any modern mountain bike geometry or technology, so whatever I pick will be a massive change (and improvement). Also, I ride in the southwestern US in very rocky terrain. Given that, any thoughts on which way you would lean?

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

It's so hard to size someone up on a bike without seeing them. I avoid giving out specific size advice over the internet for that reason. According to the Canyon size chart you could be on a M or L. Given the info in this video pick what your preferences are and get the frame size that best aligns with those.

Another great video! BTW - SLC guy here. What trail is that? You are always riding trails I never have. Looks awesome.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for the kind words! I don’t remember the name but it was at Powder Mountain.

@noneface7437

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge Thanks I have not ridden in that area very much.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

My first time there too. I’ll use that as my excuse for being way slower than Zach!

@noneface7437

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge Ha! Im def hitting up Bikers Edge when my girlfriend and I need new bikes :)

Very helpful video! I finally sprung for a new full suspension (Ripley AF) but wonder if the XL I bought is too big. Im just over 6” but with very long legs, but maybe leg length doesn’t factor in as much as I thought? What height and inseam are you guys, so I can compare? Thanks for the great content! 😀

@bikersedge

8 ай бұрын

Leg length isn’t as big of a factor is bike sizing as it used to be. I usually size my bikes off reach for the most part. We are both 6’2” ish and ride XLs mostly. The occasional L.

Everything is fine if I am between two sizes, but how advisable is it to choose a larger size, when you fit perfectly in a smaller size?

@Brunodecolonia609

4 ай бұрын

still recommended?

@bikersedge

4 ай бұрын

Some bikes allow for that more than others. You’d chose to size up based on certain ride quality characteristics you’re after. That said it’s not going to work on every frame/bike. Seat tubes could get too long. Stand over heights too tall and front ends too tall. Not something I’d purposely try to do myself.

I just a tad over 6’ riding a large v4 Santa Cruz Bronson. I have had a few other bikes Trek Slash, SC Hightower and a Roscoe all in large. I did a few demos on some XL bikes, they felt a bit too big. I feel that 6’ is typically smack dab in the middle for most large bikes. It also seems that newer bikes are getting longer reach/wheelbases. For instance my large Santa Cruz is the same size as the XL was in 2019. It was the same thing for the Hightower and Slash. Bikes seem to be getting more true to size lately.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

With bikes growing, it can be tempting to downsize to stay with the wheelbase you're used to. I'd argue that the frame designers know what they're doing and have designed to the frame to be longer very much on purpose. I think the recommended size guide is the best bet for measuring up a new frame.

@sean_321

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge i agree, I think they are only getting more capable. Bigger really is better! I love the content, keep up the great work!

It seems like standover has become less and less of an issue in the last few years. I am 5'6" with a 29" inseam and can't fathom myself on a 29er of any geometry. I ride a 26" Yeti in a small, myself. It fits perfectly.

@alexrodriguez4208

2 жыл бұрын

You like the feel of the small better is what I'm seeing?

@seizod

2 жыл бұрын

@@alexrodriguez4208 yes, I value my testicles.

Thanks. The video makes a lot of sense... I'm on the L/XL fence about sizes for the Norco Optic. In your Optic video from a few year ago you rode a large even though Norco recommends an XL for your height. Given geometry is always going longer, slacker etc... would you buy the L or XL now? Thoughts?

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

While I almost always buy XL bikes, I’ll ride a L from time to time for fun. They just offer a different ride quality. Sizing down because reach numbers are getting longer isn’t the right move. Seat tubes are also getting steeper. So even though the reach is longer the fit will still be familiar.

@sbroady3915

Жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge Sweet! Thanks for the advice!

I’m 6’2 with long legs and a short torso. You recently reviewed x XL SB160. Did you feel that the size was right for you? Or, would the XXL have fit better based on what this vid suggests? I went XL, and have to use significant spacers and riser (35mm) bars to get grips same height as seat. I’m used to this given my body, but I did think about XXL for this reason. The wheelbase numbers made me pick XL.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

I’m happy with the XL 160. I think a XXL would be too long. I put some 40mm rise bars on it to bring the front end up a bit.

I really regret that I did not watch this video before going wrong with frame size S. I was right between sizes and I chose the smaller one. Rather expensive mistake! However I did watch videos that recommend exactly the opposite to you - if you are between sizes - go for smaller. The bike is feeling nervous and twitchy and I am rather loosing confidence with it instead of building some. So it is going for sell probably and I will try with bigger bike.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

It’s funny that most pros in the EWS will go with a smaller size bike. I think that’s why a lot of people mistakingly recommend sizing down. The difference is, those folks are way better at bikes than the rest of us. They can get away with riding a smaller frame. I know I’ll take the stability of a bigger frame all day.

@finroddd

Жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge I agree, for me the stability and confidence-inspiring bike are most important. And with small bike they are just not there.

Looks a lot like Powder Mountain. Is that where you are? I have the same problem, 5’9” M or L. I think I prefer L as it just feels faster and more stable. However, I have also been riding a Trek Fuel EX in their unique ML size - nice - not sure why more folks don’t have that size.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

The more sizes the better if you ask me.

That's just the opposite to what I've heard before. I'm right in between M and L and have a L, I like it on flowy trails but I don't like it on switchbacks. What about a large frame with a short stem and the saddle closer to the bars? would that accomplish the same as being on a medium frame?

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

I would think the biggest difference in handling between two frame sizes comes down to reach and wheelbase. Running a shorter stem and moving your saddle won’t change either one of those things.

Problem for me is seat tube length. with 1.75m (i guess 5.9") i always on the end of the range of size m. but with my inner leg length of 84cm im sitting very much on the end of the seatpost. I tried different models in size m and then to epics (normal and an evo) in L. That makes a hugh difference.

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

Yeah. A lot of brands are starting to address that problem by lowering seat tube lengths. Allows for a bit more flexibility between sizes.

I’m 5.4 without shoes, right now I have a trek 2020 marlin 6 size M with 29ers and I love it, however got to ride a friend marlin 8 size S and it was much more manageable (his was marlin 8 with 27.5 inch tires), planning to upgrade for a marlin 8 but I’m not sure if I should stay with size M or go for size small. What would you recommend?

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

I make a point to not give out specific size advice over the internet. It’s pretty much a crapshoot. The best thing I can recommend is sitting on the bike or taking it for a demo. If you can’t do that, weigh out your priorities vs the advice we give in this video and use your best judgment.

Awesome video. When you guys say you on edge of L and XL generally....how tall are you. I'm just over 6 foot (not quite 6foot1). Is this similar to you or are you over 6 foot 1?

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

We are both 6’2”

Love the video. Love the shirt more. 😄

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks on both accounts!

Did they mention their own length and weight?

'FAST' is a loaded term. I think you mean 'top speed'. Pro's sized down because of 'fast'.... races are won in the corners.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Pros have the skills to survive the smaller bike while riding it faster. For the average Joe, the larger frame is going to be faster.

How tall are you guys? I’m 6’3 with longer legs than torso. Trek’s recommendation is XL but I come from a BMX background and that bike looks so big and so heavy lol. Thanks for the video, a lot to think about!

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

We’re both close to 6’2”

@brycevallie3545

Жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge cool thank you, appreciate the video

If you don't mind me asking.. I dig Zach's shirt. Where did he get it? :)

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

We have them made to sell at our shop in Kaysville, UT.

But it seems like bikes are already getting longer then 1-2 years ago. Always talking about longer ,slacker ,lower. So Im not sure if I agree with that. Plus since they are slacker. A rider can easily get past their skill level. Not too mention, new riders will not be going as fast. So a slacker bike at slow speeds is going to feel slow turning that can and in some ways less fun. And whos to say going below mach speeds isn’t fun, especially for new bees. My opinion.

Wow, that helps alot. Thank you guys so much for this and I gotta say I love this "RUNNING is for CRIMINALS" t-shirt :-)

Hey guys, maybe you can help me out. nice video btw. Im a 184cm tall rider with average body proportion. I want to buy a Norco Range, and im right in between L and XL acording to Norcos sizing page. Now here is my Stuggle: An XL Range would be earlier available in my local shop therefore I was about to order it, the Reach is 480 in L and 510 in XL. I thought I can handle a 510 reach since my hardtail has 510 reach aswell. But the Wheelbase on the norco is 1329 and 36mm longer than my hardtail. That really drives me off since my Hardtail already feels very long on the trails. Now Im thinking about waiting for the L. Also most other enduros the brands recommend L with around 480 reach. What would you do in my situation? due to the complicated availability are testrides in the field not possible.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

I’m going to refer you back to the video. Giving out specific size advice over the internet is a bad idea. There are pros and cons to each size. If it helps I’m 6’2” and ride and XL Range.

I know height isn’t everything but it plays a part. Are you guys both ‘in between sizes’, according to ibis size charts?

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

Zach and I are pretty much identical. So much so that we are mistaken for siblings on the daily. the Exie size chart stops at 6'1" for the L and starts at 6' for the XL.

@earthwormhunter

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikersedge thanks for the reply!

Can i ask what are yours heights please?

What size are these guys? Seems like obvious info to include in the vid??

People… go bigger. You’ll adapt to the playfulness and you’ll always have the joy of high speed control..

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

This 👆🏼

Your logic is the exact opposite of what the EWS riders are doing. This and bad bike fit charts are why most riders are on bikes too big. Did you guys even time your Laps? A larger bike will fatigue a rider and be harder to move around. Sure a larger bike will be more stable going straight downhill. I feel you guys missed the mark here. That said. Love your work on the channel. 👍

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

There’s a huge difference between EWS riders and most people. They have the skill and strength to be able to ride the smaller bike without blowing up. If you have the talent of an EWS rider then great, run the shorter bike. Especially if you’re riding tight European EWS tracks. Otherwise I stand by the assessment that most people will benefit more from the bigger bike. It’s more forgiving.

@frienduro24

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikersedgeI still say you guys would be faster on that that large Exie on a XC course. Seeing how long bikes are getting, we’ll all be sizing down. #canyonstrive

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

On the Exie specifically yes you’d probably be right. This video was about bike sizing in general though with the Exie as our stand in for filming.

@ericmoorecowbell

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree. Richie Rude is 6' tall and rides a medium and is 1 inch taller than the recommended large by Yeti. All he's trying to do is ride fast. There is no "playful" about his riding. I think it's what you feel more comfortable with. There really is no rule.

@frienduro24

Жыл бұрын

@@ericmoorecowbell Pink Bike just posted an article with answers on EWS riders, men and women on sizing. They all liked smaller bikes, narrow bars..ect. I get it we are not pros, but it seems like longer slacker approach just to sell bikes to new riders….reached its peak.

Having a smaller bike is like learning to maintain the bike yourself. Having a bigger bike is like having a mechanic maintain the bike for you. Conclusion, 1 bike is not enough.

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. I think the better you are at bike handling the better you can get away with the smaller size.

where is that trail at?

@bikersedge

Жыл бұрын

Powder Mountain

Love that shirt 😂

@bikersedge

10 ай бұрын

It’s a best seller at the shop.

Sounds like most people here on the comments have bought bikes too big for them lol

I’m 6’ 1/2” , 33” inseam, and 74” wingspan. Can’t decide on a L or XL RIPMO. Bike shop says XL all day. Just got off a HT2 L which I liked. Any insights?

@bikersedge

2 жыл бұрын

I’m not going to give specifics size advice. It’s a crapshoot over the internet and id hate to suggest wrong because I wasn’t able to see you on the bike. I’ll just refer you to the info in this video.