All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

My bike shop got some new water bottles in

 

Mayonnaise water.... my favorite

 

Man, sizing is simply a way too in-depth conversation. One that, unfortunately, after all the details still comes down to personal feel and preference.
I'd simply suggest four things:
1) Learn what geo means and what effects each measurement has
2) Try a bunch of different sizes, geo numbers, and suspension designs
3) Pick a size/reach/ETT/geo #, and be a dick about it
4) Wait a year, change your mind, be a dick about your new preference

**Obviously kidding. But reach, ETT, RC, etc. all effect the feel. If your'e in between sizing, and the rest of the geo is right for you, it comes down to either a quicker more maneuverable bike, or one that is more stable.

Here's what I found, after talking to a few people with custom helmets.
Go to Troy Lee, buy a helmet, pay them to make a custom design. Be prepared for $$$.
Get some custom decals for logos.
Hand painting by a pro, airbrush and acrylic work as long as they are sealed. Again, $$$, but if you find an artist willing to do it it'll likely be cheaper than TLD.

 

Sellout! Just kidding of course

 

On the topic of painted helmets

 

Lol. Amazon Package Day!

 

that is sweet

 

I don't know about the rocky mountain, but my rallon pedals very well. I do 5000ft days on that thing with no complaints.

 

Yeah I understand all that. More just curious to see if any others on the edge between sizes have found they tend to swing one way or the other. But of course you’re right. There are SO many variables from fit, preference, terrain, bike use, etc.

 

Rockys and Ibis run small for me at 5’9” and I size up to a large. I’m running a medium on a transition.

 

Some companies are abandoning the old school sizing in favor of "reach". The distance between the seat tube and the stem being more important than seat tube length.

Which kinda makes sense,.right. Long inseam or long torso. Big difference. I was always on a small, until this new falngled measuring put me on medium. And I've never been so comfortable on bikes as I am now.

 

Or just go small and have a slightly lighter bike. ;P *the more you know*

 

That's what I used to do too. I guess,.just be open to new ways to skin that old cat and at the end of the day, how comfortable we are on a bike is ultimately one of the most important factors. Way more important than the bike shop who ordered too many small frames this year.

 

I agree. Comfort is the most important thing.

 

Without a doubt. I feel the same goes for bike setup. I've seen riders stick with an uncomfortable/painful setup because that's what the computer said. Don't underestimate the importance of basic comfort.

 

Talked to some guys about their lid situation and was pointed in this direction. They are decals but designed with custom templates for your helmet and thinner in order to lay flat with no weirdness. Also much cheaper than custom paint ($1000+). It's quite the perfect solution in my case

http://www.magiksc.com/store/helmet-wraps-c-56.html

Isn't this what being sponsored is all about?

 

I've found myself in between a Medium & Large multiple times. Honestly, I could probably ride both at 6' tall and a "normal" proportioned body. I always size up to the large. I don't want to be cramped at all. I'd rather have some extra room in the bike and change relatively cheap things (like a different stem, higher/lower rise bars or seat position) to get an optimal fit. I will "sacrifice" nimbleness for stability all day long. And I don't feel like I'm sacrificing anything...Anyone with solid, intermediate bike skills can make any bike "playful or nimble."

I've whittled it down to 4 spec numbers that I really pay attention to when looking at a new bike - size be damned!
(1) Reach
(2) Head Angle
(3) Wheelbase
(4) BB height

As long as these numbers fall in my sweet-spot range, that's the size for me. And honestly, my numbers almost always align with a size Large frame anyway (or S4 with S).

The new, "modern" geometry has turned frame-sizing on its head. You can ride different size bikes with no real, adverse effects to your overall comfort. A good place to start is your current bike...do you love it? Does it fit you well? If so, look at the specs and compare them to the specs of the bike you want. That is a great starting point to find the size that you'll be most comfortable on. Good luck!!

 

Well said, but I'm not sure I entirely agree with wheelbase and BB height. Largely because those two can be a big design factor in the bikes intended use. Perhaps thats why you put them as the bottom two points?

 

That’s funny, I am also 6’ and have always been L to XL. Never even considered a M size bike. Always end up L by the way.

 

Yep!