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Bike sizing

Old 09-01-07, 11:04 PM
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Bike sizing

Don't know if this question goes here or in the Bike Mechanic section, but here it goes...

Is the right size for me a 15.5" or a 17.5" for a Trek Fuel EX8?

Been riding a 15" hardtail for the past 13 years. Just got a Trek Fuel 8 in a size 17.5". Bike shop mentioned something about the bike spec listing the bike as 16.5" actual, but the bike rides like a 17.5" Virtual - so does the sticker on the frame. It felt right at the shop when I test rode it, but riding around the parking lot is probably not the best way to get to know the bike. I didn't think about testing a 15.5" Trek.

I'm sure that full suspension throws some of those old rule's of thumb sizing standards out of wack (at least for me). Forget about the small, medium or large size selections for some companies. I finally got to take it out for a few hours today. maybe it's because I'm still used to my hardtail, but now that I've ridden it for an extended time, I sometimes feel like it's a tad large. I'm 5'8" with a leg inseam of 30". I get just about an inch space when I stand over the midpoint of the sloping top tube. A couple of things that I plan on changing is a longer stem. It's got a 100mm and I'd like a 120mm or maybe a 130mm (running a 130mm on my hardtail). Also, They've installed 3 spacers under the stem. Stem looks like its about 1.25" - 1.5" above the headtube. I'm practically sitting straight up on the bike. I prefer to be more stretched out. I feel more comfortable if I slide all the way past the back of the seat so actually my thighs are on the seat. Lastly, These bars are so wide - about 26". My old bike only had 22" bars. Feels like I'm riding with a curtain rod for handlebars. There must be some reason why most bars are 26" now. I'd like to cut them down to 22" and move all the levers and shifters.

Anyway, am I just not used to this bike yet and a 17.5" bike is right for me or should I have gotten a 15.5"? Can't really do anything about it now, but I'd just like to see what sizes others ride who are the same height as me.

Thanks!
Jerold
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