Flash

Hello all. I went to the shop today to test ride a 17" Jamis Exile and ended up on a whim trying out a Cannondale 1FG medium size frame. I have to say I was much more impressed with the Cannondale. Quick, light, responsive -- it's the one I remember following the test.

I've never owned a Cannondale, I've got an ancient Nishiki steel mtb and I'm going to purchase the SS to replace it. I regularly rid a 55 cm bianchi volpe.

Now my question: my bianchi volpe has a standover of 31.5 inches. I knew this was cutting it a bit close as my standover in shoes is approx 32.5 but have had the bike for 5 yrs with no probs.

The Cannondale 1FG medium frame has a standover of 31.3 inches and a top tube of 23.3 inches. I am 5'9" and somewhat long of torso. I know there are many recommendations out there for mtb standover. Some say between 1 and 4 inches, some say between 2 and 6 inches.

Moving to the SMALL Cannondale 1FG frame would leave me with a really short top tube. I felt the Medium frame top tube length to be just right. I plan to use the bike for all sorts of MTB disciplines. Can you all comment on how important standover really is when bailing out? Most times when I bail out I go off the back.

I can get a deal on this 1FG. I must say that when I stood over it in the parking lot, I would have guessed closer to 30" standover. I was very surprised to read 31.3 standover in the specs.

I also have the Gary Fisher Mullet SS on my radar. The 17.5" frame is 29-ish standover and has a nice long top tube, but I really like the Cannondale ;-)

Thanks

free_pizza

I'm 5'8" and ride a medium f600. I would say a small for a guy your size would be just too small.