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Is this too small for me?

Old 11-24-08, 12:49 PM
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Is this too small for me?

So, I've been shopping for a mountain bike for 12 years...and I'm still shopping. Thinking about getting one of end of year frames that's on sale everywhere. Sizing is my issue. I test rode a Specialized Epic...size Small...it seemed fine. The LBS guys thought that would be a good fit for me.

I'm 5'5"...28.5" inseam. I used CompetitiveCyclists fit calculator. They put me on a 22.1" toptube. The Specialized Epic has a 21.8" toptube. Pretty close. 15.5" seat tube.

Well...I came across a nice Salsa El Santo frame in my price range. Except it's XS size. They call it a 14" frame...but the seat tube measures 16". And the horizontal/virtual toptube is 21.1"

Any thoughts? Will the Salsa be too small for me?

Thanks!
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Old 11-24-08, 01:02 PM
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After 12 years, I'd say it's time to sh** or get off the pot.

Get the Epic and ride, ride, ride the wheels off it.
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Old 11-24-08, 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by dminor
After 12 years, I'd say it's time to sh** or get off the pot.

Get the Epic and ride, ride, ride the wheels off it.
i'm exaggerating, of course...i've been looking for a mountain bike for about a year, maybe not quite. but then i got consumed with spending on road and tri and cx stuff. but now i want a mtb again. but, i'd rather build it up slowly...which is why i want to get the discount frame and just start finding budget parts on clearance at stores/sites, ebay, cragslist, and cycling boards...

so i'm just trying to figure out if this el santo would be too small. any idea?
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Old 11-24-08, 02:03 PM
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Why don't you buy a complete bike so you can just start riding? You'll end up spending the same amount anyway.
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Old 11-24-08, 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by adun111
Why don't you buy a complete bike so you can just start riding? You'll end up spending the same amount anyway.
i'm spreading too much money around right now. i'm upgrading my roadbike, tt/tri bike, and cx bike this winter. and i'm considering buy this mountain bike frame to start building up to have it ready by late late winter or early spring.
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Old 11-24-08, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by adun111
Why don't you buy a complete bike so you can just start riding? You'll end up spending the same amount anyway.

............or even more.
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Old 11-24-08, 02:22 PM
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I Ride a Med Epic, 5'8" 150lbs. I don't recommend it for everyone though. No the El Santo won't be too small either. I imagine they will feel very different though.
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Old 11-24-08, 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by born2bahick
I Ride a Med Epic, 5'8" 150lbs. I don't recommend it for everyone though. No the El Santo won't be too small either. I imagine they will feel very different though.
*You ask a question only you can answer my son!*

interesting...why will they feel so much different? materials? geometry? something else?
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Old 11-24-08, 02:45 PM
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Just guessing mind you, but the Fuax bar rocker linkage, compared to the FSR, Horst/Brain setup. Didn't really look at geometry. I love My Epic But As I say I don't recommend it for everyone. It's not the best "All Round bike" I can use it that, way in Kansas, but I don't know where you are And I'm the first one to admit there are better all around trail bikes.
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