Fat bike size is critical?
 

I consider buying an entry level fat Bike (to try). Sizes are from XS to XL
A sales person says a L should be OK for me. I am 6'1" 280lbs. What do you think.
Maybe he wants to sell me the L one since he does not have an XL, maybe
is honest. Sounded pretty honest to me in his comments, not too pushy, they
have no problem selling those. I might try a rental one tomorrow.

Sylvain

Try riding before buying! Buying the wrong size bike can be a real downer.

HAve you looked at the manufactures frame size specs? a lot of manufactures are pretty good for this, take Salsa, they give guides which are useful Beargrease Carbon XX1 | Bikes | Salsa Cycles

For your height, 6'1" isn't that tall, thinking that a large would fit fine (for MTB's it's better to be on the small size if on the edge of 2 sizes)

The manufacturer (Norco) gives lots of sizing of various parts of the bike but no information on
the relation to rides size. I found a chart that says that for mi size (6'1", 32" inseam) i would need
a mountain bike size 18. Available sizes being between 13 and 21 my guess is that L would probably
be reasonable.

Tomorrow i might try a rental place that have Norco bikes. Not sure they will have L or XL available for
trial though.

That shouldn't matter. If they have a L rent it. If it's too small, you need an XL. If it fits--buy it!!!:)

Decided not to try rental today because of serious back pain last night (too much physical work last week).
I have to be carefull because of a cervical column hernia. Maybe next sathurday.

By searching i found comments from someone about my size (6' , 32" inseam) who says L is fine for him.
Some say Norco bikes are large and XL would be too long. Comparing effective top tube length
fo Norco, Salsa and Surly seem to confirm this. So, i think L will be fine.

Ii think i will try rental sathurday to confirm. Not sure wi will still find the L in store though,
Norco are very popular here and go fast. I am not anxious though. Just want to try it out
one or 2 seasons.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Sylvain

Im 6'2" and ride a Large (20") Surly Moonlander. I could ride an XL as well, but it would stretch me out more than I like for the type of Fat bike riding I do which is single track dirt and snow trails. So I prefer the position and the slightly quicker handling I feel on the smaller size of the two frames.

It depends on the manufacturer and the geometry of the frame of course, so test ride it.