trek 8.6 ds bicycle sizing
 

hello everybody,
im interested in buying a new 2013 trek 8.6 ds bike but am having trouble deciding what frame size i should buy.
from what ive read, the frame sizes on this gf edition run larger than usual. im 5 foot 11.5 inches tall. i have rather long legs (inseam) compared to my stocky torso.
size 19 felt a bit long for me with to much reach which cause a it of neck inconvenience, whereas 17.5 i felt like shrek on a bike.
any thoughts about the size or bike in general?
thx vm

If you are inbetween sizes like you described, I would get the 19 and look to change the stem to one that is shorter or with a higher angle or both.

+1

I'm (a fraction of an inch less than) 6 ft and own a 19 inch. It fits better than the 17.5. I'm planning to install a shorter stem and Trekking handlebars soon.

Well, what kind of riding are you planning on doing? Rule of thumb is go bigger if primarily road use, smaller if more off-road- more room for the bike to bounce around under you before making contact with the tender bits :thumb:.

Welcome to the Forums, BTW :).

thank you very much for your quick response.
i should probably go with 19 incher. the thing is, i prefer the more upright sitting position, me being prone to neck and lower back spasm..

These handlebars are a worthwhile addition: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...455&cadevice=t

Trekking handlebars provide so many hand positions and changes in posture, it's impossible not to find a comfortable way to use them.

I am 5' 11" with a 32" inseam and My DS8.3 is 19". It is comfortable, but if I were an inch shorter I don't think it would be.

The bike is nice but I think you should look at different brands. You're not going to be comfortable with either size and will likely spend the next year swapping components like stems, seat posts, etc. trying to make it work. I know, I made the same mistake with my first bike. Top tube reach was a tad too long and my neck/shoulders hurt all the time after I rode. I tried for months to make it work and wasted plenty of cash & time on parts but found that a similar style bike from a different brand just fit my body better. Shop around and try other models out. You might find something better suited for you.

Thanks Teicher,
I'll try to make this short :)
I am considering 2 different bikes at the same price of 750$:
first- A used Trek Montare 2011 2011 Montare - Bike Archive - Trek Bicycle
second- A brand new 2014 Marin san rafael ds 4 Marin Bikes | San Rafael DS4 | Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, and City/Commuter Bicycles | us
I tried the Montare in 2 sizes- 17.5 & 19, which both sizes didn't quite fit. One too much reach needed and the other too small.
I tried the Marin size 19 which felt gr8! a joy to ride.
The thing is that the quality of the bikes, according to my unskilled feel, are miles a part favoring the montare. On the montare I felt as if I had been driving a secure mercedes branded tank, whereas the geometry on the marin fit perfect but it felt, how should i put it... Less, in general. A fun Mazda.
Would you be so kind and check the specs on both bikes and tell me if the difference in them are miles apart, or just so minor that i should choose comfort over minimal quality difference.. thanks. ohh, and does it matter that the marin is brand new in contrast to the used montare?
thank you very much for any response!!

The montare definitely has better components, but it is used and I'm on the internet and have no idea what condition they're in. I assume they're fine. You didn't mention that the montare felt big so I'm also assuming you found it comfortable.

$750 for the montare is out of line with the blue book listings. You may be able to get it for a lower price.
2011 Trek Gary Fisher Montare - New and Used Bike Value

I wouldn't pay $750 for it, I'd rather put that kind of money into a new(er) bike with a full waranty and all the fixings.