Seen a a great discount on a great bike but 17" is out of stock. They have 15" and 19" though. I'm 5'9". Won't get a chance to try it in the metal.
Hypothetically, which should I go with?
It's this badboy http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/2012/trail/kili-flyer-ti
Well aware I also can look for something else, but just wanted to gauge opinions on this type of situation, thanks.
If it's a massive barging try and track down the right size frame and transplant
If its that much of a bargain buy the 19" and resell the frame. Then hunt down a 17" frame and stick the bits on.
I don't think either size will fit you at all.
Neither, probably. Unless you're one of those that likes a smaller frame for chuckablity and such. Then get a S.
That being said, the Medium is a lot closer to a Small than it is to a Large. The top tube lengths vary by 20 mm each from S to M to L. The seat tube length only varies about an inch from S to M, but the jump from M to L is close to 3". S headtube is 10mm shorter than the M and L, otherwise everything is the same.
Unless you're a long legged 5'9", I don't see a L working for you.
You won't be happy with a bike that does not fit.
Neither
Great discount =/= bargain if not your size.
buying either will be an expensive regret and far far from a bargain.
move on.
Don't get it.
Long after you've forgotten about the money you've saved, you'll still have a bike that doesn't fit.
Don't buy it. It's not even that great a deal (if you're looking at paying £1.5k).
It just looks it because they were overpriced by £1k originally.