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Hi all,
Basically I'm stuck between sizes and would appreciate any opinions from owners on here. I've done a trawl on the net but I still haven't reached a firm conclusion.
I am 5’6 with an inside leg of 29” and I’m undecided about the small/medium frame size. It is my intention to build the frame into more of a trail bike than an xc racer and so I’m keen to have a bike that I feel “in” rather than “on” and that feels nibble and agile rather than a stretched out racer – I’d be looking to use a fork set at 120mm with 15/20mm bolt through if possible. I’m also keen to use a short(ish) stem (50-70mm) rather than a longer xc stem. I think the top tube length of the medium might be the better option but I am uneasy about the height of the seat-tube, as 17.7” seems quite tall and I’ve never normally gone for a frame above 17” (a small as-x is the tallest I’ve had at 17).
I realise that this is a ‘how long is a piece of string’ question but I’d be keen to know what owners think. Any reflections? Anyone thought "I wish i'd gone for the smaller/larger frame size"? I'm particularly interested in opinions from folk who use the frame as a trail centre machine rather than an xc racer.
Many thanks for your time responding to this request
I'm about your height, well 5'7 and have a medium SC Blur XC c. Mine is set up more 'race' than 'trail' but they do seem to feel quite small. I tried a small and it just felt a bit short even with a longish stem.
I'd try one first if you get a chance but I love mine, best bike I've ever had.
T
Go on top tube length not seat tube, I am 5ft 9 and ride a medium Blur LT and Nomad for Syncros Endurace (backed by Santa Cruz). The reach is the critical measurement as this will effect your ability to move the bike around, a long wheel base will be more stable at high speed (and in rough terrain). My medium size bikes handle like a dream, stable yet still very nimble. Good luck with your new bike when you get it...
I have a medium Blur XC & Im 5ft9 leg is 30inches. I cant remember the length of the stem but prob a fairly normal race length. As for your fork I would go 100 not 120mm.. The bike IMO handles so much better with 100mm on the front - better handling in techie terrain (I rode the bike in this set-up this Summer at The BC Bike Race & not once did I feel I was that the bike couldnt handle the terrain, quite the opposite in fact.) I would also suggest that you dont need a bolt-thru front hub. Its an XC bike so do you really need the added stiffness?
Up to you - enjoy the bike, its amazing what it can do!
WE have a medium blur xc as a demo and My LTC will be coming in shrtly and thats a small so if you want to try them out then my mail is in my profile, where abouts are you?
I'm the same size as you and have a small blur ltc- the reach is perfect but think I've got short arms! You're welcome to sit on it.
If it helps I am 5' 8" with a 29" inside leg and ride a medium Blur LT2 with a 50mm stem. Just right for me - would not want to go smaller
I'm just over 5' 5" and ride a small Blur XCc. I was also torn between the small and medium. I went for the small simply because the measurements were more like my old Blur classic. I run it with a 90mm stem and it feels fantastic. However, I still wonder whether a medium would have felt better at speed due to the slightly longer wheel base.
At 5'6" and wanting to use a shorter 50-70mm stem I'd go with a medium.
Paul
All,
thanks for your comments and thoughts - very much appreciated. It's confirmed then - I need to try one!
GlynP I'm sheffield based - where are you?
cheers
5'7" here and riding a medium. 70mm stem and 120 Rebas. If you had been in Fisherfield today you would have head me laughing as it is such a hoot.
read this post with interest, as a blur xc carbon is top of my list for a new bike
i'm 5'7" with a 30" inside leg. we're all individual and like different things, but going on my previous sc superlight, i'll be going for a medium
if anyone has any thoughts on the blur xc carbon, i'm sure it will help my buying decision (it is a hell of a lot of cash!) but apart from price, it ticks all my boxes 😉
Mail me for a good deal on the xc carbons
[i]Hi all,
more of a trail bike than an xc racer and so I’m keen to have a bike that I feel “in” rather than “on” and that feels nibble and agile rather than a stretched out racer – I’d be looking to use a fork set at 120mm with 15/20mm bolt through if possible. I’m also keen to use a short(ish) stem (50-70mm) rather than a longer xc stem...
I'm particularly interested in opinions from folk who use the frame as a trail centre machine rather than an xc racer. [/i]
tbh It sounds like you need a different bike, why buy a racer when you want a trail bike?
And you really ought to try one, even if nothing else but to make sure you've 'ballroom'...
c_b - if you are anywhere near Edinburgh you can try mine out for size. However, I reckon you will be safe with a medium.
I use my Blur LT for all trail riding and teaching activities, I use it for marathon downhill comp's and Enduro racing (stage racing) too. I run a 150mm Revelation on a M frame with a Syncros AM stem in 50mm, this bike is capable of dealing with severe terrain (ie. Mega Avalanche - Alpe d Huez) yet still performs well on manicured bike park trails. When the going gets real bad (steep and rough) then the Nomad comes out, I have 160mm Lyrics on there with a coil spring up rear, same Syncros finishing kit - 50mm stem AM wheelset etc. Your welcome to try them out if ever in my area.