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So, I'm looking to consolidate my two bike fleet into a single bike that is a fun short travel carbon 29er. Currently got a 2015 carbon foxy and an alu smuggler. I've decided that I don't need both and prefer 29 inch wheels.
I could keep the smuggler but it's a bit on the lardy side and current thinking is sell the foxy and smuggler frame and try to find a carbon alternative. If it's non boost then I can move pretty much all my bits over.
Looking at the v1 Following but slightly confused by the sizing. Coming from Foxy and Smuggler, I'd prefer something with decent reach and the v1's are quite short (but due to the slacker seat post the vtt is quite long). The seat tubes are also quite long. At a smidge under 6ft it looks like Evil recommend the L, however the reach of the XL is 453mm which I'd prefer (would be running a 35mm stem). However, Evil recommend the XL for 6"4'+ !!! I think the 508mm seatpost would be just about ok with a 150mm dropper but no idea if this is a silly idea.
Anybody around 6ft that has owned or ridden a v1 following who could provide their thoughts on sizing?
what size is your Smuggler? I am about the same height & have an XL 2017 Smuggler with 170mm dropper. Transition weigh large smuggler at 7.3kg its only their latest SBG that are heavy! with axle & shock Evil is 6kg 14oz for a medium! so for a large 200g in it!! personally would sell the foxy & upgrade wheels on Smuggler its an epic bike.
My smuggler is L and it really is an excellent bike that I do prefer to the Foxy (that is also good). Despite the Foxy being considerably lighter I think that the Smuggler climbs better and is all round a more fun bike. Still have an interest/itch for the Following though.
Supposedly 6'2 (Supposedly, as in, I think I'm shrinking..) and I ride an XL Following (V1) and am very happy with the sizing. I bought another bike and went down in sizing and regret that, but it's hardly unrideable.
6'1" and ride a large Following v1. Don't feel like I'm 'on' the bike, very much in it. I mostly ride wooded singletrack with the odd jump and drop - nothing open and rocky/fast.
thx z1ppy, what length of stem are you running with? Do you think somebody around the 6ft mark would be an OK fit on the XL? I'm slightly concerned that with a 508mm seat tube I may not have enough room for a 150mm dropper. My foxy is 470mm ST and I have about 40mm spare on the dropper so in theory it might be OK, but probably tight.
wwaswas - so you are quite happy with the L? not cramped at all ? The L would probably be the safe bet, better still probably the mb.
Seems fine, I've not ridden anything longer or slacker so no real basis for comparison but feels stable and I've done some proper doubles and table tops on it which I wouldn;t have done on previous bikes.
Running a 50mm stem though which adds some length.
170mm One-Up Dropper post works fine for me in the frame too.
Well, it's more than fine - it's the bike that's given me most confidence to push my technical riding of any I've ever owned and is as good on xc rides.
There is a new large on eBay for 1500 from a bike shop
Hi
6ft and riding a large V1.
Generally happy with it and have used it at trail centres and some decent xc rides.
One shop told me to get a L and another an XL but someone who has one recommended I got a L so I did.
Running 800mm bars with 40mm rise and a 40mm stem.
Just to confuse you I do wonder if I should have got an XL but it’s done now.
Either way you won’t regret it, they’re fantastic bikes although I would say not particularly light.
Mines about 30lb with a Fox 36, XT 1x11, Saint brakes and King/UB Carbon wheels. Also swapped the shock for a Fox Kashima DPS shock which was noticeably better. You could build it lighter but not sure that misses the point of the frame.
Hope that helps
Cheers
Steve
Have pm'ed you dougieb
But basically, at 6ft, I'd suggest XL with a 35-40mm stem rather than a Large with a 50mm stem, unless you have strange proportions. I'm 5ft10 and have ridden our XL demo bike numerous times, the only limitation was the seat tube length which meant a 125mm Reverb was slammed on its collar for me.
I'm 6ft 2 with massively long legs a d have an XL, I'd say you want an XL, my saddle is pretty high but the reach feels good and I probably have the same torso length as a 6ft person (36 inch inseam).
Got mine from mboy a few years ago and no probs at all
Cheers Lucas, glad to hear it's still going well! Sold soooooo many mk1 Followings in 15/16! Just about to build myself an Offering up and have sold a couple to Customers already, can't wait to give it a go!
Thanks guys. Looks like the XL could be the one to go for
Anybody ridden both a v1 following and the previous gen smuggler? Would be good to hear how you thought they comapred
6'1", XL Following v1. Pretty much bang on, if anything a shade short with a 45mm stem.
Test rode a smuggler before buying, can't remember the details other than thinking the evil was better in every way.
*Cough* currently selling mine if you're in the market *cough*
Hi tenacious, at 6'1 do you find the seat tube lenght an issue? that's my main concern. I suspect that I would be close to slamming a 1590mm dropper right to the collar.
I've a 150mm KS Lev on it no problem. Couple of cm spare past showing above the collar
Personally I would be looking ideally for an XL 2018 Carbon Smuggler 495mm seat tube & same reach as your Foxy. Or large Smuggler in sales! climb way better than the evil with steeper seat tube angle also 3yr warranty & Transition warranty is good. Used to do it for them! Can pick up boost adapters for rear wheel & all other bits swap over, win win
The V1 following has a super short reach by current standards. At 6ft I think you’ll find a large too small. A mate of mine has one, he does get on with it at 6ft but he comes from a bmx background and prefers shorter bikes. I’ve ridden it and it felt like I was going to go over the bars at any given moment. I’d definitely be looking for an XL if your legs are long enough.