Forum menu
rock lobster 853 ri...
 

[Closed] rock lobster 853 riders.....

 chop
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 
[#1436901]

right made my mind up! i'm going for a custom build rock lobster 853 from merlin. have mailed asking what size i should go for and they reckon a 15 inch?? i'm 5"9 with a 30inch inside leg. seems small to me i've always felt suited to 17inch frames,maybe a 16..
so how tall are you and what size is your rock lobster? ta.


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 5:09 pm
Posts: 53
Free Member
 

I would try to get your leg over one.
Find out the TT length.
I had one and got rid of it as was top small in the top tube


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 5:18 pm
Posts: 5559
Free Member
 

had same dilema as you at same height so got a 16 inch Rock lobster B52 ...not helpful eh.
I thought 15 to small and 17 too big and they dont do a 16" not much help then. Best get yerself there and try one out I am afraid


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 5:20 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I'm 5' 8" & i have a 17.5". Fine for me..


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 5:24 pm
Posts: 19914
Free Member
 

I'm 5'8", and so is MrsPP. We've both had 17in Lobsters and they fitted perfectly. They are also on the short side, so 15in WILL be waaaaaaaaaaaay too small for you. FACT!


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 5:56 pm
Posts: 3295
Free Member
 

[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/merlin-malt-1-sizing-any-guides-online ]This any help?[/url]

Would definetly say a 17


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 5:58 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

My first bike was a malt 2 and they told me a 15" would be the right size for me, and by the way my measurements are the same as you. They sent it to me and i sent it straight back for them to replace with a 17" as it was just not right(too small). since then i have also had a rock lobster 17" which was perfect also.

Sorry for the ramble but if your measurements are correct then you need a 17"


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 6:38 pm
Posts: 17447
Full Member
 

I am 5'10'' with a 30 inside leg and my 17 is a good fit.


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 9:19 pm
Posts: 145
Free Member
 

They have built bikes in the showroom. Worth a visit. Not far off M6 or M61 on outskirts of Chorley.


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 9:32 pm
 Keva
Posts: 3280
Free Member
 

5'4" with 30ins inside leg (jeans fit). Ride a 15in Lobster.


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 9:47 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

as above 5'9" and 17" fits me fine, 15 would be way too small for you


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 10:19 pm
Posts: 457
Free Member
 

Chop if you decide to go for a 15" I can save you a heap of cash. I've got a mint RL 853 15" I'm about to put up for sale. Email in profile if interested.


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 10:30 pm
Posts: 4279
Full Member
 

5'11" with a 31 or 32 inside leg. I had a 17" and had to sell as it was too small.


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 10:33 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

A friend has a Ti lobster which is 15" and I sat on it just yesterday and it was to small for me in the TT but the height wasn't bad. I am 5.8 and a bit and ride a 16 small soul which fits fine. so I would think the 17" for sure.If that helps?


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 10:41 pm
Posts: 17843
 

I used to have a 15" and I'm 5'5" but with long legs. Even though I had a layback seatpost, it was really just a bit short in the top tube.


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 10:51 pm
 chop
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

ok thanks so far.i'd like to be able to try one but merlin is over 100 miles away from me..

i think i'll be going with the 17" will let u know how i get on.


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 11:01 pm
Posts: 306
Full Member
 

chop, where are you based?

have a 17", am 5' 10" with 30" inside leg, good fit, top tube a touch short but i have set it up to really suit me. love it


 
Posted : 22/03/2010 11:29 pm
Posts: 10654
Full Member
 

I'm same height & my 16" Inbred sometimes feels too cramped.
Not sure if they had same geometry but I had a Rock Lobster Expert a few years ago, was really harsh alloy thing. That was 17" & was a perfect fit.


 
Posted : 23/03/2010 12:40 am
 drew
Posts: 385
Full Member
 

You've probabley made your mind up by now but I'm 5'10" with long legs and ride a 19". The top tubes are short on these bikes and the stand over height is relatively low. I can't believe they've recommended a 15" frame.


 
Posted : 23/03/2010 9:43 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Is your inside leg of 30" from crotch to floor, or your trouser inside leg? If you are 5'9" then a 17" should be fine, but if your legs are 30" from crotch to floor then you won't have much standover height. I'm 5'9" with a 32" inside leg and I would ride a 17". If in doubt you can pop down to Merlin to try.

Also make sure you are actually 5'9", I've met loads of blokes who think they are 5'9"/5'10" who seem to come up about 2/3 inches shorter than me! I suppose thats just short man syndrome and they can't bear to admit they are shorter than average!


 
Posted : 23/03/2010 10:42 am
 chop
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

well the missus has just measured me up and, i'm actually 5 9" and a bit..
my trouser size is 30" so i reckon it's gota be a 17


 
Posted : 23/03/2010 2:51 pm
 chop
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

right,just ordered it!

17" with xt/raceface deus upgrade @ £1105 i'm now officially skint 😥


 
Posted : 23/03/2010 10:03 pm
 drew
Posts: 385
Full Member
 

Nice one. Here's one I completed earlier to look at while you wait for it to arrive.
[img] http://images.fotopic.net/?id=63855435&noresize=1 [/img]


 
Posted : 23/03/2010 11:03 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Got my 17' 853 1 month ago. One member of staff told me to get a 15' another 17', I went for the 17 as it was identical virtually to my 17' Rockhopper Comp, I am 5'8" with 31' inside leg. Brilliantly comfortable bike.really pleased with it.


 
Posted : 24/03/2010 1:28 pm