So I currently ride a Scandal 26er as my race bike, 18". It's a great fit in terms of length, but I do run the seat post at nearly max extension (long legs, short torso) and find the front a little low (compensated for by a few spacers. I ride a 20" inbred as my commuter, and I find to too long for mtb use. I like the mtb to feel lively...
I'm considering a swap to 29er but am a little stumped by size choice - on paper, the 18" version of both 29er and 26er is identical in TT length... the on one sizing chart though puts me firmly in the camp of 19.5" (34.5" inside leg, 6ft tall)... I guess I like the concept of a similar TT length but higher front end.
Which way should I take a punt???! Should a 29er size up a bit??! not sure which way to go.
and then the bent seat tube to consider... Assuming the 18" bends lower down than the 19.5", the seat post is going to extend back more than on a 26er at the height I want it....
Stick with 18" for 29er. It will give you same ETT as 26", but be a bit higher at the front end, which you're after.
I'm same height as you but have shorter legs and have a 19.5 Scandal 29er. Given my legs are shorter I'm asusming I have a longer torso but the length of the top tube feels spot on to me. Running it with a 60mm stem and 711mm wide bars for reference. There are plenty about if you need to jump on one (!) for reference.
I had an 18" 26er Scandal that i had to use a 350mm seatpost on full extension with a 90mm stem, i traded it in for the 29er option and went for the 19.5" frame, turns out to have been a great decision, i now use a 70mm stem for trail riding and if/when i get round to racing it i may use the 90mm stem again, but the fit is great and i don't worry about the seatpost snapping any more.
5/11 here and long legs on a 19.5 with 100mm stem.
Interesting thoughts! I'll have a ponder. I'm tempted by 18 inch to maintain some nippiness.
Any one else with an opinion? My current 18 inch 26er has a 400mm post pretty much maxed out 🙂
6'2" here with a 19.5" and 100mm stem, 34" inside leg.
5'11 here and riding an 18" which is pictured at the front of the image below. The one behind is a 19.5" ridden by my son who is 6'2. I can ride both, but as per your earlier point, I find the smaller frame more nimble. You could use a lay back post or a longer stem to suit your riding style?
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I jumped from a 26" 18inch scandal to the same on a 29er. I thought the 18" was spot on until I stood over a 19.5 in the showroom, the 19.5 is a better fit for me, I am 6,1 with a 33 inside leg, but I do like the 18 inch as it is smaller and quicker on the single track. Photos below. Both exactly same setup, stem, saddle height....
18 inch [url= http://flic.kr/p/dNukzt ]Photo[/url]
19.5[url= http://flic.kr/p/dNukfc ]Photo[/url]
6f1, 34" inside leg and long monkey arms! had both 26" and 29er.... 19.5" fits great with a 70mm stem 780mm bars up front.... perfect for me! i have tried the 18" 26er and like you with the seat maxed out... doesn't ride as well especially on the climbs as the 19.5" 29er. 🙂
Looks like the sway might be going towards 19.5"... Might get over to the showroom and see if there's one I can swing a leg over...
Bump for the morning crowd - any opinion?
Am having the same dilemma, at just under 6ft and pondering which size to go for...
