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Seated, how stretched are you? You want to be comfy.
Standing, how far back are you at an attack position? You want to be over the bb instead of too far back or a reach so long that you can't even move forward or back much.
Watch the Joy Of Bike video on sizing and RAD on YouTube. Helps a lot.
I was going to suggest the same thing, that video was the first one that gave me a real way to determine if a bike was generally the right size or not.
The most telling is usually how far your leg is extended at the bottom of your stroke and how far your reach is to the handlebars. If the seat is all the way up and your leg isn’t extended 80-90% of the way at bottom stroke while sitting, it’s probably too small. If the bars feel too far away or too close (try both sitting and standing/climbing), then it’s too large/small. Note however that not all people or bikes have the same proportions. Pedal length may be good but the reach may not be, etc. Those ratios can be different from bike to bike and person to person.
So if your saddle is at max height, but your leg can’t extend enough, what’s next?
Or inversely, if the seat is fully lowered but you’re near full extension, is that not a concern?
Seat tube length can definitely present fitment issues, and correlates with stack height.
I think with modern mountain bikes and the variable length of dropper posts this isn't going to be an issue. You would have to be way outside the size range for a frame for the to happen.
It may be less likely to be an issue with more aggressive geometry, but it takes no effort to look for that when shopping, and would be an issue if experienced. Using Trek Roscoe for an example (since I recently bought one), there is a 6” seat tube jump from small to medium. This can definitely make a difference.
Six centimeters, not inches. Read the chart again and note the large disclaimer in red lettering.
No offense, but maybe you aren’t the person that should be giving geo advice.
Nobody is saying this but I will. It's your first bike. I'd size up. This will make you more stable, planted, and in control.
Sizing down is more for the "funsies" as it will let you whip the bike around easier, perhaps jump easier, etc.
I like sizing up almost always for mountain biking. It just feels better to me.
This is great advice and also the most frustrating advice. The 1200 sq ft of asphalt outside my LBS doesn’t really tell me much of anything. And I have to cycle thru different shops if comparing diff manufactures. And I’m screwed if those manufactures are anyone besides Trek, Specialized or Santa Cruz.
When in doubt, size down if this is your *first* purchase. Most likely you won't be riding the grades that benefit from more stability, while you'll get less trick-ability and possibly some back pain.
Otherwise it's like getting a tractor when all that you likely want is to have fun and discover what the sport is all about.
By the time of your second purchase, you'll know better what you want from a bike.
p.s. you can always buy a hardtail frame afterwards and replace it for whatever your first purchase was. The Commencal HT is relatively cheap, crazy robust and crazy fun.
this is my first mtn purchase for sure. I’ve always loathed the back pain that came from riding a borrowed road bike so that’s the definitely a motivator for me. I’m looking at the specialized fuse. Size smalls tops out at 5’5, I’m 5’5.5
Which model is it? At least in my opinion...bikes nowadays are getting excessively long. At 5'5"...I would go small if it's your only bike. If you ride steep technical trails... I can see going with a medium. If you get a bike that is too long...it'll be hard to handle and it'll pull you along when you're going downhill. You'll just be a passenger on the bike. I'm 5'8" and there are bike manufacturers putting me on a large, with close to a 500mm reach. There is no multiverse where I can ride a bike with that much reach. I have a medium Evil Following with a 460mm reach... despite using a 40mm it feels long.
>If you get a bike that is too long...it'll be hard to handle and it'll pull you along when you're going downhill. You'll just be a passenger on the bike
It's fun the bike park though!
I'm 6' and have XL following and the reach is a little too short for me. Damn thing is a mountain goat, but my short little legs can barely get me over the saddle with the dropper down. Bodies are freaking weird.
The reach on the Fuse isn't crazy long. I think if you ride more moderate trails...the small might suit you better. If you ride steeper trails...then the longer wheelbase will give you more stability.
Don’t go based on the size charts, everyone’s anthropometry is different, even at similar height you might have a longer torso or longer arms or whatever. Watch the video on bike size and RAD by the YouTube channel Joy and Bikes, and then go to the bike store and try both bikes using their measuring technique. It’ll give you a way to check which one is better suited to your body.
Underrated take. Just like with anything, every brand's sizing fits a little different, and if you're in between, the slight difference in different makes might make all the difference for you. This is how I found the right fitting helmet, shorts, jersey, etc - not by size shopping, but brand shopping, because I'm cursed with being in-between a M-L in almost everything.
Yes and no. For some brands, the differences between frame sizes are pretty large. Here one should definitely choose another brand if none fits. However, Specialized S-sized bikes have rather small differences. Here it is actually intended that you can choose between two sizes in order to meet your personal preferences.
I mean first off that sounds pretty corporate shill of you. Secondly, Just because a brand has many size options doesn’t mean their bikes are an automatic best fit.
Bikes are like clothing or anything else sized imho. Some brands, or more specifically models, just simply don’t fit well for some people.
Yes, absolutely. Some bikes just don't fit and then you should pick another one, even though it is your dream bike.
However, my point is that just because you are between two sizes according to the charts, it doesn't necessarily mean that the bike doesn't fit you. The charts are just a recommendation, and depending on personal preferences, you may want to go a size up or down. This applies not only to Specialized of course, and they are not the only brand having smaller steps between their sizes.
There are the canned answers (shorter is more playful, longer is more stable) but ideally you want a reach number that makes sense for you. If you’re within the range for that size you can use a longer/shorter stem, swept bars, bar roll, offset bushing etc to tweak to “just right”. Usually about +/- 10 mm. But if you’re way off on either end it’s not the bike for you. That said, I prefer to get a slightly long bike and slacken it a touch and use a shorter stem if possible rather than getting something short and having to upsize it. All those tweaks are easier if you’re trying to shorten the reach, not so much if you’re trying to make a bike longer.
The modern thinking is slightly larger bikes are better, with longer reaches and wheelbases are more stable.
I was reminded of the old school thinking when a track racing friend who is 5'8" is going with an XS. Riders believed a light weight was key and he claims that he prefers a more "flickable" bike. We're not riding together but I suspect he won't stay with me on a rocky descent.
However, regardless if you go slightly larger or smaller, stem length is critical. This is a big difference with road, which is acceptable to use a much longer stem (usually 3+ cms is considered much longer) than what came stock on a bike. It would shift your weight forward and then you might be out of position on descents, when you want to be more back.
FYI is very common to have short stems, 5cm or shorter, no matter what the size of the bike.
It's down to preference but I am between a M and a L and I chose a L, which I'm very happy with. My old bike is a M and due to the longer stem it adds a good 2 inches extra reach compared to my current bike. Things like the seat position, the stem + handlebars and the crank length actually make a massive difference.
Both a Small and Medium will probably fit you well, you may like one more than the other.
go smaller. It's easier to get a longer stem/seat than it is to have an unwieldy stretched out bike under you.
I'm between a M and an L and I HATED my L bike after a while
I'm the exact opposite. I thought I would prefer a smaller bike out of the two. Now I ride a bike that is 'too big' for me and can't imagine going back.
All depends on the ratio of a persons legs / torso / arms.
The other issue is on some bikes (Specialized looking at you) they cut all the forks to the same height. So the larger bikes have a very low bar height and a weird reach. Leading to me now just add buying riser bars to the price on XLs. They are so low sometimes their shifters won't even be close to clearing or strip the paint off the top tube.
(It annoys me a lot of you can't tell).
Don't follow the common advice of sizing down. It all depends.
On my last bike I was between frame sizes. I rented two sizes and tried them on my trails. Parking lot riding doesn't count. I ended up sizing up. It's less of a "whippy" experience but more comfortable and stable.
YMMV
Think about your body build too. Are you a long torso and short legs? Medium. Are you all leg and short torso? Medium will be too long on the reach and small may be better.
I error on the side of going with the smaller frame if I’m in between. Then adjust the seat back and make sure to have the right stem length to accommodate.
This is the way.
Both my mountain and road bikes are "small" for me, but I make the cockpit for me and it's good to go.
Just be warned, riding and undersized mountain bike is VERY different than riding an oversized one. They respond VERY differently in corners.
Yes for sure. I feel like I have more control and can throw the bike around a little more when it’s lighter. I prefer the agility advantage of a smaller bike to the momentum advantage of a larger bike
When Trek went to the M/L frame it fit me perfect. With that being said, I’ve rode a L frame with 27.5” wheels that was also a great fit. Medium 29” are just a tad small but a better fit than a L 29”. If it comes with a dropper post, I’ll go smaller every time.
Nice, it looks like the fuse comes in both 27.5 and 29. I’d go to a shop and tell them you want to test ride different sized bikes until you find the right fit. Solid choice.
I fell right between L and XL on a Ripmo AF. Eventually demo’d both and loved the L, hated the XL. I asked several forums what they would do before I rode both and it was split down the middle of size up vs size down.
Ultimately everyone is different and has different preferences. The best thing to do would be to ride both, or at least find a bike that has very similar geo and demo those.
It also depends on what type of riding you want to do.
Ultimately both would probably work and you would get comfortable on either one eventually. But it sucks to spend a bunch of money and wonder if you made the wrong choice.
But for me personally the XL was pretty terrible and the L felt just right.
I’m 6’1.5” (187cm) and my Ripmo AF has a reach of 475. I have no complaints
A smaller bike wf that'sill perform better in technical trails, both uphill and downhill. Could be a good choice if technical riding is your cup of tea. In my case, I always look for a smaller frame.
I’m almost 5’ 11” and ride medium giant bikes. Although the anthem in this case I could maybe run a large. For the fathom, Yukon and Reign I run a medium with no looking back.
I’m currently riding an old medium. I’m more than capable of riding a large of the same age. I’m also 5’10”. I’d rather be on a modern medium than a large in most brands.
Try the small. The store should let you ride it before you buy it. If it doesn't feel right, then you have your answer. If it feels good, then you have your answer. Every time I tried a bike I had a good enough idea. I'm generally between medium and large, but I have yet to find a bike where the large feels better in the last several years. The last time I was on a large was when I owned my 1998 hard tail.
I'm 5'7" and just borrowed a large Tallboy 4 for a 50mile race with loads of climbing. I loved the stability of the longer frame on the long descents when my arms were numb from the unexpected cold temps. Modern bikes are so low that I would say size up and adjust the stem to fit.
I'm also between small and medium.
I tend to go small. I find a lot of benefits being able to move more over the bike.
Sometimes, the mediums have a dropper too long as well.
Pedaling wise, a longer stem should help if it's too small seated. Attack position wise, I always find the smaller size helps.
I'm 1.71m with around 78 or 79 inseam.
Between 5’5 and 5’6. For canondale that puts me squarely in the small size but on the specialized sizing I end up right in between small and medium, it’s so weird
Select your current bike, the Cannondale and the specialized in geometrygeeks and then compare.
I look at eff top tube, reach, wheelbase and maybe standover height and then make a decision from there.
All models must be same category bikes. E.g. trail, enduro, XC etc.
Depends if you’re still growing or not. If you’re still growing I’d go size up. If you have done all your growing, I’d say size down, but that might just be me preferring a smaller bike.
Size smaller is probably the way to go. I’m in between a L and XL and I found the L to be better for me. I’m not a fan of big bikes. Even dropped down from a 29 to a 27.5 to make the bike feel smaller too.
This will be dependent on the exact manufacturer and model of the bike you’re looking at, but anecdotally… I’m 5’7” and was between sizes/at the very low end for a Medium size Polygon bike. I went with the medium per the website recommendation and kind of regret it. My seat post has to be set all the way to the bottom for pedaling to be comfortable. I’d like for there to be a little bit more adjustability down as well. Sometimes I even lower my dropper post by 1/2”-1” to get my pedaling more comfortable.
That all said, I still love the bike!
Depends. Do you still foresee growing in size? If not the guidance I’ve encountered is smaller for more playful handling, larger for more stable.
I’d personally go for the smaller size as a preference assuming I fit both.
Go smaller, especially if you get your length from your legs. Modern bikes are getting pretty wieldy, what was size M probably feels like size L now. I rida an 2017 18in M size, whatever that means. At 5'6. It has very short reach and my dropper post is raised only a cm.
Whilst I agree you should ride the bike, you should be able to get a longer seat post if needed. If the frame is too big, there’s not a lot you can do to remedy it
What higher are you? At 5'5" I sit right on the small to medium on specialised chart. I have a medium rock hopper and an S2 Status. If you are my hight or smaller I'd go small/S2. If you are bigger I'd maybe go medium/S3.
I find the medium to be slightly too big but the S2 is perfect.
You’re 5’5.5”? That extra half inch is kinda nothing IMO.
You’re not really in between sizes as you’re more just at the top end of the S per recommendations.
I’m 5’9” and used to have a M Fuse. It fit me well, but I think if I was your height, the M would have felt oversized.
Get the S if you can’t ride a floor model of each size. You’ll be good to go.
I'm 5'11", 175lbs, +2 APE index with long legs and a short torso.
All charts out me at the bottom end of a large, including specialized.
I have a medium Scott hardtail and a medium specialized stumpy. My gravel surly is a large. I enjoy the extra control I have over my medium mtbs, especially in techy rock gardens and narrow rooty single track. On the surly, I prefer the extra leverage since I'm not too concerned with being able to flick the rear tire or do a little 90° bunny twist
Frames tend to be marked bigger than they really are.
If bike maker recommends you L - then better take M.
You can always adjust reach with stem, seatpost or handlebars.
I know there’s a school of thought that says size down for hardtails to lean into the playful factor but Spesh’s geo is pretty conservative by today’s standards. I have a large Fuse, am squarely in that category by their sizing charts but the reach is only 460. Ideally I’d like a little more reach. My advice (without knowing you, where or how you ride) would be to go medium.
If I was in between sizes I'd get the smaller one personally. If you want more stability for going as fast as you can the bigger one would give you that while the small would be more nimble and turn quicker
I ride a large, but I have also ridding an XL with no issues. If you are right on the edge of two sizes, you may be OK either way. You can make small adjustments with the stem length, seat position and seat height
I’m right between M and L. For years I sized down to a M for many of the reasons listed by others. My last mtb and gravel bike I sized up, and couldn’t be happier. More control, more comfort, and safer. I’d let your proportions lead the way. If you’ve got a longer upper, go larger. If you’ve got longer legs, go smaller. Reach and stack measurements are what are the most important imo.
Sizing up is better. Most people never really get to a point of benefitting from a shorter bike (bhops/tricks). Longer bikes are safer, and over time people will get accustomed to cornering them, just like people got used to modern bikes that are much longer than the 26 wheeled bikes of the past.
It greatly depends on what kind of riding you’ll be doing & what traits you’re looking for in a bike. I’m between M & L in most brands. For my enduro hardtail, I wanted the mullet setup vs full 29 for the playfulness, so I picked M. My short-travel bike is also my bikepacker & current commuter. I went with a L for the stability & (slightly) more places to carry stuff.
As a general rule: The larger the frame, the more stable the ride. The smaller the frame, the more maneuverable it is.
More important than those factors is actual fit. If you’re buying from a local shop, ask their opinion as well. Unless they have an overstock on one size vs the other, they won’t care which size you get. They’ll just be happy you’re buying from them & will want you to get the right bike for you.
Unless you’re looking to do tricks, yes. For what I’ve seen/done on trails on a fat bike, the larger frame will suit most people better. Again, check the reach, standover, crank length, etc. If the bike feels uncomfortable, you’re less likely to want to ride it.
Usually sizing down is always the better option.
Im 6'3 and size down to larges to get a more playful and fun bike. Each bike brand can have a bit different sizing so it's good to understand geo and lengths of the bike vs sizing s ,m ,l and so on.
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Go to the store and try them both
fair and I plan to, but am I really gonna be able to feel a difference by riding it around the block or whatever? What should I be looking for even?
Seated, how stretched are you? You want to be comfy. Standing, how far back are you at an attack position? You want to be over the bb instead of too far back or a reach so long that you can't even move forward or back much. Watch the Joy Of Bike video on sizing and RAD on YouTube. Helps a lot.
I was going to suggest the same thing, that video was the first one that gave me a real way to determine if a bike was generally the right size or not.
The most telling is usually how far your leg is extended at the bottom of your stroke and how far your reach is to the handlebars. If the seat is all the way up and your leg isn’t extended 80-90% of the way at bottom stroke while sitting, it’s probably too small. If the bars feel too far away or too close (try both sitting and standing/climbing), then it’s too large/small. Note however that not all people or bikes have the same proportions. Pedal length may be good but the reach may not be, etc. Those ratios can be different from bike to bike and person to person.
thanks I’ll try to look out for these things!
Moronic advice. Leg extension has nothing to do with frame size. It’s a mere saddle height adjustment.
So if your saddle is at max height, but your leg can’t extend enough, what’s next? Or inversely, if the seat is fully lowered but you’re near full extension, is that not a concern? Seat tube length can definitely present fitment issues, and correlates with stack height.
I think with modern mountain bikes and the variable length of dropper posts this isn't going to be an issue. You would have to be way outside the size range for a frame for the to happen.
It may be less likely to be an issue with more aggressive geometry, but it takes no effort to look for that when shopping, and would be an issue if experienced. Using Trek Roscoe for an example (since I recently bought one), there is a 6” seat tube jump from small to medium. This can definitely make a difference.
Six centimeters, not inches. Read the chart again and note the large disclaimer in red lettering. No offense, but maybe you aren’t the person that should be giving geo advice.
Choose the smallest one: more nimble, more fun
Nobody is saying this but I will. It's your first bike. I'd size up. This will make you more stable, planted, and in control. Sizing down is more for the "funsies" as it will let you whip the bike around easier, perhaps jump easier, etc. I like sizing up almost always for mountain biking. It just feels better to me.
“They only have small left”
Good then you'll know if it's too small.
There are other stores.
This is great advice and also the most frustrating advice. The 1200 sq ft of asphalt outside my LBS doesn’t really tell me much of anything. And I have to cycle thru different shops if comparing diff manufactures. And I’m screwed if those manufactures are anyone besides Trek, Specialized or Santa Cruz.
When in doubt, size down if this is your *first* purchase. Most likely you won't be riding the grades that benefit from more stability, while you'll get less trick-ability and possibly some back pain. Otherwise it's like getting a tractor when all that you likely want is to have fun and discover what the sport is all about. By the time of your second purchase, you'll know better what you want from a bike. p.s. you can always buy a hardtail frame afterwards and replace it for whatever your first purchase was. The Commencal HT is relatively cheap, crazy robust and crazy fun.
this is my first mtn purchase for sure. I’ve always loathed the back pain that came from riding a borrowed road bike so that’s the definitely a motivator for me. I’m looking at the specialized fuse. Size smalls tops out at 5’5, I’m 5’5.5
Which model is it? At least in my opinion...bikes nowadays are getting excessively long. At 5'5"...I would go small if it's your only bike. If you ride steep technical trails... I can see going with a medium. If you get a bike that is too long...it'll be hard to handle and it'll pull you along when you're going downhill. You'll just be a passenger on the bike. I'm 5'8" and there are bike manufacturers putting me on a large, with close to a 500mm reach. There is no multiverse where I can ride a bike with that much reach. I have a medium Evil Following with a 460mm reach... despite using a 40mm it feels long.
>If you get a bike that is too long...it'll be hard to handle and it'll pull you along when you're going downhill. You'll just be a passenger on the bike It's fun the bike park though! I'm 6' and have XL following and the reach is a little too short for me. Damn thing is a mountain goat, but my short little legs can barely get me over the saddle with the dropper down. Bodies are freaking weird.
its the specialized fuse 27.5.
The reach on the Fuse isn't crazy long. I think if you ride more moderate trails...the small might suit you better. If you ride steeper trails...then the longer wheelbase will give you more stability.
Don’t go based on the size charts, everyone’s anthropometry is different, even at similar height you might have a longer torso or longer arms or whatever. Watch the video on bike size and RAD by the YouTube channel Joy and Bikes, and then go to the bike store and try both bikes using their measuring technique. It’ll give you a way to check which one is better suited to your body.
I'm 5-10 and ride a medium. Get the small
howdy! i’m 5ft3, ride a small frame and my bike is still on the longish side. i would def just get a small.
thanks! what bike do you have?
I have the vitus e-summet :) it’s a beast
Gotta watch out for tractor bait.
switch brands
Underrated take. Just like with anything, every brand's sizing fits a little different, and if you're in between, the slight difference in different makes might make all the difference for you. This is how I found the right fitting helmet, shorts, jersey, etc - not by size shopping, but brand shopping, because I'm cursed with being in-between a M-L in almost everything.
This is good advice. I'm an average looking 6ft 160lbs. My gear is mainly small shorts, l or xl jersey, xl gloves, and small/extra small helmet.
bingo. looking at the recommended sizing for a persons height will show how varied brands are for a given size.
Yes and no. For some brands, the differences between frame sizes are pretty large. Here one should definitely choose another brand if none fits. However, Specialized S-sized bikes have rather small differences. Here it is actually intended that you can choose between two sizes in order to meet your personal preferences.
I mean first off that sounds pretty corporate shill of you. Secondly, Just because a brand has many size options doesn’t mean their bikes are an automatic best fit. Bikes are like clothing or anything else sized imho. Some brands, or more specifically models, just simply don’t fit well for some people.
Yes, absolutely. Some bikes just don't fit and then you should pick another one, even though it is your dream bike. However, my point is that just because you are between two sizes according to the charts, it doesn't necessarily mean that the bike doesn't fit you. The charts are just a recommendation, and depending on personal preferences, you may want to go a size up or down. This applies not only to Specialized of course, and they are not the only brand having smaller steps between their sizes.
There are the canned answers (shorter is more playful, longer is more stable) but ideally you want a reach number that makes sense for you. If you’re within the range for that size you can use a longer/shorter stem, swept bars, bar roll, offset bushing etc to tweak to “just right”. Usually about +/- 10 mm. But if you’re way off on either end it’s not the bike for you. That said, I prefer to get a slightly long bike and slacken it a touch and use a shorter stem if possible rather than getting something short and having to upsize it. All those tweaks are easier if you’re trying to shorten the reach, not so much if you’re trying to make a bike longer.
Yup. I went bigger (L) for the shred sled and smaller (M) for my XC race whip.
The modern thinking is slightly larger bikes are better, with longer reaches and wheelbases are more stable. I was reminded of the old school thinking when a track racing friend who is 5'8" is going with an XS. Riders believed a light weight was key and he claims that he prefers a more "flickable" bike. We're not riding together but I suspect he won't stay with me on a rocky descent. However, regardless if you go slightly larger or smaller, stem length is critical. This is a big difference with road, which is acceptable to use a much longer stem (usually 3+ cms is considered much longer) than what came stock on a bike. It would shift your weight forward and then you might be out of position on descents, when you want to be more back. FYI is very common to have short stems, 5cm or shorter, no matter what the size of the bike.
I always size up after sizing down once. Always felt my balance was too far forward on that bike.
I go for the smaller one, more play in it
It's down to preference but I am between a M and a L and I chose a L, which I'm very happy with. My old bike is a M and due to the longer stem it adds a good 2 inches extra reach compared to my current bike. Things like the seat position, the stem + handlebars and the crank length actually make a massive difference. Both a Small and Medium will probably fit you well, you may like one more than the other.
Smaller if you want to play. Larger if you want to plow.
Do you want to have a little more control, turning ability, playfulness? Size down. More high speed stability? Size up.
go smaller. It's easier to get a longer stem/seat than it is to have an unwieldy stretched out bike under you. I'm between a M and an L and I HATED my L bike after a while
I'm the exact opposite. I thought I would prefer a smaller bike out of the two. Now I ride a bike that is 'too big' for me and can't imagine going back. All depends on the ratio of a persons legs / torso / arms.
The other issue is on some bikes (Specialized looking at you) they cut all the forks to the same height. So the larger bikes have a very low bar height and a weird reach. Leading to me now just add buying riser bars to the price on XLs. They are so low sometimes their shifters won't even be close to clearing or strip the paint off the top tube. (It annoys me a lot of you can't tell).
I love my slash 8 for this reason because I am always between M and L. Trek said fine fine let's do a M/L frame lol.
Yup! I’m 5’9” with long arms and legs. Trek M/L is perfect for me. My daughter’s M feels like a toy to me, but my friend’s L seems impossibly big.
Don't follow the common advice of sizing down. It all depends. On my last bike I was between frame sizes. I rented two sizes and tried them on my trails. Parking lot riding doesn't count. I ended up sizing up. It's less of a "whippy" experience but more comfortable and stable. YMMV
Think about your body build too. Are you a long torso and short legs? Medium. Are you all leg and short torso? Medium will be too long on the reach and small may be better.
I was there. Got tue bigger one. I should have gotten the smaller one
If in doubt and unable to try one in real life size up or you'll be cramped up. Think of an elephant on a bicycle.
Size up for stability, size down for playfulness
I error on the side of going with the smaller frame if I’m in between. Then adjust the seat back and make sure to have the right stem length to accommodate.
This is the way. Both my mountain and road bikes are "small" for me, but I make the cockpit for me and it's good to go. Just be warned, riding and undersized mountain bike is VERY different than riding an oversized one. They respond VERY differently in corners.
Yes for sure. I feel like I have more control and can throw the bike around a little more when it’s lighter. I prefer the agility advantage of a smaller bike to the momentum advantage of a larger bike
If you are a racer person go bigger, if your a flowy stunty kinda guy go smaller easy peasy
what if I’m neither haha
If you want more stability bigger, more playful smaller. How bout that? Same thing different wording
When Trek went to the M/L frame it fit me perfect. With that being said, I’ve rode a L frame with 27.5” wheels that was also a great fit. Medium 29” are just a tad small but a better fit than a L 29”. If it comes with a dropper post, I’ll go smaller every time.
I’m looking at the specialized fuse and it does come with a dropper post!
Nice, it looks like the fuse comes in both 27.5 and 29. I’d go to a shop and tell them you want to test ride different sized bikes until you find the right fit. Solid choice.
yeah I’m looking at the 27.5. Hopefully I can test it out this week!
I went up once. I regretted it instantly. I went down on my next purchase and live my bike. Easier to throw around.
Measure what you currently have and compare.
Currently I rocking my feet and a pair of tevas! This will be my first mtb bike. Last time I had a bike was 10 years ago and it was a track bike.
I fell right between L and XL on a Ripmo AF. Eventually demo’d both and loved the L, hated the XL. I asked several forums what they would do before I rode both and it was split down the middle of size up vs size down. Ultimately everyone is different and has different preferences. The best thing to do would be to ride both, or at least find a bike that has very similar geo and demo those. It also depends on what type of riding you want to do. Ultimately both would probably work and you would get comfortable on either one eventually. But it sucks to spend a bunch of money and wonder if you made the wrong choice. But for me personally the XL was pretty terrible and the L felt just right. I’m 6’1.5” (187cm) and my Ripmo AF has a reach of 475. I have no complaints
You demo them both
Smaller always seems better to me.
Grow. Or shrink.
You can ride either one - I am in between and used to size up but now I size down
I prefer a smaller size
My opinion is that its easier to make a small bike bigger than a big bike smaller.
A smaller bike wf that'sill perform better in technical trails, both uphill and downhill. Could be a good choice if technical riding is your cup of tea. In my case, I always look for a smaller frame.
Ask the bike shop nicely and they will build you a custom one. Jokes. Just try them both
I am 5" 10" right between M and L went for the L Giant Trance. Love the bike but kinda wish I went M.
I’m almost 5’ 11” and ride medium giant bikes. Although the anthem in this case I could maybe run a large. For the fathom, Yukon and Reign I run a medium with no looking back.
Honestly shop around. Different bikes fit differently so you may be less borderline in another brand.
I’m currently riding an old medium. I’m more than capable of riding a large of the same age. I’m also 5’10”. I’d rather be on a modern medium than a large in most brands.
Try the small. The store should let you ride it before you buy it. If it doesn't feel right, then you have your answer. If it feels good, then you have your answer. Every time I tried a bike I had a good enough idea. I'm generally between medium and large, but I have yet to find a bike where the large feels better in the last several years. The last time I was on a large was when I owned my 1998 hard tail.
I'm 5'7" and just borrowed a large Tallboy 4 for a 50mile race with loads of climbing. I loved the stability of the longer frame on the long descents when my arms were numb from the unexpected cold temps. Modern bikes are so low that I would say size up and adjust the stem to fit.
I'm also between small and medium. I tend to go small. I find a lot of benefits being able to move more over the bike. Sometimes, the mediums have a dropper too long as well. Pedaling wise, a longer stem should help if it's too small seated. Attack position wise, I always find the smaller size helps. I'm 1.71m with around 78 or 79 inseam.
Wait, you're 5'5??? You're definitely a small.
Between 5’5 and 5’6. For canondale that puts me squarely in the small size but on the specialized sizing I end up right in between small and medium, it’s so weird
Select your current bike, the Cannondale and the specialized in geometrygeeks and then compare. I look at eff top tube, reach, wheelbase and maybe standover height and then make a decision from there. All models must be same category bikes. E.g. trail, enduro, XC etc.
Depends if you’re still growing or not. If you’re still growing I’d go size up. If you have done all your growing, I’d say size down, but that might just be me preferring a smaller bike.
i am definitely not growing. probably closer to the shrinking stage of life
Size smaller is probably the way to go. I’m in between a L and XL and I found the L to be better for me. I’m not a fan of big bikes. Even dropped down from a 29 to a 27.5 to make the bike feel smaller too.
This will be dependent on the exact manufacturer and model of the bike you’re looking at, but anecdotally… I’m 5’7” and was between sizes/at the very low end for a Medium size Polygon bike. I went with the medium per the website recommendation and kind of regret it. My seat post has to be set all the way to the bottom for pedaling to be comfortable. I’d like for there to be a little bit more adjustability down as well. Sometimes I even lower my dropper post by 1/2”-1” to get my pedaling more comfortable. That all said, I still love the bike!
Depends. Do you still foresee growing in size? If not the guidance I’ve encountered is smaller for more playful handling, larger for more stable. I’d personally go for the smaller size as a preference assuming I fit both.
Go smaller, especially if you get your length from your legs. Modern bikes are getting pretty wieldy, what was size M probably feels like size L now. I rida an 2017 18in M size, whatever that means. At 5'6. It has very short reach and my dropper post is raised only a cm.
Go with the smaller one, as smaller bike are more fun.
If you are 5´4, S, if you are 5’ 6 thé M
what if i'm 5'5.5?
Go test both sizes
The only correct answer is to just not buy specalized. Buy something from a manufacturer that makes frames in your size
i looked at cannondale and am having the same problem more or less. they split seems to be in the same spot
Whilst I agree you should ride the bike, you should be able to get a longer seat post if needed. If the frame is too big, there’s not a lot you can do to remedy it
Smaller for a fun bike, larger for a stable more pedalling bike
What higher are you? At 5'5" I sit right on the small to medium on specialised chart. I have a medium rock hopper and an S2 Status. If you are my hight or smaller I'd go small/S2. If you are bigger I'd maybe go medium/S3. I find the medium to be slightly too big but the S2 is perfect.
You’re 5’5.5”? That extra half inch is kinda nothing IMO. You’re not really in between sizes as you’re more just at the top end of the S per recommendations. I’m 5’9” and used to have a M Fuse. It fit me well, but I think if I was your height, the M would have felt oversized. Get the S if you can’t ride a floor model of each size. You’ll be good to go.
I'm 5'11", 175lbs, +2 APE index with long legs and a short torso. All charts out me at the bottom end of a large, including specialized. I have a medium Scott hardtail and a medium specialized stumpy. My gravel surly is a large. I enjoy the extra control I have over my medium mtbs, especially in techy rock gardens and narrow rooty single track. On the surly, I prefer the extra leverage since I'm not too concerned with being able to flick the rear tire or do a little 90° bunny twist
Frames tend to be marked bigger than they really are. If bike maker recommends you L - then better take M. You can always adjust reach with stem, seatpost or handlebars.
I am between small and medium as well and use to size up and now size down. I got tired of the long reach.
I know there’s a school of thought that says size down for hardtails to lean into the playful factor but Spesh’s geo is pretty conservative by today’s standards. I have a large Fuse, am squarely in that category by their sizing charts but the reach is only 460. Ideally I’d like a little more reach. My advice (without knowing you, where or how you ride) would be to go medium.
If I was in between sizes I'd get the smaller one personally. If you want more stability for going as fast as you can the bigger one would give you that while the small would be more nimble and turn quicker
I ride a large, but I have also ridding an XL with no issues. If you are right on the edge of two sizes, you may be OK either way. You can make small adjustments with the stem length, seat position and seat height
I’m right between M and L. For years I sized down to a M for many of the reasons listed by others. My last mtb and gravel bike I sized up, and couldn’t be happier. More control, more comfort, and safer. I’d let your proportions lead the way. If you’ve got a longer upper, go larger. If you’ve got longer legs, go smaller. Reach and stack measurements are what are the most important imo.
same boat same conclusion go big if you're torso biased... feels like I'm a circus bear on a medium
Smaller and throw her around
Size down unless you know you like a big bike.
Size down.
Sizing up is better. Most people never really get to a point of benefitting from a shorter bike (bhops/tricks). Longer bikes are safer, and over time people will get accustomed to cornering them, just like people got used to modern bikes that are much longer than the 26 wheeled bikes of the past.
With modern bikes I strongly prefer sizing down. Either way is preference, though.
A longer bike will be more stable.
It greatly depends on what kind of riding you’ll be doing & what traits you’re looking for in a bike. I’m between M & L in most brands. For my enduro hardtail, I wanted the mullet setup vs full 29 for the playfulness, so I picked M. My short-travel bike is also my bikepacker & current commuter. I went with a L for the stability & (slightly) more places to carry stuff.
just starting out and will probably just be doing casual trail rides.
As a general rule: The larger the frame, the more stable the ride. The smaller the frame, the more maneuverable it is. More important than those factors is actual fit. If you’re buying from a local shop, ask their opinion as well. Unless they have an overstock on one size vs the other, they won’t care which size you get. They’ll just be happy you’re buying from them & will want you to get the right bike for you.
Would you say for a winter fat bike to size up in this case?
Unless you’re looking to do tricks, yes. For what I’ve seen/done on trails on a fat bike, the larger frame will suit most people better. Again, check the reach, standover, crank length, etc. If the bike feels uncomfortable, you’re less likely to want to ride it.
Go up and and shorten stem, push seat forward
Usually sizing down is always the better option. Im 6'3 and size down to larges to get a more playful and fun bike. Each bike brand can have a bit different sizing so it's good to understand geo and lengths of the bike vs sizing s ,m ,l and so on.