Bike sizing differences ?

[thebarber]

What's the standards used for sizing bikes and does it matter?
K2 (m)Pole vioma 29r 480reach 1313wheelbase
E sommet mullet M 455reach 1220 wb
Commencal 29r M 450reach 1259wb
Spech Ken 27.5 s4 reach495 1293wb

 

[steve_sordy]

Not sure there is a standard for sizing a bike. I'd hate it if there was. The fact that bikes can have different reach and wheelbase dimensions (and other dims) in the same nominal "size" is fantastic. It gives the designers some scope to explore and it gives me a wide choice of different bikes, all in "my size".

Mind you, I did find that the size Large Canyon bikes were all too short in the Reach, the XL were OK Reach, but too tall.
The Yeti bikes in size Large were too long in the reach and the Medium was OK Reach, but not tall enough.

But I'm splitting hairs because I had a choice, I could have ridden either of them.

 

[Mteam]

Yeah, there are no standards, one manufacturers large could have very similar dimensions to another's medium. Unfortunately you have to know what kind of dimensions you prefer and buy the bike that is closest to those dimensions. Or go and test ride a few and work out what feels best for you.

 

[steve_sordy]

Bring on a standard human!
If we all had the same proportions, irrespective of height, then trousers would always fit and suit sleeves would never be too long.

 

[thebarber]

So what's the main deciding factor buying blind?
Height, which i think was the original denominator.
Reach or inseam?
In an ideal world we'd ride chosen steeds back to back in at least 2 sizes.
Bearing in mind the average bike here is at least 5k £ so you really should be sure you're getting exactly what you want.

 

[Gary]

experience bro

 

[Gary]

The average guy (not massively tall, not really short) can comfortably ride at least 3 sizes in most bikes. the way they want to ride them dictates which one will suit them best.

 

[Coolcmsc]

The average guy (not massively tall, not really short) can comfortably ride at least 3 sizes in most bikes. the way they want to ride them dictates which one will suit them best.

Here’s an example just posted by RB produced by Branden Semanuk to promote a 2022 RB event. It illustrates what really matters when it comes to riding a bike….

 

[Gary]

Brandon rides bikes with Reach lengths ranging from around 400mm to 490mm, 4 different wheelsizes and head angles ranging from 74 - 62 deg

The boy rides bikes so much he doesn't even have time to take his helmet off at the barbers

I haven't watched the video. Not sure why you'd post a Semeneuk edit in a Emtb sizing discussion

 

[thebarber]

Brandon rides bikes with Reach lengths ranging from around 400mm to 490mm, 4 different wheelsizes and head angles ranging from 74 - 62 deg

The boy rides bikes so much he doesn't even have time to take his helmet off at the barbers

I haven't watched the video. Not sure why you'd post a Semeneuk edit in a Emtb sizing discussion

He'd have a smashing fringe if he came here ???

 

[steve_sordy]

Guys so hugely skilled could probably ride a bag of spanners down that trail. But people like me (average, or more probably, mode) need a bike that fits. I have ridden bikes of the "wrong" size on all day outings and ended up aching all over. Mostly I did OK and enjoyed the day out, but there were a few obstacles that gave me trouble that would not have done so on my regular bike.

It does not matter what the field of expertise is, watching an expert at work can be simultaneously awe inspiring and sad. Sad because I know that I will never be as good as that.

 

[Coolcmsc]

Brandon rides bikes with Reach lengths ranging from…

I haven't watched the video. Not sure why you'd post a Semeneuk edit in a Emtb sizing discussion

HaHa! Fair! I posted ’cos I’d just watched it, it’s cool and more importantly, because it makes the same generic point you had and did again, emtb or not. Semanuk makes me feel like he could make anything work. And he rides all sorts of sizes/types as you say. Yet, I bet he’ll be keen on getting the size correct for the job at hand. The point being that for anybody, even Semanuk, what constitutes the ‘right size’ just depends and that’s true for all bikes and riders.