Rail Large vs X-Large …..

Motohawk75

Active member
Dec 30, 2020
138
91
U.K.
As bloody usual I’m in between sizes on the rail. Large is definitely compact / small feeling but XL feels roomy….. has anyone ridden both that can give some feedback at my height (long shot I know)
185cm tall
Top pic is me on the large vs XL below

7E9887F0-422D-44D0-B32C-AE90676FCE43.jpeg


8431F413-7BEF-4A6E-A048-319FD13A79AC.jpeg
 

PetrD

Member
Jul 27, 2020
70
22
CZ
I'm 197cm and have Rail XL size. I had to upgrade stem to longer version, ugrade fork to longer (zeb 170), upgrade longer cranks (170), and lastly upgrade seatpost to 200mm. Now I finally feel good on the bike. But it's subjective.
 

L666GTB

Active member
Aug 17, 2021
42
35
Isle of Wight
I’m 190cm tall and have a Large Rail9 as per your photo. I’m running a OneUp 210mm dropper.

XL could have been better, but I’ve never sat on one, plus it meant waiting another year to get it. But I swayed away from it as I’d ridden Trek Powerfly in Med/Large/X-Large and the XL was like riding a 5 Bar gate!

So far Ive run it for 150miles without any sizing issues. Although I’m going to be using it for commuting more - so I’m trying a 70mm stem (oem is 50mm) to see how it feels, did 21 miles yesterday and it was comfy.
Edit:
Actually this was my first ride on my Rail, not even been up the road on it! Didn’t feel too small as they’re a tank of a bike.
DCD4C7D4-03E8-4DC0-8285-3484BDD69ACB.jpeg
 
Last edited:

Sofaboy73

Member
May 26, 2020
69
35
UK
I’m 187cm / 6ft 1 and ride a large. I could ride either a large or an XL I reckon, but went for a large as they’re big heavy bikes to be heaving about and figured the large would be a bit more manoeuvrable. The large fits ok, sometimes feels a little tight, mainly on really steep stuff where I a fraction too far back on the bike, but the planted nature of e-bikes due to the weight and the 29” wheels mean it’s not an issue. Not ridden an XL but I reckon it would be too much gif tight techy riding
 

Aikone

Member
May 28, 2021
56
35
UK
I had a large Rail 9.7 for a few months, I’m 177cm with a 769mm seat height from bb centre to seat top, the guy I rode with is 183 and has a large.
L or XL would likely fit you but sounds like XL might be best, what’s your saddle height from bb centre?
 
I am 185 cm too. Don't own a Rail, but have ridden a size large for a few days. Large is perfectly fine for me on big-days-out type of rides, I didn't think it was too small. It still feels like a monster truck.

With that said, I enjoy even larger bikes when it gets steep and fast (downhill) because of the stability. On technical descents and ascents I usually prefer size Large mullet bikes.

It is always tricky when you are in between sizes, but there is no right or wrong either size. So look at where you intend to ride your bike instead.
 

Hob Nob

Active member
Jun 4, 2020
152
149
UK
I’m 187cm / 6ft 1 and ride a large. I could ride either a large or an XL I reckon, but went for a large as they’re big heavy bikes to be heaving about and figured the large would be a bit more manoeuvrable. The large fits ok, sometimes feels a little tight, mainly on really steep stuff where I a fraction too far back on the bike, but the planted nature of e-bikes due to the weight and the 29” wheels mean it’s not an issue. Not ridden an XL but I reckon it would be too much gif tight techy riding

I'm ever so slightly taller (1cm) and rode a large. The XL is bigger than I would have for a normal bike let alone an ebike. I don't want or need the extra length on a bike that inherently less stable (due to significant weight difference) so certainly don't want, or need it on an ebike. For reference I had an XL for a few weeks to test as well, but found it a very big bike.

You can get away with being on a smaller ebike, as the weight brings back the stability, and the slightly smaller size brings back an element of maneuverability. If I was inbetween sizes, personally I would always size down.
 

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