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    How small is too small? I love this frame dearly but I’m finally beginning to wonder if that’s just too much seatpost.

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    22 Comments

    3. Beyond_0451 on

      Well, it’s a drop bar mtn conversion, so it’s already kinda not right. That said, the photo isn’t really enough information for anyone else make that determination. But you seem to know it’s too small, so just buy a larger frameset and move all your parts over.

      Edited for incorrect grammar. Shut up.

    6. drangledongas on

      Every trek singletrack I’ve ever had (I’ve had 4 iirc) has required me moving the seat post pretty far out, I just chalk it up to them having shorter head tubes, angled top tube and smaller wheels (26”) than most every other bike I’ve ever owned of equivocal size. I’m also 6’1 with a 28” inseam so don’t take my weird proportions as gospel

      I don’t know, your bike looks fine, but does it feel twitchy/ do you feel kind of hunched and weird? Those are what I go off of

    8. partsbinhack on

      Judging by the brake lever position, you’re only riding on the hoods. No way that’s actually comfortable in the drops. Seems that’s what most people who do these conversions actually do, though, as if the drops are some sort of visual street cred. I dunno. You likely don’t have enough seat post in the frame to prevent stress at the seat tube, same can probably be said for the quill stem. Might do no more than be kinda flexy, but if you have any hidden rust or stress cracks this setup will expose them. 

      The frame’s too small, for sure. Going up a size may increase the reach as well, meaning you’ll need a shorter stem length to keep the reach the same. Something to consider if that riding position is actually dialed for you.  Hard to say though, and avg reach in regards to each size differs a bit for each manufacturer. 

      If the frame’s in good shape, surely you can resell near the cost of what you can buy a replacement for. Be patient and you can probably find a similar 950.  

    9. ViolinistBulky on

      If it’s comfortable I think it’s fine, unless you feel cramped on it. That’s not an excessive amount of seatpost showing, and well within normal safe use parameters.

    10. SkiChicago on

      I’d be more worried about the ultra high hood angle and stem than the seat post. Definitely looks a size too small with that much seat set back as well

    11. SinoSoul on

      Your frame is too small. Deffo trade me your 950 for my 730 23” XL. You can keep all your parts too!

    12. MWave123 on

      That’s not even close to too much seatpost. It’s def close to too much stem tho.

    13. Lopsided-Distance-87 on

      I feel you! I literally have this same frame and question. I’ll probably be rehoming it. Riding on bikes that fit are just so much more enjoyable

    15. DBATrains on

      I have a 34 year old DB Ascent EX that’s a little small for me but I am going to restore it and use it to knock around the neighborhood on. Seatpost is higher and I’ll put bmx bars on it. The bmx bars make it so much more comfortable and fun to ride. Maybe something like that to get you upright would give you better fitment on this bike.

    17. WelshCommissar on

      I believe the 90s school of sizing these mtbs was just making sure that the top tube doesn’t touch your no-no square when you stand over the frame. The seat post is fine as long as you’re obeying the min. Insertion line. Aesthetically, you might do better with a riser stem or putting the current stem in lower so there’s less exposed, in but I hardly know anything about drop bar conversions.

      You might also do well with a long stem that allows you to move the seat forward, but that might also require even more exposed seat post.

    18. Revolutionary-Ad-245 on

      I have the same blue 1989 Trek 950. Mine is an 18” frame that has a longer top tube than any of my 50-52 cm road frames. That is why it fits well with Velo Orange Milan handlebars. I’d say that if yours is comfortable with drop bars, it’s not too small. You’re just getting extra stand over clearance, never a bad thing.

    19. cieluvgrau on

      I have super long legs and my seat post is almost always near the min insertion line even on xl frames. As long as it’s inserted below the top tube, you’ll be fine. Enjoy a little suspension.

    21. Expensive-Ad5384 on

      A dirt drop or goose neck stem will make it look a bit more proportional.

    22. Over_Reputation_6613 on

      All my bikes show more seatpost… dont be so shy and let your show it!

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