Hey, reddit peeps.
I need help with sizing , it's really been eating at me and taking the joy away.
Please be patient with my babbling descriptions.
I recently bought myself a Roscoe 8, being that I haven't rode a bike in like 20 years, give or take. I'm not sure what I'm doing when it comes to fit and sizing.
When I went to the trek store, I was thinking I was 6'2",(apparently I'm now 6'1" with maybe a 6'2" wingspan)
and the guy recommended the XL, I rode both XL & L, they both felt kinda big, I felt like I was riding on the L and more so in the XL.
Looking back, the handlebars on the L was set lower, had a spacer above the stem.(maybe that's why it felt that way?)
The guy at the shop was of no real help when it came to fitting, checking or guidance on what size was a better fit for me, even when I went back a 2nd time and expressed my concerns.
So, is this bike too big for me?
When standing on the XL, I like the idea of the front wheel being more in front of me. On the L, I felt I was almost right above it.
Is there any more info or pics I should provide ?
by Kevin_336
10 Comments
[Info added]
When riding, it does feel big at times, but not sure if it’s supposed too or it’s all in my head.
edit: mtbs are big these days. general rules of thumb, seat fully extended to top of dropper height, is your knee at (bad) or just short of (much better) full extension. adjust seat to proper height and forward and back. then, check your reach, if when the bicycle is fit such that you can apply the power and force to the pedals that tour need and your reach is not too compact or over extended, and comfy, you are good. turn some dials.
That bike looks like it’s the right size for you. If you’re still not totally liking it you could try a shorter stem, riser bars, or bars with more sweep to reduce the reach.
Looks about right
You’re good, but I’d get a nice short 35mm stem. If it still feels off you could also try some bars with like 40mm of rise.
If you get any pain in the knees or around try shorter pedals
I’m 6′ 1 1/2 (I think thought I was 6′ 2″ as well) I have an XL Trek pro cal, it’s big but not too big. That being said I think a large would be better. The XL is / will be more stable whereas the large would have better maneuverability.
But I do love this bike .
Maybe its not bad idea to think about smaller rear wheel. Mullet setup im talking about. I also feel my bike is kinda big (also 6.1, bike XL) and mullet setup will make it more easy to ride. But my is full suspension, not sure about hardtails.
Fit looks fine to me and a long wheel base will be more stable. Few things to consider:
Its not a super long bike to start with, the transition trans am has 15mm longer reach and wheelbase in an XL which they say will fit down to 6’1″ and there are even longer bikes out there.
Longer arms will generally push you up in size as reach is the most important factor in fit.
The L is only 25mm shorter… throw a short stem on their and you’ve got most of that back and still have a nice stable wheelbase.
The seat does look a little high at its lowest dropped position but the L also comes with a 150mm dropper so that wouldn’t change. I would take some measurments and see if you could fit a longer (180-200mm ideally) one up (lowest stack on the market) or pnw dropper in their to get the seat lower in the dropped position.
Watch some tecnique videods and you’ll be carving that thing through tight turns no problem.
Joining the chorus of it looks like it’s the right size. Slight knee bend when sitting on the saddle and the crank arm aimed at the ground 90° is what you want. Go ride it around it’ll feel smaller the more you get comfortable with it.
Edit: Also ball of your foot should be at the pedal spindle even when you are checking out the fit.