Hello everyone! I would appreciate your help with this one. I bought my first trail bike (I'm a complete beginner) and I can't decide if it's the right size for me or if my posture/riding style is wrong.
I was eyeing it for a while and then it went on 40% sale so I pulled the trigger. I am exactly between sizes:
Height: 5' 9.7" (177cm)
Torso: 1' 12" (60cm)
Wingspan: 5' 5" (165cm)
Arms: 2' 4" (70cm)
Leg – foot to ballsack: 2' 7" (78cm)
I tried these 2 sizes:
M: Felt nice and easy to manoeuvre at first but after few rides (around 3 miles) to the office my upper back started killing me. I moved the stem spacers up and down, moved the seat back and forth but couldn't get comfortable. When I was high enough to extend my leg properly my upper back was killing me because of the reach and when the reach was comfy it was like riding a BMX sitting down. The guy in the shop recommended me M though and saw me ride it? In the end they were nice enough to let me return it.
L: Way more comfortable for regular riding but just feels massive. I don't know if it's just me not used to FS trail bikes or if it is actually too big. I can't really imagine myself doing wheelies or fast corners down the hill on this thing. Also gave me bit of lower back pain yesterday after about 10 miles but from what I read that's kinda normal when you first start? When I was returning the M the staff checked it again and agreed the M is indeed too small and ordered me an L. The guy there said he also rides Ls even though he's 2 inches shorter than me as apparently Cube frames run small but I don't who to trust now lol.
Thing is I have quite short arms compared to my height and I don't know if I should've kept the M and add an even longer stem/high rise bars or if it's just a noob feeling/bad posture cause I never rode a trail bike before. I'm a bit annoyed the staff didn't bother to spend more time with me to explain these things a bit more so I'm asking here and I really appreciate any of your opinions. I'm adding some pictures of me with the L size as well as the geometry from their website.
Thank you so much hope you're having a great weekend.
by HerrDawgz
9 Comments
Keep the M and put more rise
if that is the large and you feel to long, just get a shorter stem(35mm)( and maybe higher bars.
Higher bars actually make most bikes feel smaller
I had a similar issue choosing between an M/L, since I am 180cm and fall between the two sizes on many frames.
I took an L because by the manufacturer spec sheet is suited my height better. But since my old bike was an M, the L first felt like driving a minivan instead of a sports car. Shorter stem and a bit forward position on the saddle helped. Now i am feeling comfortable and probably actually prefer a longer frame for stability. Still a bit less nimble tho.
Raise your seat a little bit
Personally, i’d put a shorter stem on it and ride it like that for a bit.
It’s close to right
Adjust you seat, beautiful bike
I am ALWAYS between sizes.
My first full sus was a Canyon Spectral 2016 in M with 27,5″ wheels. This bike was definitely too small for me but I loved it. So playful, just a blast.
Then, I got a Radon Slide Trail 2021 in L with 29″ wheels. Getting the bike was a shock. It’s soooo much bigger in everything and it’s not as playful. Still riding the bike and I am still not sure if it’s a bit too big or I was just used a smaller bike in general. Anyways pedalling is way easier and going downhill feels way more stable, obviously.
Now I got a Propain Spindrift 2021 in L, which is even bigger than my other bike but feels smaller if that makes any sense. Not sure why. Maybe it’s the mullet setup.
Over the years, I have tried lots of bikes from friends as well and they all were either M or L of different brands. Personally, even tho the smaller bikes are always fun, I always feel more comfortable on the bigger ones overall.
So personally, I prefer upsizing over downsizing.
And last but not least, I feel like you should not overthink it. You had the smaller one and had problems. Now have the bigger one and still some doubts… I think both are fine and it’s just personal prederence.
Agreed. You’re going to have a hard time up those hills like that.
The stand over is a little high for you. You want room to be able to get off the bike without running your chances at procreating.
Now, that being said, sitting and standing looks good to me. You could stand to go up a couple mm on the saddle height.
Did you buy the wrong size? IMO, yes. Stand over is important! Some bikes don’t fit some people and may be the case here. Downsizing might lead to a frame that is too short in length.
I am 6’2″ and have short legs for my height so I need a frame that is very low and long. I suspect that this may be the case for you as well.
Lucky for us that’s the way the market has gone! Long, low bikes aren’t too hard to come by these days.
Good luck!