Hey, I went yesterday to check Cube SLX/EX decide and buy one… and got only more confused now.
I am atm at giant revolt 2 XL model 2021 with 90mm stem / 460mm bar and it is obviously to wide for me. I ride maybe 3.5-5k km / annum so not too little not too much (2-5h long rides). Generally it was my first gravel bike bought in covid and i think i should have L from giant. Its all fine after shortening stem, except wide bar i think. Before winter i've tried the L frame from giant and felt ok with it.
So there was C:62 EX size L assembled. I am 188cm tall with long arms I think at least +10cm arm span vs height. Seller was 190cm and he said I should get L as he rides this size as well and it would fit me better.
I must say when i got on it… Smaller handlebar was such a good feel I finally had no feeling of being over stretched outward.. but frame.. idk felt just small to me.
I had no issues with reaching low position etc just felt like I am on kids bike a bit. it was normal in normal shoes on flat pedals but.. on sharp turn i touched the tyre with my shoe and … probably spd would keep it bit behind.
Now I wonder is it because I've spent so many hours in too big frame or I am just not so athletic and my back will regret later. I am over 40 and sitting most of the day so had issues with back from time to time :/
I sat on XL race which is same frame like SLX, but after trying L it felt much bigger. There was no pedals on this one so just tried it to get the feel quickly, as I had to get back home.
ps di2 feeling is so nice… lol
other bike i think about is Trek Checkpoint SL5, but did not manage to reach shop to try it… sadly :/
https://geometrygeeks.bike/compare/trek-checkpoint-sl-5-axs-gen-3-2025-l,trek-checkpoint-sl-5-axs-gen-3-2025-ml,giant-revolt-2-2021-xl,giant-revolt-advanced-1-2025-l,giant-revolt-0-2024-l/
by rzet
4 Comments
Size down, as it is easier to expand reach and height.
Sizes aren’t comparable because of different manufacturers geometry.
Stack and reach are the measurements you need to consider. Larger frames mean more relaxed stack. You sit in the frame. More comfortable for most. You should find riding in the drops easier.
Electronic shifting is the way to go! 😁
Coming from mountain bikes I’d go smaller, I was between m and l and glad I went smaller, geo suits better
I was right between sizes for my Canyon Grail and opted for the 2XL instead of XL. In hindsight I would have gone with the smaller size, feel that it’s easier to upsize the XL than it currently is to downsize my 2XL