In most manufacturers xl is over about 188 cm, at 181 I would have but in as a large. You can’t compare geometry of different styles of bike.
Tombowers2 on
Unless the bike is a bizarre fit or you’re proportions are extreme then at 181 you are far closer to the medium vs large discussion than large vs xl. The geo of the old vs new bike seems very different if try and go to a shop and try a similar style of bike in person even if it’s a different make and use that for comparison. The two important ones are stack and reach.
If not possible it’s far easier to make a bike bigger than smaller so go for the large and run some spacers if it’s too low or put on a longer stem if too short.
3 Comments
In most manufacturers xl is over about 188 cm, at 181 I would have but in as a large. You can’t compare geometry of different styles of bike.
Unless the bike is a bizarre fit or you’re proportions are extreme then at 181 you are far closer to the medium vs large discussion than large vs xl. The geo of the old vs new bike seems very different if try and go to a shop and try a similar style of bike in person even if it’s a different make and use that for comparison. The two important ones are stack and reach.
If not possible it’s far easier to make a bike bigger than smaller so go for the large and run some spacers if it’s too low or put on a longer stem if too short.
I’m 183 with 88.5 inseam and only ride Large.