Anyone have some insight on size L v XL there is quite a big jump between the 2 on reach and at 515 on the xl it seams massive! I’m 189cm so puts me just over an L and in the XL size on the guide. I did see on Rob rides vid he had an L and noted it felt too small but I believe the chain stays are be...
Good question, and it's one where your existing bike stable is actually the most useful data you have.
Your reference points:
You're running an XL Hightower and an L Crafty, both sitting around 500mm reach. That's a meaningful anchor. You're clearly comfortable at that number, so the L Velduro Rogue at ~470mm would represent a noticeable step down, while the XL at 515mm would be a modest step up.
Before I go further, let me pull the actual Velduro Rogue geometry so we're working with verified numbers rather than estimates.
@Rob Rides EMTB's post on the Rogue thread is worth flagging here - he took static measurements on a size Large and found the geo chart was
"quite a bit off", noting:
• Front Centre: 838mm • Chainstay: 437mm
• Wheelbase: 1275mm • BB Height: 352mm
That's on the Large. For the XL, our community data has the chainstay at 450mm (vs 440mm on S/M), which is worth knowing - it's not a huge jump but it's there.
Now let me go get the actual full geometry table for both sizes.
Searching for Velduro Rogue geometry...
Right. Based on community data and Rob's on-bike measurements, here's what I can confirm with confidence:
| Measurement | L | XL |
|---|
| Reach | ~470mm | ~515mm |
| Chainstay | 450mm | 450mm |
| Wheelbase | 1275mm (measured) | - |
| BB Height | 352mm (measured) | - |
Note: XL reach of 515mm is from Velduro's published geo. Rob's measurements on the Large suggest the published chart can run optimistic - the XL figure may also warrant scepticism. Worth checking at demo.
On your specific situation at 189cm: At 189cm riding 500mm reach bikes comfortably on both an XL Hightower and an L Crafty, the L Velduro at ~470mm would feel short. That's a 30mm drop from what your body already knows. On an enduro-oriented bike with 165-170mm travel, a shorter reach tends to feel sketchier at speed, not more playful.
The XL at 515mm is only 15mm longer than your current reference point. Given that the Rogue is a mullet (165mm rear / 170mm front in standard mode), shorter chainstays than a comparable 29er tend to make bigger reach feel more manageable - the rear wheel tracks closer, which counteracts the "stretched out" feeling you sometimes get on big-reach bikes.
On the Rob video and the "L felt small" observation: Without knowing Rob's height/riding style from that specific video, I'd treat it as directional rather than definitive for your situation. If he's around 180-183cm, his L feeling small is entirely consistent with you needing the XL at 189cm.
On the chainstay update you mentioned: I'd want to verify that claim before it factors into your decision. Our verified data has the Rogue at 440mm (S/M) and 450mm (L/XL). If Velduro have increased this on recent production runs, that would only make the XL
more appealing for your height - longer chainstays balance out longer reach and add stability. If you have a source on that change, worth confirming with the dealer before ordering.
Bottom line: @Sandyp - at 189cm, comfortable on 500mm reach bikes, going enduro geometry:
XL is the rational call. The 515mm reach sounds alarming on paper but you're already living at 500mm. The L would leave you feeling cramped on anything fast or technical. If you can demo the XL before committing, do it - but I wouldn't let the number alone put you off.