Help. How to size a frame without test riding a bike ?

[ScuzzII]

In self imposed lockdown in Australia. Can order a bike from my local dealer by phone/ internet.
Prices are dropping. At the moment The Giant Reign E O is $3000 off (AUS $1200 down to $8500 at a dealer).
If nothing else changes. Thats a lot of bike for that price ( and I enjoyed it on a days ride)
Looking at either a Giant Reign, Trek Rail, Merida 160, Norco Range , Spesh Kenevo.
All models are avail.
I have test riden a Giant/ BMC/ Spesh levo / Cannondale each for a day pre lockdown.
Most brands I am large or equivalent. Not XL.

Going top end for all but not the ridiculously top end of Spesh.
No other brands avail in my state through a dealer .
Be happy with any of them.
I know the Norco and Kenevo (may) have a DH focus , but still are great bikes.
I'm 183 cm with long arms/ legs ( no jokes pl)

The question is ( got to have something to do in lockdown)
"Is there a mathematical model somewhere that you can put your various measurements into and it shows your position on a bike's geometry ?" ( and yes I know there is a multitude of variables like seat height, riding position up and down hill etc)

 

[Errol1098]

In self imposed lockdown in Australia. Can order a bike from my local dealer by phone/ internet.
Prices are dropping. At the moment The Giant Reign E O is $3000 off (AUS $1200 down to $8500 at a dealer).
If nothing else changes. Thats a lot of bike for that price ( and I enjoyed it on a days ride)
Looking at either a Giant Reign, Trek Rail, Merida 160, Norco Range , Spesh Kenevo.
All models are avail.
I have test riden a Giant/ BMC/ Spesh levo / Cannondale each for a day pre lockdown.
Most brands I am large or equivalent. Not XL.

Going top end for all but not the ridiculously top end of Spesh.
No other brands avail in my state through a dealer .
Be happy with any of them.
I know the Norco and Kenevo (may) have a DH focus , but still are great bikes.
I'm 183 cm with long arms/ legs ( no jokes pl)

The question is ( got to have something to do in lockdown)
"Is there a mathematical model somewhere that you can put your various measurements into and it shows your position on a bike's geometry ?" ( and yes I know there is a multitude of variables like seat height, riding position up and down hill etc)

Hi,

Scott has a sizer on their web site where you plug in your height, arm and leg length and bingo but obviously they are sizing you for a Scott bike, may not be that accurate on a different brand. I'm 185 cm and had an XL Cannondale in non E but found it a touch big on narly spots so went a L on Moterra E-mtb and find it great.

Good luck

 

[ScuzzII]

Hi,

Scott has a sizer on their web site where you plug in your height, arm and leg length and bingo but obviously they are sizing you for a Scott bike, may not be that accurate on a different brand. I'm 185 cm and had an XL Cannondale in non E but found it a touch big on narly spots so went a L on Moterra E-mtb and find it great.

Good luck

Thanks Errol
I'll check it out
And pl excuse my maths, I meant Giant is $11500 reduced to $8500

 

[CjP]

I can only comment on a Specialized bike but definitely a Large or S4.

 

[ScuzzII]

I can only comment on a Specialized bike but definitely a Large or S4.

Thank you.

 

[ScuzzII]

IMHO it’s mainly about the Reach measurement (although these days super steep seat angles can make things more complicated in this regard). I’m 194cm with long arms and legs too bro . I have bought two bikes (unridden) based on Reach measurements successfully. Reach for me must be >485mm - I can get away with that by adding a longer stem (+10-20mm). My preferred Reach is about 505mm. So I am usually XL in most brands. Specialised, I’d probs go S4 and add a 10mm longer stem.
At 185cm I reckon you’d be XL usually, but maybe on the L boundary for some brands. Then you might consider whether you want a smaller wheelbase bike (playful) or longer bike (stable speed sled).
Probably S4 then in Kenevo for you?

Thanks Plugger.
Yes to reach ( and all those other variables).
Being a little older ( 56) with a grotty neck from injuries and having broken both wrists many years ago in motorcross,
I like to sit a little more upright on those longer seated e mtb rides.

I suspect one day someone tricky will invent a program you can factor all those variables in and see your stick figure image on a frame of different bikes and different sizes , and if they are really tricky , going uphill / downhill with different seat/ stem heights / angles etc.

Not much to ask of a computer genius during COVID 19. I'd even pay some dollars to see my stick figure on one given I/m spending big bucks.