27.5 or 29 fit issues: Standover height

Viewing 4 reply threads
  • Author
    Posts
    • #241887

      I current run a 26er FS that I have had for 6 years. I am trying to decide if a 27.5 or 29 works for me. I am 5’8 with a 31″ inseam. I have tried multiple brands of medium frame 27 and 29 bikes and can’t find any that give me the stand over clearance I would like to have. When I go to a small frame. I would have to increase the stem length and my weight becomes more forward than I like. Does anyone else have this issue? Are there any 27 on 29 medium frame brands that can be recommended  for me to evaluate. I ride XC with lots of hills, hard pack and low lands with soft wet dirt

    • #241890

      Many bikes these days have a similar standover height for multiple sizes, so going to a smaller frame might not actually solve your problem.

      Have you tried a Pivot? Many of their bikes have very low standover…

    • #241894

      I’d look at the shape of the frame; find something with a a good amount of slope in the top tube. If you’re looking for an xc bike you won’t find a lot of manufacturers designing them this way. Definitely don’t size down and that will screw up the rest of the geometry. Like for like a 27.5 will give you more standover. Check out the YT jeffsy or nukeproof mega for examples of the sloping top tube. Many other examples out there too.

    • #241910

      Your best bet is to just get out and ride them to see what does and doesn’t work.  I typically ride a large/19″ frame, but depending on brand fit an XL orM better.  At 5′-8″ and a 31″ inseam though, most brands should have a 29″ wheeled bike that will fit you these days.  A lot has changed in 6 years.

    • #241976

      I’m 5’8″ with a 30″ inseam (w/o shoes), so have that somewhat less common inseam to torso ratio.  I also came from a 26″ and most of my daily trails have a healthy dose of typical XC with opportunities for really rough rocky rooty climbs and drops.  I spent some time looking for a new FS trail bike, and stand-over was hit or miss.  As was seat post height, but accepted that I would not fully extend whatever dropper post I wound up with.  A 29″ was pretty much out of the question, both for stand-over (although options exist), as well as the nimble snappiness I have been used to on my 26″ goat climbing rocket bike.  I agree with previous comments regarding looking at Pivot at YT.  Both of those (mediums) fit my inseam, but not so much my inseam-torso ratio (cockpit length).  Canyon’s Spectral medium was a good fit.  I eventually settled on a Whyte T-130.  It’s cockpit fits perfect, and stand-over is right at the max for me.  The T-130 feels just about as snappy as my 26″, climbs as good, and has the benefits 27.5 offers.  I’ve spent a busy week on it now (yeah, that new to me), and have no concerns using it for XC stuff, including all day rides and grinds.  And it really comes alive when things get steep and rough (both up and down).  As a bonus… consumer direct so price point is good.

       

      Good luck with your search…

Viewing 4 reply threads

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.