|   full suspension frame sizes | freakweasle
Nov 26, 2003 2:04 PM | | I currently have a Giant Iguana hardtail and would like to upgrade
to a full suspension bike to start out. My local bike dealer has a
great deal on a Giant Warp DS2, but the frame is only 16.5". I normally ride a 18.5" hardtail, but he said some people actually use a smaller frame size on full suspension bikes and that is only a personal preference. I have the feeling he is just trying to unload this 2003 model Warp on me. I can get the Warp for $300.00 plus a 2 year old Trek. I know it is not the best full suspension bike, but I just want to try it before spending 1200 to 1500 dollars on a better quality full suspension. My main worry is.... Is this frame too small for me I am 5-11 and weigh 170 lbs. I appreciate any advice. |
| IMO - much too small a frame for you... (nm) | debaucherous
Nov 26, 2003 2:32 PM | | |
| Too small 4 u! | DiRt DeViL
Nov 26, 2003 3:40 PM | | You should get a Medium (18.5). Getting into a small frame will cause tons of problems to you so avoid it.
Sometimes people "lie" in order to move their inventory. |
| The deal sucks if the bike does not fit. Way too small. nm | Damion
Nov 26, 2003 5:20 PM | | |
| What are the TT lengths? | JmZ
Nov 26, 2003 7:00 PM | | Compare these two numbers between the two bikes. I too am 5'11", and I've ridden from a 15" to an 18" without complaint. Depends on the frame, and the company. I find I'm most comfortable in the 16-17" range with a few exceptions outside of that envelope.
You can fiddle a little bit with a layback seapost and stem, but a bike that fits best is always ideal.
If the 18" feels a bit too big, then you MIGHT be able to ride the 16 without problem, but more likely the 16 is just a hair too small.
You can probably make it work with a layback post and a long stem, but it isn't ideal. I'm actually selling off my Jamis because I got a Rocky that fits better. Similar suspension, similar frame, fit is really the only major difference.
JmZ |
| Test ride it! | ivanhoe22
Nov 27, 2003 8:29 AM | | Just to expand on what Jmz said, it may depend on the manufacturer. I'm currently riding a 17.5" medium Gary Fisher Sugar. After I got it out on a lot of singletrack, I found the bike a bit large for me. I shortened the stem to get a little better fit. Before that I was riding a 17.5" medium Trek hardtail. The hardtail was my first bike so I deliberately bought something that would be on the smaller side because I figured it would be easier to control. The bottom line is that both bikes are considered to be the same size, but the fit was completely different. With my Sugar, it never occurred to me to test ride the small because I figured it wouldn't fit based on my experience with the hard tail. Depending on your height, you may be overlap between the small and the medium. Give it a ride before you decide. |
| Second that, its not the inches, it's what you do with it | pimpbot
Nov 28, 2003 1:19 PM | | Sounds like it will be too small, but OTOH, the inch sizes that you see mean almost nothing. I have a K2 Razorback in 16" and a Giant Yukon 19.5" that are basically the same size.
Just don't Jedi Mind Trick yourself into liking the bike, cause that will wear off in a few weeks and you'll be stuck with the truth. Any bike you buy that does not fit you is a bad deal, no matter how little you paid.
IMO, the Warp's suspension design sucks cosmic ass to pedal uphill. I would look for a deal elsewhere if you are hot to get a full boinger... that is, unless you wanna be shuttled up all your rides.
Maybe concider buying a frame and move all your parts over. I've seen decent FS frames down to $300 (ediscountbike.com has medium K2 Razorbacks for $300 ATM). I would only suggest test riding one before you buy, just cause if it doesn't fit, you're not getting ahead. |
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