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Rocky sizing?

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Chicane32

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've tried a few different Rocky models at my lbs today and I wanted to get opinions on what size you are riding based on your size. There is so many different variables between each manufacturer, it can get confusing without trying each model.

I'm 6' 35 inseam and I rode a 2016 Thunderbolt L and it seemed small with minimal leg room. The worker mentioned to me that I looked scrunched on the bike. I sat on a 2015 Instinct L and it was slightly smaller. I lastly rode a element XL and it fit great with plenty of leg room and a comfortable reach. Being a newb I'm not 100% certain on exactly how the bike should fit, but after trying several brands, I'm seeing a big difference. To me it seems like Rocky's run a bit on the small side, but wanted some opinions.
 
#2 ·
The top tube length tends to be shorter on Rocky bikes than many bikes from, say California, which makes them ideal for the technical terrain in this part of the world (BC).

I'm 6'-1" with a 34" inseam and long arms and ride a L Thunderbolt, and it's a good fit for me. YMMV.
 
#4 ·
I'm 6' with a 34" inseam. I ride a L Element RSL. I've been told that more of my height is in my torso. My stem is a little longer than most and I have the Race Face Next seatpost with that little setback which helps. I've considered switching to a brand with a longer top tube but I think I'm configured pretty well.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Finding out what other people are riding gives me a better idea. When I figured the dimensions on a XL Instinct, it's similar to a Trek Fuel Ex 19.5/18.5. it's definitely a shorter frame then some other trail bikes.
 
#8 ·
I will second @rockyuphill's opinion: Rocky deliberately puts riders in a more upright position than most bikes I have tested. That style works for me for on tech sections, YMMV.

I currently ride a medium element which seemed to fit for 5'8" and 32" inseam. After I upgraded to a 125mm dropper post, I am 2cm from fully inserted. My next bike might be a small to make space for the new trend of 150mm droppers.
 
#10 ·
5-'9" would be in the upper end of the Medium range for fit generally, depending on how you achieve that 5'-9" (mostly torso or mostly legs), you may need to use a set back post if you are long of torso and arm. The Altitude uses fairly short stems so you'd really want to see how you feel on it before buying.
 
#12 ·
I'm 5- 10 1/2 with 32" inseam.
I sat on a 2015 medium Altitude today and I thought it felt pretty good? Didn't ride it as it's fat biking weather. Looked like it had a 5 inch drop post and it was fully set into the fame for proper leg extension. I know it's personal preference for fit but normal the bike companies post a range for there different sizes? I have not been able to find anything on the web? From what I'm reading hear it sounds like I need a large? In a large I would most likely need to go to a 4" or even a 3 in drop post?
Would appreciate your thoughts.
 
#13 ·
6'4" 33 inseam 2015 Instinct 970 MSL XXL. Tried an XL and thought it was ok till I got on an XXL. And yes Rockys do fit a tad smaller due to the shorter TT. Rocky says that its the design of the bike to get the rider sitting more upright with better balanced weight distribution.
 
#14 ·
At 5'-10.5" you are down at the low end of a Large fit range, but as you say, it is a preference which side of the divide you want to be on, and that will depend on arm span and torso length. The large frame has a 20mm longer HTT so that would either stretch you out more or you'd be using a very short stem. Standover is the same on all frame sizes, as they just change the seat mast height.

RNBN said:
I'm 5- 10 1/2 with 32" inseam.
I sat on a 2015 medium Altitude today and I thought it felt pretty good? Didn't ride it as it's fat biking weather. Looked like it had a 5 inch drop post and it was fully set into the fame for proper leg extension. I know it's personal preference for fit but normal the bike companies post a range for there different sizes? I have not been able to find anything on the web? From what I'm reading hear it sounds like I need a large? In a large I would most likely need to go to a 4" or even a 3 in drop post?
Would appreciate your thoughts.
Click to expand...
 
#15 ·
Thanks for the reply Rocky.
The shop doesn't have a large in stock for me to sit on so it's difficult to tell.
Not sure if stack and reach numbers mean anything with the new longer top tubes?
The bike i'm replacing is a 2011 so older technology but stack and reach are pretty similar.
Older bikes Stack Reach
Ibis 593 405
Salsa 613 418

Rocky (avg) 600 418

Looks to me that the bikes i'm riding are pretty close to the medium Rocky so I should be in the ball park.

I would think even with the longer top tubes these days we would want the stack and reach to remain constant?
 
#18 ·
I'm 5'9 3/4" with 33 inseam, shortish torso and demo'd a L Thunderbolt for a few days. Felt great with a 50mm stem. A medium would require a long stem to feel right and have a short wheelbase which is the opposite of what I'm after. The one complaint I have is RM seat tubes are on the long side making 150mm droppers harder to fit in some cases.
 
#19 ·
6'2" here, 35.5" cycling inseam. I cram myself onto a L instinct, but if given another opportunity I'd go all the way to the XXL just so I can run a shorter stem.

The naturally steep seat tubes (great for pedaling, especially if you use the more descending biased Ride9 settings) give the bikes a relatively short ETT, and reach is what you'd expect if you realize that they have not only an XL, but XXL size.

In your case, if you preferred the XL, then get exactly that.
 
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