[Wheeldog]

I'm looking around at getting a FS bike to go along with my hardtail. I've been comparing geometry on a bunch of different bikes. My hardtail has a bottom bracket height of 11.5 inches by the original specs. I was hoping to get a little more bb and pedal clearance on the FS rig, so I'm wondering what I need to shoot for. They don't really compare directly because of rear suspension sag and travel, right?

 

[Squash]

Wheel, if you compare the two you'll find that...

FS bikes generally run higher BB heights to begin with. That is to compensate for sag and suspension motion. Most FS bikes run between 12.5 (pretty low, but mostly on XC race bikes) and 14 inches, depending on the make, model, travel, etc. I would suggest that you look for something in the 13 to 13.5 inch range for a 4 inch travel bike, somewhere in the 13.5 to 14 or so for a 5 inch or more travel bike. For the most part that should give you sufficient clearance.

Good Dirt

 

[Wheeldog]

Thanks Squash

I'm looking at 4" or 5" travel bikes that are XC-raceable at a Beginner or Sport level. Most have bb heights of 12.5 - 13.0 inches. The reason I asked is because I like the look of the SC Superlight but the bb height is only 12.1 inches, and that seems really low. . .

 

[Hardtails Are Better]

On my rigid I run a 22-13 gear ratio, with a suspension corrected rigid fork. I can ride over anything with that bad boy! Oh, yeah, I have 170 cranks.

 

[GearHead]

FS bikes generally run higher BB heights to begin with. That is to compensate for sag and suspension motion. Most FS bikes run between 12.5 (pretty low, but mostly on XC race bikes) and 14 inches, depending on the make, model, travel, etc. I would suggest that you look for something in the 13 to 13.5 inch range for a 4 inch travel bike, somewhere in the 13.5 to 14 or so for a 5 inch or more travel bike. For the most part that should give you sufficient clearance.

Good Dirt

I think your listed BB height numbers are on the high side for the travel ranges listed comapred to what is currently available.

 

[GearHead]

I'm looking at 4" or 5" travel bikes that are XC-raceable at a Beginner or Sport level. Most have bb heights of 12.5 - 13.0 inches. The reason I asked is because I like the look of the SC Superlight but the bb height is only 12.1 inches, and that seems really low. . .

SC bikes are notorious for their low BB height and constant hitting of pedals on the trail. I believe this is due to their origin and where they are used. Even the Blur with a 12.6"/12.8" BB is too low for a lot of people.

 

[Squash]

Gear, the figures I used are from manufacturers....

I think your listed BB height numbers are on the high side for the travel ranges listed comapred to what is currently available.

Not off the top of my head. They are averages of solid figures. Actual BB height is TOTALY dependent on the manufacturer of course. I have found that most 4" travel bikes run in the 12.5 to 13" range, 3.5 travel bikes run in the 11.5 to 12" range. There are some with more than that but VERY few with less. Do some research, I think you'll find that my figures are pretty close with the few exceptions that always occur.

Good Dirt

 

[GearHead]

Not off the top of my head. They are averages of solid figures. Actual BB height is TOTALY dependent on the manufacturer of course. I have found that most 4" travel bikes run in the 12.5 to 13" range, 3.5 travel bikes run in the 11.5 to 12" range. There are some with more than that but VERY few with less. Do some research, I think you'll find that my figures are pretty close with the few exceptions that always occur.

Good Dirt

Which numbers do you want me to research? In your first post you stated that 4" travel FS bikes have a BB height of between 13" to 13.5", which is a little higher than normal. In the next post you state that 4" travel FS bikes have a BB height of between 12.5" to 13", which I agree with.

Bad Dirt