For what its worth I am 5' 7 and was close between a Small and Medium and went with the Medium. I cut the seat post off to get it down out of the way. LBS lowered the handle bar height with spacers and found a sweet spot I like. They offered to change the stem length (shorter) but told me to ride some before we went that route. I've had it for 5 months and am going to leave it alone. I like the room when cornering. I'm a beginner but thats my 2 cents.Med FSR XC Comp 09 Stock
FSR XC Size Dilemma.
I'm about to order a 2010 FSR XC Expert. I'm 50/50 split between the Medium and the Large. I currently ride a 17" Rockhopper, which feels OK but is possibly a little small for me as I'm 5'10" and 15 Stone. On long tarmac fitness loops with not much movement form anything other than my knees, I somethimes get a bit of a stiff neck and wrists. I thought a larger size myight help remedy this.
I've been to the LBS and the only Large bike they had was a Stumpy. They had a Medium FSR XC comp. Immediately the Medium felt OK for size, but I'm worried that's because it's what I'm used to riding, not necessarily the best fit for my frame.
I sat on the Large SJ and it felt odd, but not necessarily too big... Specialized say the M covers 5'6" to 5'10" and the L from 5'10" to over 6'. I'm 5'10" right in the middle of the two. The Large felt OK but the seat post was at it's lowest setting and would not drop any further (for the faster / DH bits). I ride XC and tend to go all out on the bits that don't involve too much pedal power...!
Really torn between the two sizes. In the opinion of forum members, am I better with the Medium or the Large if it's the case that both may need a bit of a tweak to get a fit just right? Large and cut the seat post a bit to allow a bit of a drop and maybe get the 90mm stem or the Medium, stick the seat post up and get a slightly rising stem? Any thoughts appreciated...
Thanks.
I've been to the LBS and the only Large bike they had was a Stumpy. They had a Medium FSR XC comp. Immediately the Medium felt OK for size, but I'm worried that's because it's what I'm used to riding, not necessarily the best fit for my frame.
I sat on the Large SJ and it felt odd, but not necessarily too big... Specialized say the M covers 5'6" to 5'10" and the L from 5'10" to over 6'. I'm 5'10" right in the middle of the two. The Large felt OK but the seat post was at it's lowest setting and would not drop any further (for the faster / DH bits). I ride XC and tend to go all out on the bits that don't involve too much pedal power...!
Really torn between the two sizes. In the opinion of forum members, am I better with the Medium or the Large if it's the case that both may need a bit of a tweak to get a fit just right? Large and cut the seat post a bit to allow a bit of a drop and maybe get the 90mm stem or the Medium, stick the seat post up and get a slightly rising stem? Any thoughts appreciated...
Thanks.
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
Hi i am 6ft 2 and ride a 2010 fsr xc and find the frame size perfect.
@ norcosam. Did you buy a Large?
Thanks all...
Thanks all...
I'm thinking you should get the frame size with the "just feels right" size. See if you can do extended test rides on both a medium and a large FSR XC and I believe the choice should be pretty obvious to you. Even people of similar heights may prefer one frame size over another.
Yeah sorry the missus was nagging me,jimcallaghan said:@ norcosam. Did you buy a Large?
Thanks all...
Its a large.Feels good.
Sorry what does your weight have to do with bike size?
@ 5'10 you are right in between sizes.
Do you have long arms or short legs?
It sounds like you would be better suited on the medium with perhaps a bit longer stem
your neck and wrist pain.. what part of neck and wrists are sore?
How much experience do you have riding?
do you find you are having to keep your head tilted back all the time to see properly?
your hand position might be too low. as for your wrists, your bars may need to be rotated a bit.
@ 5'10 you are right in between sizes.
Do you have long arms or short legs?
It sounds like you would be better suited on the medium with perhaps a bit longer stem
your neck and wrist pain.. what part of neck and wrists are sore?
How much experience do you have riding?
do you find you are having to keep your head tilted back all the time to see properly?
your hand position might be too low. as for your wrists, your bars may need to be rotated a bit.
Hi NeverFree, thanks for your time first of all.
Weight - in case my belly affects centre of gravity ?! Serioulsly no reason - just threw it in.
I've never considered myself to have disproportionately long arms or legs - I'm just 5'10" in my bare feet...
I was warming towards the medium as I feel perhaps if I need to start chopiing off seat posts then maybe it's too big - just wanted some reassurances.
Neck pain is usually back of neck where yes, I do feel I'm sometimes a bit too leaned forward on the 17" Rockhopper so I end up lookin up to look straight ahead, I just got used to the little frame that I can throw about. It's possibly not the best fit - just what I'm used to - which is where my dilemma stemmed from. The pain (more like an ache) is releived when I'm cruising on a straight and stare straight down at my feet when riding.
The wrists I'd never put too much thought in to until I started the thread, and rotating the bars is something I'd never thought of, so I'll read further in to that.
As for experience, I've ridden XC, usually long loops in peaks, dales, and lake district on and off for about 15 years. Not the fittest - just thoroughly enjoy it, and not adverse to throwing a bike over the odd little jump / hop at speed or fast-ish (not mental) DH. This will be my first full sus bike.
Your time and attentiion is very much appreciated. For me, this bike is very top end budget and will be a keeper, so I'm keen to choose wisely.
to all who have taken time to relply so far, I'm grateful.
Weight - in case my belly affects centre of gravity ?! Serioulsly no reason - just threw it in.
I've never considered myself to have disproportionately long arms or legs - I'm just 5'10" in my bare feet...
I was warming towards the medium as I feel perhaps if I need to start chopiing off seat posts then maybe it's too big - just wanted some reassurances.
Neck pain is usually back of neck where yes, I do feel I'm sometimes a bit too leaned forward on the 17" Rockhopper so I end up lookin up to look straight ahead, I just got used to the little frame that I can throw about. It's possibly not the best fit - just what I'm used to - which is where my dilemma stemmed from. The pain (more like an ache) is releived when I'm cruising on a straight and stare straight down at my feet when riding.
The wrists I'd never put too much thought in to until I started the thread, and rotating the bars is something I'd never thought of, so I'll read further in to that.
As for experience, I've ridden XC, usually long loops in peaks, dales, and lake district on and off for about 15 years. Not the fittest - just thoroughly enjoy it, and not adverse to throwing a bike over the odd little jump / hop at speed or fast-ish (not mental) DH. This will be my first full sus bike.
Your time and attentiion is very much appreciated. For me, this bike is very top end budget and will be a keeper, so I'm keen to choose wisely.
to all who have taken time to relply so far, I'm grateful.
I had the same problem as you. Im 5'11 and use to ride a medium 08 rockhopper and felt cramped specially during 3 hour rides. I went for a large 09 FSRXC with a 70mm stem and cut the seatpost 3 inches and it fits me perfect, I've been riding this bike for 10 months now and feel very comfortable.
I am 5'9" and run Thomson 350mm on both my 2010 S-Works Epic and 2007 Stumpy - both are mediums -- while the size is extremely comfortable for me - sometimes spending over 12hrs in the saddle; my seat posts are absolutely MAX'd out --
So while some people ride their MTB saddles lower than road bikes ( I don't) you should have enough frame to do so if you wish. Do a road fit and see if you actual have a safe amount of post -- last thing you want is to be 90 miles from home with a broken...
So while some people ride their MTB saddles lower than road bikes ( I don't) you should have enough frame to do so if you wish. Do a road fit and see if you actual have a safe amount of post -- last thing you want is to be 90 miles from home with a broken...
@ diver160651: Can I ask what you mean by a 'safe amount'?. The Medium FSR also has a 350mm post, and if it were maxed out I think I'd find it very uncomfortable. The Large would not give me a lot of scope for dropping the post at the top of a hill. I'd be riding with it almost at the lowest point to begin with. Shape of these fames doesn't allow for a lot of drop anyway. Thanks.
@ cbatenga: Just not overly keen on cutting bits off the bike.
I'm thinking MEDIUM.
Anyone else out there bought a Large FSR only to have to hack bits off the seat post?
5'10" is not exactly an unusual size for a bloke. Seems a shame that this cross over point is a this height. That said, I could choose another bike altogether, but heart and head set on the FSR.
@ cbatenga: Just not overly keen on cutting bits off the bike.
I'm thinking MEDIUM.
Anyone else out there bought a Large FSR only to have to hack bits off the seat post?
5'10" is not exactly an unusual size for a bloke. Seems a shame that this cross over point is a this height. That said, I could choose another bike altogether, but heart and head set on the FSR.
There is a point (usually clearly market on the seat post) that is considered the maximum extension. Raising the post beyond this leave to little inside the frame and tends to break the post and often damages the frame. Frames also kinda like the seat post to be inserted long enough to meet the top top fully. Again sit on a medium extent the seat tube to max and see If you are OVER extended on your legs -- if you are get the medium if your not -- Ljimcallaghan said:@ diver160651: Can I ask what you mean by a 'safe amount'?. The Medium FSR also has a 350mm post, and if it were maxed out I think I'd find it very uncomfortable. The Large would not give me a lot of scope for dropping the post at the top of a hill. I'd be riding with it almost at the lowest point to begin with. Shape of these fames doesn't allow for a lot of drop anyway. Thanks.
@ cbatenga: Just not overly keen on cutting bits off the bike.
I'm thinking MEDIUM.
Anyone else out there bought a Large FSR only to have to hack bits off the seat post?
5'10" is not exactly an unusual size for a bloke. Seems a shame that this cross over point is a this height. That said, I could choose another bike altogether, but heart and head set on the FSR.
If you don't like to pedal efficiently, not a climber and don't want to push your aerobic capacity - then it really doesn't matter if your not getting full extension from your legs..
My FSR XC Comp is a Large and fits well. I'm 6'1" and it's dead on for for me. I wanted something that wasn't too big that I couldn't throw around (body english) on the trails.
Jim do you have any pics of your bike? from the side view and one from head on.
a pic with where you put your seat for descents and a pic with where you have your seat height normally would be cool too.
From what im reading it sounds to me like you ride with your seat extremely low when its not needed.
diver is correct about seat height being important for a better faster more efficient ride.
Specialized on their FS bikes have a little hole on the back of the seat tube. that hole indicates the least amount of seat post you can have in your frame. It is just below the seat tube brace.
Jim, what you should do, if you haven't already, is get your bike and raise your seat post to the point where when sitting on it your leg fully extended, knee not bent. At this point your foot should be parallel with the ground/floor and your foot comfortably on your pedal.
now that is your max seat height. What you can do from there is lower it 1-2" and you will have a good saddle height for trail riding. you can ride pretty aggressively at that height as well without your saddle getting in the way.
I would take a pick or pointed tool and etch these heights on the seat post so you can easily find them again.
If you find some incredibly technical descents and want your post down a bit more then by all means drop it 2-4" from your original max height. I don't think slamming your post all the way down is really all that helpful when riding.
For example look at the guys riding professional DH they don't have their posts slammed all the way down...
Another thing you can do with your max seat height set is measure from the middle of the BB (at the crank bolt) to the top of your saddle. once you have that measurement you can check the medium FSR to see if it will accomodate that height for you. If it does perfect if not get the shop to switch to a longer post.
a pic with where you put your seat for descents and a pic with where you have your seat height normally would be cool too.
From what im reading it sounds to me like you ride with your seat extremely low when its not needed.
diver is correct about seat height being important for a better faster more efficient ride.
Specialized on their FS bikes have a little hole on the back of the seat tube. that hole indicates the least amount of seat post you can have in your frame. It is just below the seat tube brace.
Jim, what you should do, if you haven't already, is get your bike and raise your seat post to the point where when sitting on it your leg fully extended, knee not bent. At this point your foot should be parallel with the ground/floor and your foot comfortably on your pedal.
now that is your max seat height. What you can do from there is lower it 1-2" and you will have a good saddle height for trail riding. you can ride pretty aggressively at that height as well without your saddle getting in the way.
I would take a pick or pointed tool and etch these heights on the seat post so you can easily find them again.
If you find some incredibly technical descents and want your post down a bit more then by all means drop it 2-4" from your original max height. I don't think slamming your post all the way down is really all that helpful when riding.
For example look at the guys riding professional DH they don't have their posts slammed all the way down...
Another thing you can do with your max seat height set is measure from the middle of the BB (at the crank bolt) to the top of your saddle. once you have that measurement you can check the medium FSR to see if it will accomodate that height for you. If it does perfect if not get the shop to switch to a longer post.
Here is a link to some video (me riding with a helmet cam) Only view the intro section. This will give you an idea of the riding style and speed. https://www.destinationproductions.com/customers/MTB_Trail_Maps_LG/NeverFree said:Jim do you have any pics of your bike? from the side view and one from head on.
a pic with where you put your seat for descents and a pic with where you have your seat height normally would be cool too.
From what im reading it sounds to me like you ride with your seat extremely low when its not needed.
diver is correct about seat height being important for a better faster more efficient ride.
Specialized on their FS bikes have a little hole on the back of the seat tube. that hole indicates the least amount of seat post you can have in your frame. It is just below the seat tube brace.
Jim, what you should do, if you haven't already, is get your bike and raise your seat post to the point where when sitting on it your leg fully extended, knee not bent. At this point your foot should be parallel with the ground/floor and your foot comfortably on your pedal.
now that is your max seat height. What you can do from there is lower it 1-2" and you will have a good saddle height for trail riding. you can ride pretty aggressively at that height as well without your saddle getting in the way.
I would take a pick or pointed tool and etch these heights on the seat post so you can easily find them again.
If you find some incredibly technical descents and want your post down a bit more then by all means drop it 2-4" from your original max height. I don't think slamming your post all the way down is really all that helpful when riding.
For example look at the guys riding professional DH they don't have their posts slammed all the way down...
Another thing you can do with your max seat height set is measure from the middle of the BB (at the crank bolt) to the top of your saddle. once you have that measurement you can check the medium FSR to see if it will accomodate that height for you. If it does perfect if not get the shop to switch to a longer post.
Note that all the passing shots are on climbs - hard to tell from the video I know. I ride my seat at MAX HEIGHT all the time -- granted I am not a downhiller - all will not argue that you get better downhill/technical control when your seat is lower. Here is a image Link the seat post is at MAX height -- but the angle and battery make it hard to tell https://www.destinationproductions.com/customers/2010-S-Works-Epic.jpg
My Stump looks identical.. BTW I could be wrong but the difference between a MED and LG is about 10CM stand-over and 30 in TT Length not much
opps my name is also Jim -- I responded incorrectly sorry
lol yeah diver/jim the other jim. the one who is having issues .. 
Such a comprehensive reply too...!
Thanks to all that have made an effort to reply to my dilemma.
I do not normally ride at full stretch unless I've stuck the hybrid tyres on and I'm covering some serious road mileage in a spell of cardio rides to keep me from rusting and seizing up. I do prefer to be able to take advantage of my current smaller frame when things start to get a bit hairy. And I really don't like the idea of chopping bits off the bike to make it fit.
All things considered carefully and I've ordered the Medium FSR XC Expert. I'm now filled with a mix of glee and trepidation.
I will post back after I've had a proper ride out ( will be after Christmas now I think ) and let you know how I got on.
Thanks again. Merry Christmas !
Thanks to all that have made an effort to reply to my dilemma.
I do not normally ride at full stretch unless I've stuck the hybrid tyres on and I'm covering some serious road mileage in a spell of cardio rides to keep me from rusting and seizing up. I do prefer to be able to take advantage of my current smaller frame when things start to get a bit hairy. And I really don't like the idea of chopping bits off the bike to make it fit.
All things considered carefully and I've ordered the Medium FSR XC Expert. I'm now filled with a mix of glee and trepidation.
I will post back after I've had a proper ride out ( will be after Christmas now I think ) and let you know how I got on.
Thanks again. Merry Christmas !
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
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