Where is your back pain? Between the shoulder blades? Could be GERD.

I have long time lower back pain issues, and GERD, and I have had three Salsa bikes. They run small so I lean toward the larger size. I bought the smaller once and learned my lesson. It gets cramped if you go smaller.

 

They run small so I lean toward the larger size.

I disagree. I have had many salsas and I would say I am able to ride a large in a salsa (at 6'2") whereas I would be on an XL in other brands like Specialized (at least older ones) Santa Cruz, Yeti.

 

Lower back. Thanks- that's good feedback!

 

I'm 5ft8 and Salsa's sizing chart for most bikes says I should be right on the bottom of medium (173-183 cm = 5ft8 to 6ft). I don't feel like a small person so I chose a M. On my TJ, I got a shorter stem and moved it down a notch, so that seems correct, and leads me to think you should trust their chart.

 

5-10 rider here on a medium salsa. I am happy with it. Test rode medium and large and did not like the large

 

I was told and confirmed in person comparing to Kona, Trek, Santa Cruz and Specialized that Salsa runs on the larger end of average sizing metrics. I am 5'11 and just bought a medium hardtail in order to err on the side of riding slightly more upright and not having to stretch out too far. Very happy with the size choice so far. You can always get a longer stem to push the handlebar away from you but going shorter is tougher.

 

5'9, 32" inseam, on a Medium Rustler. I adjusted the seatpost travel down by 30mm because I was having trouble getting seat height correct. I also cut the bar down to 750mm because the stock width was causing shoulder and wrist pain.

 

5'10", 31" inseam and I got a Medium Spearfish (not one of the bikes you're looking at, but same sizing principles).

Overall, I'm happy with the medium. I've got probably 3/4" of the dropper post out of the seat tube, so both pedaling position and seat dropped feel good.

I think one reason some might feel cramped on Salsas is the stock handlebars. The Rustler bars have a lot of sweep, which makes it feel like they're a lot closer to you than other handlebars, especially at the full 800mm they come in. I've cut mine down to 780mm and it feels more natural now.

 

I am right at 5'8" and was looking at maybe buying a Timberjack frame to build up. I am right on the bottom of medium and towards the top of small. Any thoughts as to which way I should go?

 

I'd go medium then. I'm 5' 10" and could have gone medium or large but went medium. It fits well enough but I'm always wondering if a large would have been better as sometimes it feels a little cramped and the front wheel wants to pop up on steep climbs.

 

I just called the closest dealer and they said pretty much all Salsa was back ordered until at least January. I guess that gives me time to think about it.

 

I'm 5'7" and have had a medium Pony Rustler and am currently riding a medium Horsethief. I am on the bottom end of the sizing chart and felt that if I had purchased a small, I would have been sorry. I didn't have the option to test ride a smaller size. But since I felt good on my previous Salsa I went with the medium. No regrets.

 

I had a medium Spearfish for a few years and it fit me well. I loved that bike until it got to where every time I looked at it, something broke.

 

I doubt that back pain is not caused by bike fit unless the bike fit is waaaay off. a poor bike fit will expose and make the underlying issues with a rider's back worse though. if you have back pain, you can mitigate it with tweaking bike fit, but if you want to actually address the underlying issue, see a physical therapist.