[Dave V.]

Hello

I recently purchased a 2006 model Trek Top Fuel 110 in size 21.5" for XC only riding/racing.

I am 6'3.75" tall with an inseam measurement of 36.6 with bare feet, giving me only 2 or so inches clearance over the TT in bare feet.

I went for my first XC ride on the weekend with my new Top Fuel, and felt very tentative.

I am wondering if I have been sold a bike that is too big (as it is a tad bigger than my Avanti Competitor hardtail that I used to ride - my Competitor was the 21" frame size, but with a smaller TT measurement (610 vs. 641) and shorter wheelbase (1080 vs. 1126)). I also recently had an even smaller 2005 Giant NRS Air in size L (which cracked and was warranted), but this felt too small and cramped (I think).

I have bought the Trek from a different bike store, who recommended the 21.5" frame size, suggesting all the other bikes I have ridden are/were too small for my height and XC racing.

Is my new Top Fuel 21.5" frame size too big, or is it just that it will need some getting used to considering the smaller bikes I have ridden for the last few years?

I was just wondering if I should be going back to the place of purchase full steam ahead arguing that the bike is too big, or not?


Cheers
Dave V.

 

[mondaycurse]

I'm about 5'11 and I got the 19.5 inch frame. If you can, try to trade your old bike for the 19.5 at the bike shop. Your 21.5 incher will probably work, but will take a while to get used to.

 

[kranest]

Where does the frame seem too big? If the top tube seems too long, you can go with a shorter stem. If standover is the problem, the only thing that will solve that is wearing platform shoes (kidding of course). I recently purchased a used Seven Teres on ebay and discovered the frame had too little standover so I sold it on mtbr classifieds. I had about two inches with my cycling shoes on - not enough for racing or much else. If you have two inches with bare feet, you might get enough with your shoes on. However, if that's where the frame feels too big, I'd definitely take it back. I replaced my Seven with the 2006 SC Blur XC and it gives me more standover than I had on my hardtail. I'm happy with the decision. Like Mondaycurse says, you may also need to give the frame time to get used to.

 

[borregokid]

I think you have the right size. I had a chance to demo one that size and I rode it about 10 miles in the desert and it felt perfect and I am only 602. I think the shorter stem might be the answer. As far as standover height, I think 2" is enough. I have a 20" Salsa Bandito which sounds small but it has a 32" standover. I rode the 19.5 Trek and it definitely felt too small. The only way you could make that bike work would be a setback post and probably longer stem. The 21.5 probably has a longer wheel base and will be a more stable ride coming down the hills. It would be a big mistake to get the 19.5 IMO.

 

[Beezer]

I am 6'3" and I started out racing on a Large Giant XTC Frame 23.5 TT and I did great but had difficulties on tech downhills. I wanted to try fs and bought a works epic and the lbs owner suggested I get a XL 640 TT and I did. At first it seemed to large but I found my self quicker on tec downhills and last season had far less crashes then the year before with the smaller bike. I think if you spend some time on the bike you will find it to be the right size.

 

[Dave V.]

I am 6'3" and I started out racing on a Large Giant XTC Frame 23.5 TT and I did great but had difficulties on tech downhills. I wanted to try fs and bought a works epic and the lbs owner suggested I get a XL 640 TT and I did. At first it seemed to large but I found my self quicker on tec downhills and last season had far less crashes then the year before with the smaller bike. I think if you spend some time on the bike you will find it to be the right size.

Thanks Beezer - you have me feeling much more comfortable that I have the correct bike.

 

[Dave V.]

I think you have the right size. I had a chance to demo one that size and I rode it about 10 miles in the desert and it felt perfect and I am only 602. I think the shorter stem might be the answer. As far as standover height, I think 2" is enough. I have a 20" Salsa Bandito which sounds small but it has a 32" standover. I rode the 19.5 Trek and it definitely felt too small. The only way you could make that bike work would be a setback post and probably longer stem. The 21.5 probably has a longer wheel base and will be a more stable ride coming down the hills. It would be a big mistake to get the 19.5 IMO.

Thanks borregokid, I also feel more comfortable now with my 21.5". It just seemed so big, and will take some getting used to...

And thanks to you mondaycurse and kranet also. Your time and advice is much appreciated.

 

[Dave V.]

I'm about 5'11 and I got the 19.5 inch frame. If you can, try to trade your old bike for the 19.5 at the bike shop. Your 21.5 incher will probably work, but will take a while to get used to.

Dear "Mondaycurse"

If you are 5'11" and ride a 19.5" frame, why are you recommending a 19.5" for me when I'm 6'4"?

 

[damion]

Stick with the 21.5".

At our height, the 19.5 will feel cramped.
Give the bike a few rides. IF you are continue to be nervous, perhaps a professional fit is in order. It is not like you do not have the $.

Have you gone over the basics for fit on this ride?

 

[Dave V.]

At our height, the 19.5 will feel cramped.
Give the bike a few rides. IF you are continue to be nervous, perhaps a professional fit is in order. It is not like you do not have the $.

Have you gone over the basics for fit on this ride?

Thanks Damion.

I just got an email from the Trek VW Team mechanic - Zack - who also said definitely the 21.5" frame plus a 110 or 120 stem.

I have had a bike fit done - I think it's just that this is the first time I have actually had a bike properly fitted, and all my other MTBs have been too small, so I'm not used to a bigger (but correctly fitted) MTB.

Thanks again.

 

[Dave V.]

I think you have the right size. I had a chance to demo one that size and I rode it about 10 miles in the desert and it felt perfect and I am only 602. I think the shorter stem might be the answer. As far as standover height, I think 2" is enough. I have a 20" Salsa Bandito which sounds small but it has a 32" standover. I rode the 19.5 Trek and it definitely felt too small. The only way you could make that bike work would be a setback post and probably longer stem. The 21.5 probably has a longer wheel base and will be a more stable ride coming down the hills. It would be a big mistake to get the 19.5 IMO.

Hi "borregokid"...

I've gone for a few rides now...perfect size...like you said, quicker on technical downhills...I'm loving it - what a fantastic bike.

Thanks for your advice.

Dave

 

[Dave V.]

I am 6'3" and I started out racing on a Large Giant XTC Frame 23.5 TT and I did great but had difficulties on tech downhills. I wanted to try fs and bought a works epic and the lbs owner suggested I get a XL 640 TT and I did. At first it seemed to large but I found my self quicker on tec downhills and last season had far less crashes then the year before with the smaller bike. I think if you spend some time on the bike you will find it to be the right size.

Beezer...

I've gone for a few rides now...perfect size...like you said, quicker on technical downhills...I'm loving it - what a fantastic bike!!!

Thanks for your advice.

Dave

 

[Dave V.]

At our height, the 19.5 will feel cramped.
Give the bike a few rides. IF you are continue to be nervous, perhaps a professional fit is in order. It is not like you do not have the $.

Have you gone over the basics for fit on this ride?

Damion

I've gone for a few rides now...perfect size...like you said, quicker on technical downhills...I'm loving it - what a fantastic bike!!!

Thanks for your advice.

Dave

 

[Dave V.]

Where does the frame seem too big? If the top tube seems too long, you can go with a shorter stem. If standover is the problem, the only thing that will solve that is wearing platform shoes (kidding of course). I recently purchased a used Seven Teres on ebay and discovered the frame had too little standover so I sold it on mtbr classifieds. I had about two inches with my cycling shoes on - not enough for racing or much else. If you have two inches with bare feet, you might get enough with your shoes on. However, if that's where the frame feels too big, I'd definitely take it back. I replaced my Seven with the 2006 SC Blur XC and it gives me more standover than I had on my hardtail. I'm happy with the decision. Like Mondaycurse says, you may also need to give the frame time to get used to.

kranest...

How does extra standover height benefit you, and conversely, how does poor standover disadvantage you?

Dave V.

 

[kranest]

kranest...

How does extra standover height benefit you, and conversely, how does poor standover disadvantage you?

Dave V.

Honestly, I just don't like to feel my boys grazing the top tube if I dismount. With more standover, if something weird happens - crashing, coming off my seat quickly, etc. I know my boys have some breathing room. I plan to become a father in the next few years. That's all there is to it for me. No real advantage/disadvantage otherwise.

 

[Dave V.]

Honestly, I just don't like to feel my boys grazing the top tube if I dismount. With more standover, if something weird happens - crashing, coming off my seat quickly, etc. I know my boys have some breathing room. I plan to become a father in the next few years. That's all there is to it for me. No real advantage/disadvantage otherwise.

I've already got two kids, and I've been "fixed-up", so I don't need to worry so much about my boys anymore!

Cheers kranest.