[bikeboyjeff]

I wanted to build up an Instigator strictly for urban and street riding, and possibly some dirt jumps. This will never be a bike that I take on the trail, so it doesn't have to be practicle, and I want more of a BMX feel. I'm 5'10", and kind of torn between the XS 14" and the S 16". Anybody have advice?

 

[rpet]

get the smallest one, unless you are going to be commuting on it as well.

Personally, I think the instigator is a little out of date as a street frame. Plus it's designed to be more of a do-it-all FR/trail/jump/street thing. There are better street frames available for similar cash. I think this frame is due for an update; maybe the only Surly frame that is off the mark, imho.

my $.02

-r

 

[day42]

For your size, I would get the 14" (XS). I'm 6'3", 205lbs and I ride a 16" (S) sized frame. I have no complaints, and it fits me perfectly for what I use it for....everything. I rode mostly street/ramps/etc on it, but have taken it off road and it works well there too! Here it is:

 

[dankilling]

I have to second on the 'this one might not be best' for what you are looking for. The geometry is more suited to hardtail-freerider than street/dj/park duties. Chainstays are too long, and it needs a pretty big fork for street riding. You would probably be happier looking at something more purpose-built because technical street especially needs shorter stays, and moving the bike around in a park will benefit from shorter stays as well.Check out HCOR.net and search the street/dj forum for 'what bike to buy' advice....lots of great stuff from newbs to pro-level riders in there

 

[surlywhore]

I have a 14" Instigator, set up for 4x,street,&DJ, surly says set it up with 4 to 5 inch travel fork, but mines set up with 3 in front and it rolls tight. I've had 3 Instigators and a few frames in between, but I always come back. the only thing I ever wish it had is horizontal drop outs.