[dgc62]

I know this is pretty lame for a first post on this forum, but I have some sizing issues, and what better place, right? Especially, because I got lots of advice and ideas from here anyway without being a member- including that 19.5 would be a good fit for me.
Which it might not.
Anyways, I decided to buy a new bike this year, being that I have proved it to myself that I do ride enough. I got an EX8 bought in '09 (but it might be an '08 model) used, but never ridden. Yes, never ridden at all. But now that I have taken it couple of times out I am sarting to realize that I am not so sure how is this going to be working out since I am
6'2 and over 200lbs. The actual size is only 18.5. My previous bike was an XL GT (whose frame I broke a month ago). It seems like I might just need a longer seat post and a different stem, but being that the bike is new, I was thinking of outright selling it and getting a 21. But I don't know if I'll be able to make my $ back.
It just sucks. Any ideas? Should I just make it work or go for bigger. What sizes people ride here. LBS says go for a 21", but again, I don't wanna take a big hit unless I really have to. Actually, my LBS says I need a 29er.
Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Not sure about you NEED a 29er...I am sure they would love to sell you one...as far as sizing if it is not a major issue than longer seatpost or stem blah blah might work if your only taking about millimeters..but if it is an obvious difference those thing may not really help...yu will end up really not liking the bike or the way it handles and you as a rider will not be getting the most out of your rig...I am 5 foot 10 and like a half..I could ride a large or med...I prefer the medium..that is just a personal thing...thinking if your 6 2 that 18.5 is to small..I also ride a EX8

 

[jboyd122]

I agree with Tony. I am 5'10" and ride a 18.5 EX 9 with stock components and it fits me like a glove. I think you would ideally want a 19.5 or a 21 only some test rides could let you know which is right for you. Tony is also correct that you might be able to make the bike fit with longer stem, set back seat post, etc. As far as the 29er thing there is no reason why you need to go 29er. wheel size is completely a preference thing. There are tradeoffs with 29" wheels, it's not simply that one is better than the other. That being said it has been my experience that taller people (6'+) tend to feel more comfortable on the 29ers.

 

[dgc62]

thanks for the replies. when you say you ride a 18.5, that would be an actual 18.5
right? i think i am going to list it and see how it goes- if it doesnt go, well, i'll have to fix up
those ergonomics somehow. i have to admit its a nice looking bike, i kind of got used to looking at it in the house.

 

[mattsavage]

I know this is pretty lame for a first post on this forum, but I have some sizing issues, and what better place, right? Especially, because I got lots of advice and ideas from here anyway without being a member- including that 19.5 would be a good fit for me.
Which it might not.
Anyways, I decided to buy a new bike this year, being that I have proved it to myself that I do ride enough. I got an EX8 bought in '09 (but it might be an '08 model) used, but never ridden. Yes, never ridden at all. But now that I have taken it couple of times out I am sarting to realize that I am not so sure how is this going to be working out since I am
6'2 and over 200lbs. The actual size is only 18.5. My previous bike was an XL GT (whose frame I broke a month ago). It seems like I might just need a longer seat post and a different stem, but being that the bike is new, I was thinking of outright selling it and getting a 21. But I don't know if I'll be able to make my $ back.
It just sucks. Any ideas? Should I just make it work or go for bigger. What sizes people ride here. LBS says go for a 21", but again, I don't wanna take a big hit unless I really have to. Actually, my LBS says I need a 29er.
Thanks!

What's the sticker on the frame say, Treks listed size for the bike? I have a Remedy and an EX8 and I ride the 19.5 in both. I'm 6'2.5" with a 35" inseam and long arms and they fit fine. Sure, I'm on the cusp, but its not an issue. I'm running a 70mm stem, 30" bars, and a 420mm seatpost and the cockpits fit perfect.

26" or 29" wheels, it doesn't matter, a frame that fits is a frame that fits, wheel size doesn't matter. they're just trying to sell you stuff.

If you bought the bike "used" then hopefully you got it at a good price, even if it hadn't been ridden. so it shouldn't have depreciated too much even if you have ridden it. Unless you got ripped off and they didn't sell it at a closeout price. I say, get your current frame properly fitted.

 

[dgc62]

overall, i got a good price on it, but even though the bike is listed i'm not getting much quality
response.
the listed size is 19.5, actual size 18.5
my seat post is no where near 16.5", and my bar is 25.25", hm, seems like my setup
could use some tweaking. as it is right now, the bike is as off the showroom floor, but once i start riding it it's not going to remain like that. now that i broke my i-drive, im practically bikeless 'till i figure out my next move with the EX.

 

[ArmorOfGod]

I've go a 2010 EX8 in 18.5 and I am 5'8". Fits just right. You have too small of a frame. My buddy who is the same height as me has a Trek 820 in 16" and I told him he bought too small of a frame. I tried to ride it for a while but I felt very cramped and not confident on trails. Could be that I was used to my 18.5, but I think it was also that the size was just too small. This could be what you're running into and I believe selling your Fuel for whatever you can get and forking over some extra bucks would be the best choice. Thats what I would do anyway.

 

[mightymouse]

if you can get someone to take a picture of you sitting on the bike, sitting in a pedaling position, it would be easier to see if your dimensions match the bike. It could be no help at all, but it's worth a shot if you want opinions.

 

[nov0798]

I am 6,4, and 210ish pounds, and ride the 21.5 EX7, and I think its perfect.

 

[jboyd122]

thanks for the replies. when you say you ride a 18.5, that would be an actual 18.5
right? i think i am going to list it and see how it goes- if it doesnt go, well, i'll have to fix up
those ergonomics somehow. i have to admit its a nice looking bike, i kind of got used to looking at it in the house.

18.5 virtual (17.5 actual)

 

[dgc62]

i've decided to set it up and keep it for now. long seat post is going to be a must, wider bar probably, too. this is a 19.5 virtual bike, and although i'm pushing it, i should be able to work something out. at 6'2.5 21" could be ideal, but most of my riding is done in the more technical, less flowing xc stuff.
i have also done my math and realized that i am going to have to take a loss on it, and if that's going to be the case, might as well ride it first and see how it goes.
as of now this bike has seen trail only once- i was saving it in the case i sell it outright, so it can be as new. again, thanks ofr the input.
i

 

[Bsktball55]

I have the 18.5 actual 19.5 virtual EX8 and am 6'3. It fits me and I have more seat to pull out if I need to. I used to have a Schwinn Mesa in a 19 in and it felt a lot smaller than the EX8. Maybe it's just the geometry.