Getting a trek, dont understand the numerical sizes...

[crashergs]

Hey guys,

Currently I am riding a 2007 Stumpjumper comp medium frame, and for me it feels like a perfect match for my size.

I am 5'9, and I rode the trek fuel ex 9, both the 16.5 and the 17.5 (but the employee at cyclery usa said the 17.5 in reality is an 18.5) I test rode both sizes and the 16.5 seemed a lil tight in the cockpit, and the 17.5 a little too large, but I think my mind was playing mind tricks at this point. So in general a 5'9 person, what size would be the right size? What do you guys within the 5'7-5'10 people ride in terms of size.

[dubjay]

For sizing, the top tube length is usually more important. Because of different frame designs, seat tube lengths can vary quite a bit.

The cockpit measurement you speak of is the effective top tube length. So find out what that is on your current bike, and compare those numbers instead of seat tube lengths.

[Bryguy17]

+1 to what dubjay said, go off of cockpit length rather than seatpost length.

from what you said, I would probably go with the larger frame. I believe the 17.5" come with a 100mm stem, so if it feels long to you, you can always try a shorter stem. it'll shorten your cockpit to a good length for you, and make the bike handle better on the downhills.

I have an EX9 in the 21.5" size. the top tube length if a bit longer than I'd like (I've found I like a 24.5"ish effective top tube), so I shortened things up with a 50mm stem. it's a tad shorter than ideal for pedaling, but the bike really comes to life with the shorter stem. It's a personal choice at that point.

The long top tube/short stem combo will probably make it feel a bit more like your stumpy, but quicker steering (spesh runs shorter top tubes in general than trek for a comparable sized bike)

If you've got any questions on the bike, I'd be happy to answer them, I've had mine since last december, so I've got to know it's little quirks.

[crashergs]

Thanks for the intel.

I believe it was a .5 inch difference from my stump to the fuel ex at the 18.5 bike, is the 17.5-18.5 considered generally a medium frame?

[dutch]

as far as trek sizing goes, I think you're looking at the actual seat tube measurements. For the fuel EX, each actual ST measurement is 1" shorter than the virtual, so the 16.5" you were riding is the 17.5 virtual (I.E. medium), the 17.5 was more than likely the 18.5 virtual (medium/large). I would venture a guess that the medium is probably a better fit for you, but trek made the medium/large for people to get a little more reach on a medium or a little less on a large, without having to jump up a full size.

I've found that the EX frames (at least the 08s that I've ridden quite a bit), feel long in the top tube per size, but benefit greatly from a shorter stem, so you might want to see if the shop you're dealing with can let you test ride it with a shorter stem. Just my .02 as a trek salesperson/rider.

[DirtymikeTDB]

So, was it me you were talking to??? My biggest thing I do, Is I dont like the bike to leave unless you have ridden it in the parking lot, and you know you like the feel



Redlands? Or Riverside?

[Bryguy17]

Originally Posted by dutch

I've found that the EX frames (at least the 08s that I've ridden quite a bit), feel long in the top tube per size, but benefit greatly from a shorter stem, so you might want to see if the shop you're dealing with can let you test ride it with a shorter stem. Just my .02 as a trek salesperson/rider.

I agree with this completely. I really liked my EX with the stock 120mm stem for awhile, but the steering rate/weight distribution started bothering me after awhile (I was still figuring out what I like in a geometry). I bought a 50mm at jenson as an experiment, and the bike absolutely rips now.

I know at least JAX fullerton will swap out a stem so you can try a shorter length, but any shop should be willing to do that for you.

[DirtymikeTDB]

Originally Posted by Bryguy17

I agree with this completely. I really liked my EX with the stock 120mm stem for awhile, but the steering rate/weight distribution started bothering me after awhile (I was still figuring out what I like in a geometry). I bought a 50mm at jenson as an experiment, and the bike absolutely rips now.

I know at least JAX fullerton will swap out a stem so you can try a shorter length, but any shop should be willing to do that for you.

Yes, We do that at Cyclery, we just swap with the same model, in different lengths.

[crashergs]

sweet maybe I should try that, Mike, it was the one at riverside, they had to deliver the 16.5 from redlands so it should be at the riverside store today. I am going later on to ride that 16.5 and see how it feels.

[DirtymikeTDB]

Originally Posted by crashergs

sweet maybe I should try that, Mike, it was the one at riverside, they had to deliver the 16.5 from redlands so it should be at the riverside store today. I am going later on to ride that 16.5 and see how it feels.

Sweet, If Will is working when you go in, slap him and say Its from Dirty!!!!

I did pull the 16.5 off the shelf though, so My fingerprints are there somewhere!!!!!

[crashergs]

Sweet, I think Will is his name the guy that helped me out today, he has a tat of a tire tread on his left leg (i thought was pretty cool idea.) If he is the one, he's pretty damn helpful, he pretty much assured me that the 17.5 frame was the bike i should be on (the one with your fingerprints) I test rode it and it felt pretty damn close to my stump. Everytime I goto Cyclery USA, they have always spent a considerable amount of time in making sure I get on the right bike.

[DirtymikeTDB]

No thats not will, Will is the big younger kid. He was off today. Glad you got all set up!!!!! Let me know if we can do mroe to help