Sizing question on my new bike

[guero]

My new Coiler frame is a Large, 18". Stand over height is snug, and it does smash the jewels, but when I'm riding it is fine and comfortable. I've noticed it does take a little more effort to get the front end off the ground and am thinking it is due to the heavier fork up front and maybe a longer top tube.

Someone on a Kona forum is pretty confident they sold me the wrong size frame and now I'm really second guessing my decision. They didn't have any 17"'s in stock, so I couldnt sit on one or stand over one. I'm going to call WheelWorld tomorrow to see what my options are. I know I initialed the sheet/checklist thing and it mentions;

"I have been advised of the proper size bicycle for me, but the final selection of this bicycle has been my own decison."

I'm afraid that they may hold that against me.

Question, do you think that the frame is too big for me? If so, what would you advise I do?

Please refrain from any smart ass replies on this thread.

[genusmtbkr5]

If your near the Tustin area, call The Path 714-669-0784, I'm pretty sure they have a Coiler built so you can check it out. It may be worth the drive to find out. As far as the rest of the fit, seat position, length of stem, bar angle may help. Good luck and keep us posted on what Wheelworld said.

[roadkillross]

find a smaller sized coiler, try it out in the lot and check the fit. some companies have a very small return or exchange policy window that may only be a few days, so i'd get going on making the necessary phone calls and talking with the right ppl.

good luck

and wondering? how tall are you bret? it'll help determine the size needed

[CalEpic]

If they didn't really advise you on the sizing I think you can make a valid argument. If you wanted to pursue it through legal channels you would likely get satisfaction but it would be expensive. Go up the chain of command and don't take no for an answer. Be polite but firm. Maybe an option would be to take one of their frames and transfer the parts over.

If you're forced to keep it, maybe a shorter stem? What size is on there now?

Bummer to have your enthusiasm on a new bike tempered.

C

[Kid A]

G-

Agree - think that L may be too big for you. Sounds like we're similar heights (5'9") and all my rigs are 17.5" and smaller (my Stinky is 16" although sized a L). Agree with others you should ride a M and confirm but think that is gonna be a bike you can throw around alot easier underneath you. as u mentioned also need to balance with top tube length and not just height but don't think you want to be too stretched out on this bike as comped to XC

Anyway, not sure of how they handle customer service but if no significant mods to bike hope they r cool and exchange or refund (assuming you didn't blast bike after picking up last night)

Agree with Cal, can make it fit via stem, seat postiion etc, but u just threw down some decent cabbage and think getting right sized bike is best path in long run. also since FR bike imagine stem not too long aready so may have "minimal" means to shorten (i could be wrong). That said if u plan to flip bike after riding a season or so and think L may sell better than M, maybe retrofit and keep L (prob more of a concern with S and XL's)

Whatever you decide best of luck

just for reference sizing per Kona site

[FONT=Bookman Old Style]Stinky[/FONT]
[FONT=Bookman Old Style]Frame sizes S(15"), M(15.5"), L(16"), XL(16.5"), XXL(17")[/FONT]

[FONT=Bookman Old Style]Coiler[/FONT]
[FONT=Bookman Old Style]Frame sizes S(15"), M(17"), L(18"), XL(19"), XXL(20")[/FONT]

[Pho'dUp]

Do you still have your any of your old bikes? I'd be more concerned about the cockpit length than the nut clearance. It's a little harder to have a ton of clearance on a 6" bike unless they curve the toptube or put another tube to brace it with the seat tube.

Measure the effective top tube, stem length, seat post offset/saddle position, handlebar sweep/height and compare it that Coiler.

Do you feel more stretched out? You may just need to adjust the cockpit by putting a shorter stem or a stem with more rise. I've never been comfortable with a bike as it came off the shelf.

Kona's "large" may still work for you. My old "large" XC Kona I felt ran shorter than other bikes I have had before. I always buy a large and felt I should went up another size on that bike from a 19 inch to a 20 inch. There's no universal consensus with sizing between manufacturers. So look at the geometry numbers and compare it to your old bike.

Good luck.

[Chaos]

From their site: 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
We stand behind everything we sell. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, simply return the item within 15 days in new (un-used) condition and we'll replace it or give you a refund. Please read "Returns" below for more information.


Don't know where you've ridden it but if it's just around the block... I'd consider that un-used for a mt bike..
Good Luck!

[guero]

wow, thanks for so many great responses.

i believe the stem that is on it now is about a 100mm, i cant find tthe specs on it...unfortunately kona's site isnt all that user friendly with navigation. my main concern is that it may be a little bit of a pig, and that i could probably handle/throw around the 17" frame more comfortably. i could probably throw a shorter stem on and scoot the seat up to make it fit, but i dont wanna settle. like kid_a said, i did drop some good money (in my eyes) on this and i want to be on the right sized bike. i'm 5'8 with a 30 inch inseem, i had a bit more standover with my heckler, and barely a little more on purple haze. i'll measure top tubes in a few minutes.

i am definitely going to call them after they open this morning to see what i can do. chaos, thanks for posting the satisfaction guarentee. i only did ride it around the block. i actually found a couple knicks on the frame and some cable rub as i was taking the reflectors off when i first brought it home as well.

i'll keep everyone posted for sure, i know this sounds kinda lame, but i actually had a little trouble sleeping since i was so worried about this.

[TURNERob]

3 letters Bret, RFX

[spookydave]

That bike would be to big for me for sure. I'm thinkin we are pretty close in height.

Just kill them with kindness and they'll fix you up.

[dhshuttlemonkey]

If you are hitting the jewels, you are definitely a medium. 3 yrs ago I bought a bike from them for my daughter. After a week I noticed that she would out grow it in no time. I brought it back and explained the situation and they exchanged it for another bike. Hope they can work something out for you.

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by guero

i believe the stem that is on it now is about a 100mm,

that might be a bit long???? bet its shorter...maybe 60/70

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by guero

i know this sounds kinda lame, but i actually had a little trouble sleeping since i was so worried about this.

Hey, bikes are expensive. And I know I would feel bad if I thought I bought the wrong size. I think all the Kona frame's are the same except the shock. I see they've got a bunch of Coiler, Coiler dlx, Coilair frames for sale. So even if they didn't have a deluxe to exhange, perhaps they have another coiler frame in your size, they should at least swap the parts and your shock with that frame.

[genusmtbkr5]

I'm about 5'7 1/2" and I ride a Tomac 16.5", A Giaint XTC 17", And A Rocky mountain 16". I use a 90mm on both the Tomac and Rocky Mtn. I got a 70mm Thomson 0 deg for the XTC. It made a difference. If you don't have a metric ruler or tape measure, try this link, I use it all the time to measure my components. Just plug in the number you have in inches and it calulates for you. Good luck

http://www.worldwidemetric.com/Measurements.html

[tkblazer]

dood, go medium... its going to be hard to over the back of the bike when the going gets steep and you don't wanna get bucked off the bike by the seat

[Burner]

Bret, did you buy this from Wheelworld in culver city?

when you go back, try to talk to the white dude with dreads... he is cool, and has authority.

another cool guy that works there rides a surly crosscheck

I forget their names, sorry.

I think you'll be able to work it out no prob.

[bobzrag]

Bret, you definately want to get the right fit all around, landing on the jewels obviously isn't good, neither is having a frame that is too small (at least for xc). My bike is probably a bit small for me (Jamis) and I'm currently messing with my setup just to keep the front wheel on the ground during climbs. I do feel like I have great control going downhill tho. Your right, if you are spending your hard earned cash, you should make sure you are comfortable and getting the best fit possible.

[guero]

thanks again guys. so i just got off the phone with "yon" i believe his name is, and he told me he was a manager. i remember him from sunday. i explained my situation and he said that he couldnt give me a definite answer over the phone of what he can do for me and that i'd have to come down so he can see how the bike is too big for me and what not. i guess that is better than nothing, but i'm going to have to take an extended lunch now so i can run down there today because i wanna nip it in the butt as soon as possible. i understand them wanting to keep the money in the shop, and i told him that, but i also told him i dont want to hurt myself because i bought a bike that is too big for me...he seemed to understand that. they have the 07's, but i dont care for the much slacker head tube angle of those, and i dont want to drop more $$ on it. the base model coiler just flat out sucks component-wise, so that isnt an option...i could maybe get on a dawg, but i dont want to just settle...ultimately i want my money back if there isnt anything they can do for me....infact, im going to print out the "satisfaction guarenteed" creo from their site before i head up there.

thanks again everyone, and if u have more input, im open ears.

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

Hey, bikes are expensive. And I know I would feel bad if I thought I bought the wrong size. I think all the Kona frame's are the same except the shock. I see they've got a bunch of Coiler, Coiler dlx, Coilair frames for sale. So even if they didn't have a deluxe to exhange, perhaps they have another coiler frame in your size, they should at least swap the parts and your shock with that frame.

that is a good point, and i briefly mentioned it, but he didnt seem too receptive...even if they did honor that for me, i'd have to drive all the way back up to culver city again..

matt, i did get it in culver city. i'm heading up around noon today, you can bet i'll let everyone know what happened when i return.

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by guero

that is a good point, and i briefly mentioned it, but he didnt seem too receptive...even if they did honor that for me, i'd have to drive all the way back up to culver city again..

believe is correct that all Kona model frames are same and merely comped different 'regular", dee lux, primo but sounds like sold more akin to "production" bike rather than custom build. Smaller shops may be more willing to swap out parts on individual basis but think larger shops may not particulary if entire build kit.

i would call around a few other shops to see if they have in your size/price and if so you can play a bit harder with these guys

good lck

[guero]

only other shop i know of that carries kona is the path...and they dont have any more 06's.