This is an interesting point. I would hypothesize that while there should be a defined pedal clearance envelope for every size bike, the more important target would be a similar Center of Gravity based on avg weight of users for each frame size if your goal is a unified handling characteristic. In your wife's case, if anything, slightly less clearance but only as a byproduct of chasing a lower CoG.
A heavier rider on an XL may need a little more room than a lighter rider on an XS (though if they're running the same sag and obviously different spring rates maybe my point here is moot?)
BB drop is the second proportion I'd be curious to understand as it relates to CoG and differing frame sizes. Would 120-lb and 190-lb riders with the same BB drop experience different centers of Gravity? I'd think so unless, again, sag and spring rate mostly nullify the difference.
Enginerds please chime in. This coukd easily be a future 2-minute expert.
Feb. 16, 2022, 8:54 a.m. - Pete Roggeman
This is an interesting point. I would hypothesize that while there should be a defined pedal clearance envelope for every size bike, the more important target would be a similar Center of Gravity based on avg weight of users for each frame size if your goal is a unified handling characteristic. In your wife's case, if anything, slightly less clearance but only as a byproduct of chasing a lower CoG. A heavier rider on an XL may need a little more room than a lighter rider on an XS (though if they're running the same sag and obviously different spring rates maybe my point here is moot?) BB drop is the second proportion I'd be curious to understand as it relates to CoG and differing frame sizes. Would 120-lb and 190-lb riders with the same BB drop experience different centers of Gravity? I'd think so unless, again, sag and spring rate mostly nullify the difference. Enginerds please chime in. This coukd easily be a future 2-minute expert.