Back 2009 I was comfortably riding a XL frame. Now if I am grabbing a "normally" sized 2022 frame my go to size would be a medium. I've tried longer Reach and didn't enjoy it. At some point I lose more than I gain from a longer frame. I'm 5'11" so I tend to be recommended a large by bike company geo charts. I'm not suggesting shorter is better for everyone, but I would say optimal bike length is definitely something that varies from rider to rider...even if they are the same height.
I also don't like very steep STAs, but I can use a 1" setback dropper to make the STA slacker. This also makes the seated position bigger.
One benefit to all this is I could ride a somewhat older frame and get the length I want vs. needing something really cutting edge modern geo.
March 18, 2022, 5:06 p.m. - Vik Banerjee
Back 2009 I was comfortably riding a XL frame. Now if I am grabbing a "normally" sized 2022 frame my go to size would be a medium. I've tried longer Reach and didn't enjoy it. At some point I lose more than I gain from a longer frame. I'm 5'11" so I tend to be recommended a large by bike company geo charts. I'm not suggesting shorter is better for everyone, but I would say optimal bike length is definitely something that varies from rider to rider...even if they are the same height. I also don't like very steep STAs, but I can use a 1" setback dropper to make the STA slacker. This also makes the seated position bigger. One benefit to all this is I could ride a somewhat older frame and get the length I want vs. needing something really cutting edge modern geo.