I'd add myself as a third option alongside downtube and halfsag, For FS MTBs I usually start with a chainstay length appropriate for my height and preferences (toss out idler designs where the chainstay length changes a lot). Choose an approximate suspension travel. Exclude headtube cable routing, clevis or trunnion shock mount, motors and batteries and you're left with a short list nowadays. Then go with a frame that's on sale, has the nicest color, and you won't be uneasy being seen in public with. I have several years to adapt to the bike's quirks, people are pretty flexible in that regard.
I read the reviews, especially from people around my size and weight, mostly for entertainment. This site has some of the best. Being honest, I'd say my product choices are pretty much random in spite of the reviews.
March 8, 2024, 12:24 a.m. - dave_f
I'd add myself as a third option alongside downtube and halfsag, For FS MTBs I usually start with a chainstay length appropriate for my height and preferences (toss out idler designs where the chainstay length changes a lot). Choose an approximate suspension travel. Exclude headtube cable routing, clevis or trunnion shock mount, motors and batteries and you're left with a short list nowadays. Then go with a frame that's on sale, has the nicest color, and you won't be uneasy being seen in public with. I have several years to adapt to the bike's quirks, people are pretty flexible in that regard. I read the reviews, especially from people around my size and weight, mostly for entertainment. This site has some of the best. Being honest, I'd say my product choices are pretty much random in spite of the reviews.