Bike Sizing

[Weeder]

Hey all, looking for some help in sizing myself for a freeride, hardtail frame. I have been tempted to get a entry freeride bike for a while now, and when I get to Texas I am gonna want something to play on. My question is with the different geometry than a normal mountain bike frame, how do I attack this with a lack of dealers in the local area, that I know of. I am 6', 195 lbs. Any help is greatly appreciated. Had my eye on some of the mid-range price Transition, Banshee, maybe Jamis Help please

Weeder

[Kosk]

Chris,

I'm 6' - 3/4" and ride a large (18.5") Transition Dirtbag.

Most people go smaller rather than bigger for freeride bikes. I've heard of 6 footers fiding small frames. Mainly you want a more upright seated position, which puts you in a good postion for take off and landing, and also allows you to get the weight back further. You definately don't want the long stem, reached over feel on a huck bike.

That said, you also don't want the cockpit to be so short that your knees are hitting the bars and your lower back cramps up after riding for a while. Go larger for more in the saddle comfort, and better stability from a longer wheel base. Go smaller for a more flickable, DJ feel. If you go hardtail I would say get a steel frame (like the TrailorPark) but that's jsut cuz I'm partial to steel.

And some BEEFY rims, if you want a hartail.

[Magic]

Chris,
I'm 5'-10" and 165 lbs. and I ordered a 17" Banshee Scirocco. Love how I fit on it so far. Like Kosk said, smaller is better for moving the bike around and longer for a more stable wheel base. The Banshee is aluminum with reinforcements built into the chain stays. Which makes the bike ride harsh, but most aluminum bikes do. I don't mind it, but if your body can't take a full days pounding go with steel. But the Banshee fits the bill for what I do with her.