Does 3cm make a difference for frame size?

[tk72tk]

Looking at getting a specialized crosstrail or similar. Have found one I like but it's a large frame. The guide says 175cm to start at but I'm 172cm. Would the 3cm really make that much of a difference or should I hand out for a medium size? Any thoughts be appreciated.

[tim-b]

Hi
Generally all of the frame dimensions will be larger, and you might get longer crank arms and wider handlebars as well so you'll need to look at a geometry table for the bike
After that it depends on how you're proportioned; if you have a longer upper body then you might be fine with a longer top tube and you should be able to drop the saddle low enough with that design
Regards
tim-b

[Marcus Aurelius]

The answer is pretty much always yes. 3 cm increase in frame size is quite a difference. There could be some geometrical differences that could compensate from frame design to frame design, but with a given frame type / design, 3cm is quite a jump.

[Paulatic]

The answer is pretty much always yes. 3 cm increase in frame size is quite a difference. There could be some geometrical differences that could compensate from frame design to frame design, but with a given frame type / design, 3cm is quite a jump.

3 cms refers to OP height being 3 cms below recommended height for a L frame.

The difference in reach between the M & L is 11mm.

It might work, I think it could, but I doubt anyone can tell the OP one way or another without seeing them on the bike.

[531colin]

How long is the top tube in a 175cm frame?

[531colin]

Looking at getting a specialized crosstrail or similar. Have found one I like but it's a large frame. The guide says 175cm to start at but I'm 172cm. Would the 3cm really make that much of a difference or should I hand out for a medium size? Any thoughts be appreciated.

Manufacturers give overlapping height ranges for their bikes. If 175cm is the shortest they recommend for a large frame then the medium recommendation will overlap that, so your height will fall within the range for "medium" size, and that's the manufacturers recommendation.

[reohn2]

I can't see any geometry figures on Spesh website

[tk72tk]

Thanks for your help. Won't get a large frame then as don't want to be too small for the bike. Was thinking that would be the answer but was getting new bike giddy will hold out for a medium size.

[Marcus Aurelius]

Thanks for your help. Won't get a large frame then as don't want to be too small for the bike. Was thinking that would be the answer but was getting new bike giddy will hold out for a medium size.

If you’re in between sizes, I’d say go for the smaller one. I’m pretty much on the border of most manufacturers M and L sizes. The M sizes usually feel more responsive for me. Giant have an M/L sizing, which ( dependant on which type of frame ) is pretty much spot on for me.

[thatsnotmyname]

Height guides are notoriously vague and tend to over-compensate. Someone's actual height is usually less relevant than comparative leg length or torso length, for example. In other words, even if you are 3cm under the height recommendation for a given size, it's quite possible that size might still be the best for you. The only way to be completely certain is to try it.

[Jamesh]

Being 3cm shorter isn't going to make much difference perhaps a cm in length of the top tube.

The crosstrail will be quite an upright position so you have plenty of scope to stretch out a little.

If your wanting a bit to piddle around looking at the scenery then the medium might be better giving a more heads up riding position.

If your wanting to cover the ground or commute a large will give a more aerodynamic position to give more speed.

Cheers James

[Paulatic]

I can't see any geometry figures on Spesh website

This I believe is it https://static.evanscycles.com/producti ... _Chart.pdf
15mm Taller head tube and a 11mm longer reach everything else looks the same will it make huge difference?

Personally though, with a Trek and a Giant, I’ve always chosen from the smaller side of the range rather than larger.

[tk72tk]

I can't see any geometry figures on Spesh website

This I believe is it https://static.evanscycles.com/producti ... _Chart.pdf
15mm Taller head tube and a 11mm longer reach everything else looks the same will it make huge difference?

Personally though, with a Trek and a Giant, I’ve always chosen from the smaller side of the range rather than larger.

Thanks. Did have a look at the size comparison and could only see those differences. Small margins but possibly big difference? Not sure!

[tk72tk]

I can't see any geometry figures on Spesh website

This I believe is it https://static.evanscycles.com/producti ... _Chart.pdf
15mm Taller head tube and a 11mm longer reach everything else looks the same will it make huge difference?

Personally though, with a Trek and a Giant, I’ve always chosen from the smaller side of the range rather than larger.

Thanks. Did have a look at the size comparison and could only see those differences. Small margins but possibly big difference? Not sure!

[reohn2]

I can't see any geometry figures on Spesh website

This I believe is it https://static.evanscycles.com/producti ... _Chart.pdf
15mm Taller head tube and a 11mm longer reach everything else looks the same will it make huge difference?

Personally though, with a Trek and a Giant, I’ve always chosen from the smaller side of the range rather than larger.

That said the difference in reach is as you say 11mm,easily sorted by a shorter stem(70 or 80mm rather than the stock 90mm).
Cranks surprisingly are 175mm for both medium and large So no change there

Stand over height in that chart is garbled but the difference between medium 440mm and large 485mm seatube length is not a lot at 35mm,with BB height at 297mm for both sizes.So if the OP isn't short legged the large is a possibility IMHO.