You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I'm thinking of changing frames: both have almost identical seat tube lengths (465mm vs. 470mm), but my current frame has a dropped top tube (and thus seat tube brace), and the potential newcomer doesn't. Both are hardtails.
I always find it's the seat itself that gets in the way for techy riding/jumping, or sometimes the rear wheel if I really sink low as I'm on a 29er.
So the question is: is it likely that if I changed frames, I'd suddenly realise that the extra standover of a dropped toptube is something I've been taking for granted?
Think you're right, it's seat tube length (and dropper length it allows) that's more of a factor
Standing astride the bike is pretty rare.
It's possible - my Nicolai Helius AC has a fairly low, but unkinked top tube
I've spent tome time on a bike with a more heavily dropped TT and did find I could drop the bike more when cornering. My hardtail has less of a drop than the Helius (although it also had only a 125 rather than 150 dropper) and it's definitely worse.
Think you’re right, it’s seat tube length (and dropper length it allows) that’s more of a factor
Standing astride the bike is pretty rare.
Yup - I can concur...as most of my crashes either involve hitting the deck or my bollocks off the stem/bars...which is, in my experience, far more eye-watering
It's not something I'd consider a factor.
Yes in both cases I'd be running a 170mm dropper
It’s not something I’d consider a factor.
Me neither, but I've a 35" inside leg 🙂
Me neither, but I’ve a 35″ inside leg 🙂
I've got a 29" inside leg and even I don't consider it a factor any more. Wheel size, however... 😐
Makes a difference to me so maybe its personal
I’ve got a 29″ inside leg and even I don’t consider it a factor any more. Wheel size, however…
I'm also a short arse and don't think I'd be that bothered any more. I can't remember the last time I needed to stand astride the bike, not sure if that is an awesomeness thing or because I'm just riding easy/local stuff.
Agree on the wheel size bit too - I'm still on a 26er!
IMO this is an issue of 'step through' rather than stand over. A dropped TT makes more of a difference throwing shapes on janky corners and on tech in general.
It's mandatory on my frame choices.
YMMV.
30” IL here and used to feel ‘right’ on a medium 26 Soul. I now feel ‘right’ on a large Spesh Levo SL 29er... it is much higher up, and generally bigger everywhere, but stand over not a factor that I’ve ever noticed.
Another with the legs of ET here at 29” and stand over just seems a bit of an old fashioned measurement so I ignore it. Also prefer 29” wheels.
It's a big consideration if you're getting off into deep snow or trying to get going again... Probably not an issue for you perhaps...
hmm, certainly getting on and off isn't what I'm concerned about, as I'm pretty flexible from yoga.
Cornering is another matter though, that could def bother me
I wouldn’t buy a bike with a really tall standover, but as long as I can stand astride it and have some ball space I’m happy. I do like to be able to drop the saddle right out of the way though. My current HT has a 125mm dropper and I’ve finally got it at the right height and have 90mm seatpost showing. Now I really want a 210 OneUp dropper.
Its for decency isn't it...if you like to wear a skirt..?