Does Mountain Bike Size Really Matter? | Blake & Doddy Switch Bikes!

Here on GMBN Tech we often talk about how much difference the correct size MTB can make to your riding experience, so today we thought we'd show you an exaggerated example. Doddy will be taking to the trails on Blake's size medium Canyon Strive, and Blake will be riding Doddy's XL Nukeproof Reactor. How do you think they will get on?

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook! @gmbntech

What size bike to you ride? Let us know in the comments!

Watch more on GMBN Tech...

🎵 Music - licensed by Artlist

#GMBNTech #GMBN #MountainBiking #MountainBike #MTB #BikeLife #Cycling

Brought to you by the Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN), GMBN Tech delves deeper into the bikes, kit and technology that powers your rides!

Our mission is to help you discover, dial-in, and get the best from the latest cutting edge bikes and technology available.

If it’s off-road tech you’re after, look no further! The weekly GMBN Tech Show showcases the latest and biggest tech stories, with more besides.

Fancy some factory tours and first looks to keep you informed of how the latest tech has arrived, as well as what they do on the trail? You’ve got it. Want some in-depth maintenance videos give you the knowledge to set up, look after and upgrade what you’ve got? Yep, we’ve got them, too. Lots of ‘em. In fact, our presenting team consists of bike industry professionals with decades of experience of wrenching, writing, and working at the cutting edge of mountain biking so we can keep you informed, entertained and engaged with all the tech that drives mountain bikes forwards!

Thanks to our sponsors:

[wesellis]

4:17 Blake having to stand on the stump to get on the bike 😂

[koko-lores]

7:37 Blake: "it is a bonus to rideing a big bike [...] when you jump on it to climb to the top of the trail.." - expected Blake to continue "you are already half way to the top once you're on the bike"

[JMac-]

I have a really small bike, my wife left me because of it. Size matters!

[ANTheWhizkid]

Actually this video is really good for ppl who want to re-enter the sport and are unsure about their size.
Years ago it was really like: This is your size and that´s what you need to ride. You need to let em know: It´s ok to go a size up or down in your spectrum if it suits your riding style.

[clintnieves]

Blake: “I’m gonna ride yours... OMG your’s is MASSIVE!” 🤣✌🏼

[cal]

That’s why I love Trek and their M/L frames. Always felt lost between M and L. 5’11” 175Lbs and loving life on my 2021 Trek Remedy 8 M/L. Great video as always!

[avidpsychlist]

Maybe a suggestion for a second video along these lines. Given how difficult it is to get any bike now let alone one in your size, maybe a video on small alterations that can possibly allow you to go up one size or down one size and still be happy with your purchase. Thinking along the lines of 10mm longer or shorter stem, wider handlebar, shorter travel dropper post, etc. Even in non-Covid times, you can save a lot of money on end of season deals by getting the bike in stock and switching a couple things. My ex was able to get a great deal on a size medium (vs small, she's 5'-4") by getting a medium, shortening the stem by 10mm and shortening the handlebar by about 20mm. She loves it!

[partmedia]

"I'M STRETCHING OUT MY GROIN!" 🤣

[fourocker]

5'8" on a size M Trek Roscoe, perfect fit for me, feels equally balanced climbing or descending and it's the recommended size for my height on Treks chart.

[dylan-]

6"3' xl. On my FS it's perfect sizing, wouldn't change a thing. On my hardtail though I've sometimes wondered if a L would have been better. It's more older geometry with a high top tube and I feel like it'd be more maneuverable that way, plus I can only fit a 100mm dropper on it vs easily a 150mm, possibly 180mm, on my FS.

[stevegalvin]

Great vid. I'm 5 foot 8 (172 cm) and have gone from medium hardtail 26 to large full sus Scott Genius 29'er. (it was too good a bargain to miss) it seemed huge at first but I soon got used to it and now I love the confidence it gives. Mind you I;m 55 and not into catching air, just long rides around the hills of Hayfield.

[fenderbenderspecial]

I'm about 6' 1" and ride a large full sus and an XL hardtail. I've found the XL feels much more stable, even though it's the hardtail. It's a little harder to throw around than the large, but it's still fun. I think a large version of that frame would've fit me better, but it wasn't in stock!

[roof]

5' 4" and I ride an XS Cannondale Trail 7 (27.5 wheels). Standover height on the S was just at my limit so I opted for the smaller frame. Love getting out on the trails on it.

[WildMidwest]

Blake: “Have you got the champagne glasses in the back seat?” Doddy: “It’s got somethin’ on the back seat but it ain’t champagne.” ROTFL!!

[Jdem]

I have a YT capra large. Fits me just right like what it said on their sizing chart. It took me a while to get used to moving it because my older bike was a kona process medium. But with confidence and experimenting, i was able to move the bike just as good as my old bike.

[mikes]

I'm 5'6½". Was torn between S & M as for most makes I fit either. But I eventually got a Trek and their sizing put me pretty solidly at M, so that's what I got with 29" wheels. At times I've felt it's a little big - eg. I struggle to lift the front wheel (I'm only 135lbs) - but as I mainly ride cross-country it seems to work OK.
This video has reassured me that it is actually right for me/my needs. If I ever got to try and do tricks like Blake it might change, but that's not likely.

[jaydenRayner]

I'm roughly 6 ft 3 and I am currently riding a XL Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt. I've tested out a medium frame in the past and I can safely say that my XL bike is a HUGE improvement.

[scottmiller]

Your videos are so very well made. Great job as always!!

[simon__]

175cm and Small Voodoo Hoodoo frame for the playfulness. I had M size but switched to S as it felt like a tank to me. Still (after a year) I can not do what I want on it due to lack of strength (only in my head probably) or proper technique (in other's minds - and their are probably right =) ). Nice video - very chill and natural.

[JeffRevell]

I'm 6'5" and I ride an XL frame. I have also had to change the flat bars to something with a bit more of a rise to get me in a bit more upright and comfortable position. The real challenge is getting that long seat post so that the legs can get a good stretch and to keep the body forward over the cranks. It has smaller 27.5 wheels and I think I'm regretting not getting 29s but COVID limited my available choices so I'll enjoy this one for now until supply catches up with demand and I can move up.