WHAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE MOUNTAIN BIKE FOR ME? Two bikes identical in every way but size.

In "What is the right size mountain bike for me?", Steve and I ride our brains out in a day of shuttle runs to finally decide which of my two Revel Rascals is the right size for me to keep and which one is going to be raffled off to a lucky viewer.

Size matters. And trying to decide which Revel Rascal mountain bike is right for me was an incredible learning experience that will forever change how I look at bike reviews and even my own riding.

To do it we built up two identical in every way Revel Rascals with only one significant difference: 20mm of reach.

For me it didn't feel like 20mm. It felt more like two completely different bikes with completely different personalities. Both wonderful, but very different. In fact, these bikes were so wonderful it was difficult to decide - but decide I did.

I won't spoil which one I selected but stay tuned for info on the Revel Rascal giveaway next week. All the proceeds are going to Eliot Jackson's Grow Foundation to build a Velosolutions pump track in LA.

[AK_Brickster]

As an engineer and self-proclaimed nerd, I'd have loved for this to be a double-blind study. Where you, the rider, didn't know what size you were riding on any given run (maybe M twice in a row without you knowing it, for example).
Without being double-blind, it's *incredible* to me that your DH average was within a second between all four runs, and your jump lines within FIVE HUNDREDTHS! Even your subconscious bias (ex: small *should* feel more playful) wasn't able to change your times. That's statistically just insane to me! At least you know you're a consistent rider!

[scottrulander]

It's crazy to me that you can feel the difference so much. Thanks for putting this together. You guys are truly making a difference in so many ways...

[leomolloy]

Awesome video. next time my mate says I'm sh*t at cornering I've got a new excuse up my sleeve. "well clearly my bike is too big!"

[jddallager]

Alex: Another winner! Thank you!
A couple of thoughts from this 74-year old MTB'er in the peanut gallery.
Agree that the manufacturer suggested size charts are interesting data points, but not nearly as helpful as getting your butt in the saddle on a bike and actually riding it.
With the availability of demo bikes being low right now, being able to do a test like yours or even demo two bikes for comparison is problematic. Hopefully that will change next year.
I appreciated your final rating criteria: cornering, jumping, climbing, fun. I'd add descending also; but to me the most important is FUN. FUN for how you ride, where you ride, etc. Pretty subjective; but the "laugh and smile" factor, not speed at my age, is why I ride.
Rule #1 = FUN!! Thanks again! :-)

[TheMiojox]

This is the best MTB channel on youtube, hands down.

[jasonj]

I'm a total nube in this sport and this channel has taught me so much and answered so many questions I was afraid to ask.

[TDizzle]

You guys are doing one helluva job on the channel. It could not come at a more "fitting" time for me as I dump and take a loss on a frame that is way too long for me yet I am right in the middle on their size chart. Keep up the good work!

[BryanKeller]

I'm grateful for all these videos, you guys kept me from buying another bike that was the wrong size. I'm 6'4" and had been riding an XL Trek and something just felt "off" it had been years since I rode a bike and just assumed it was me being rusty. Until I did all the measuring and calculations based on things I had seen in your videos. Now I'm riding a Pivot Firebird 29 in a Large and it feels amazing and its noticeable in my riding and progression how much better this bike is for me.

[clintkelly]

Just a shout out, thank you for these videos. As a newbie over 40 your content is gold. Please keep them coming.

[davehumpleby]

A priceless video for all joy riders.
Joy is not just about speed, it's about the whole riding experience.
Once again, I salute you sir.

[bisikleta]

I recently purchased a 29er and requested M size because of the 5'8" height. Accidentally, they gave me 15.5" size which translates to small S. Incidentally, I like the ride better than many bikes before it on the actual size M. Thanks to your vid, it explained a lot that getting smaller frame is ok even if you are a medium size.

[pauls]

Great way to determine what bike you enjoy more. I like that you were able to ride the bikes back to back and not just one size for a week or two and then switch parts over to the other size. Thank you Alex for the video. 👍

[lars_atx]

You stole my joy, I was planning on winning the small Rascal. haha. Great content as always. As a 50yo recently returned to MTB, these videos have been great and inspirational. You and Lee keep up the great content.

[BumblingBikes]

This is one of the most useful reviews that I've seen. It is nice to see this test and the results as I'm a rider that has to pick between 2 sizes.

[gabeasher]

As a 6'3 dude, I like the skills building different bike sizes can give. My XL Stumpjumper is stable and makes me feel like driving a monster truck, as I can take on anything. And on the flipside my DJ is one size fits all, makes me feel like if Spiderman was on a bike; fast, able, and willing to fly!

[hardtailjefe]

So good!!! It’s like info I’ve wanted to know for years now. Great comparison!! Thank you!

[jimmygrimshaw]

Greatest content ever……that just answers soo many of my questions…. Thx 🙏🏻…. I know that test took a lot of input Really appreciate wat u do to get this content to
Just brilliant 👊🏻

[jasonjohnson]

Would have been cool to make this a double blind randomized trial to minimize bias:) then get feedback knowing what you were riding. Loved this bike test. Rad!!

[lynguist]

for dramatic reasos i would like to say sth like 'i didnt know, that i needed your channel so bad' or sth like this, but i already knew thtat i was pretty much done with most of the other popular youtube mtb channels. but anyways i am super happy to have discovered your channel - I LOVE IT! ^^

[mistercamaro]

Just wanted to let you know how great your content is.
I finally found a bought a medium Specialized Chisel and much of my decision was due to your videos and tips.
Now I’m wanting to get the manual down.
I know you stepped back to get centered and work on what matters most- you.
You guys are great.
Look forward to any activity on your channel.