I wanted to get insight from the ST group on which size Trek Equinox I should be going with. I have been getting conflicting answers from 4 different LBS. Two said go with the small, and two said to go to medium. I am 5’10" with an inseam of just over 30". I was told by two shops that the medium would be more “stable” with the longer wheelbase and more comfortable for longer rides. Two other shops said to go with the small because as one shop put it “You will be able to ‘ride’ the medium, but you’ll be able to ‘race’ the small” I was only able to find the medium to try for size, and it felt fine, but without having a small to compare it to, I can’t be sure which one would fit me best. The seatpost was down pretty far, but from what I saw in the Trek catalog the seatpost adjustment height and standover height of the small and medium are very close, so I am not sure that is how I should be determining the “proper” size for me. I do mostly sprint and olympic distances, but am going to try for IMFL next year. I want to do the project one custom program, so I really don’t want to run the risk of getting the wrong size. Would it be better for me to go with the smaller frame and extend the stem if I feel I need to, or go with the medium and downsize the stem if I have to go that route? As a side note I test rode a P3C in 54CM and it felt good also, but I don’t know which size that would equate to on the Trek.
IMO, looks as if your inseam would put you on a S, but torso may be more suited to a M and its top tube length. Do you have a bike now that you can compare stack and reach to the Trek?
I am the exact same size and I ride the M and it fits very well. Just to make sure, you’re talking about the Equinox TTX, right?
I was in the same position last year, deciding between the S and M, and I went with the M. The S really felt too small.
Once I got the adjustments done (removed all the spacers, seat position, etc), it has been awesome! The only thing I’m going to change next year will be the extensions (to an S-bend type).
Good luck, you’ll love the ride!
It’s really stack and reach that you have to look at: http://www.slowtwitch.com/stackreach.html.
You can address the higher stack of the medium by going with different aerobars that have a lower profile, but it’ll be tough to find nearly 3cm of reach by going with the small if it ends up being too short.
The reach of the 54 P3C and the Trek M are about the same.
I am of similar height (5’9"; 29" inseam). I have been riding a medium Equinox 9.9SSL for the last several months with no problems (feel, fit, comfort).
I was fortunate enough to be to test a small and medium. With my geometry and riding style (aggressive), the medium was mush better suited for me.
My focus for 2008 has been on the half triathlon distance (5) with a couple of sprints and olympic distances mixed in. No regrets with going with the medium.
Yea, but keep in mind which of those bike shops are better, and which have only a small or medium on the floor. Believe me, getting rid of bikes that they already have when it is almost a toss up (as in your inseam / height) they will go with whatever they have. After looking at the geometry b/w the bikes, I would go with a small with a big ass stem. Hope this helps.
Chris
Also remember to try both of them out (as in on the road) a few times.
I too am pretty much the exact same size as you and ride a medium just fine. I do ride steep (probably around 80 degrees) however, and the medium lets me get steep while still staying balanced and having some bike under me. If I rode at 73-75 degrees I might consider the small. I believe that the S/M/L sizing is pretty accurate for those who ride steep, IMHO.
Sorry for not being more clear on which bike. Yes, the TTX Equinox (9.9). I have told the 4 LBS I was at that I intend to order one of the new Project One bikes so I have no intent of purchasing what is on their floor, and just wanted to look at sizing. I had a M QR Tequilo, but added a longer stem (110MM) to make it fit a bit better. I intend to ride steep (the seat post in the 79 degree angle) so that is why I was thinking the medium, I was thinking that riding very steep on a small may be a little small for me. The 54CM P3C I compared it to was in the 78 degree location and that felt fine.
I say small especially if you ride with an agressive position. You may not be able to get the bars low enough on a medium.
If you really need the toptube length on the medium, you would be better off on a different bike like the cervelo or felt.
If you have trouble getting the bar low enough on the medium, use the Ritchey adjustable stem. The Bontrager integrated aero bar on the 9,9ssl, which you can have put on your 9.9 through Project One, has a lower elbow pad height from the center of the bars to help you get lower also. I’m also going to order a 9.9 through Project One and I’m going this route.
I’m an inch taller than you and have a 34" inseam and am on the medium. I could probably go bigger, but no way in hell could I ride the small… Hope you can find one to try out.
I’m not sure if it helps you, but I am a tad over 5’8" with a 31" inseam, and ride the small TTX.
What the hell, I will play. I am 6’1" with a 32.5" inseam and ride a Med. Lately I have be thinking about testing a large though because I have 120mm stem. So I say Med for you.
If you can test ride the Med and it fells good then go with it. Happy riding.