[Total Heckler]

Is it better to run a bigger frame or smaller frame for All Mountain / Freeride / light DH?

I am trying to decide what size frame I should get for my new 160mm bike.

I am 6'1 and currently run a large DH frame and a Large XC frame. Both of these bikes I have plenty of room for my knees while pedaling sitting down. I was looking into running a Medium for this new bike.

Comparing the sizing on my XC bike to the all mountain bike:

XC (Large):
Shock ETE - 200x56 (7.875x2.25)
Rear Travel - 140mm (5.5ins)
Fork Travel - 140mm (5.5ins)
Head Tube Angle - 68.5°
Seat Tube Angle - 73°
Head Tube Length - 130mm (5.1ins)
Seat Tube Length - 485.9mm (19ins)
Effective Top Tube Length - 600.4mm (23.63ins)
Wheelbase - 1133.1mm (44.6ins)
Chainstay Length - 436.2mm (17.2ins)
BB Height - 349.5mm (13.75ins)
Standover Height - 770.5mm (30.33ins)

All Mountain (Medium):
Shock ETE - 215x63 (8.4x2.48)
Rear Travel - 160mm (6.2ins)
Fork Travel - 160mm (6.2ins)
Head Tube Angle - 67°
Seat Tube Angle - 73.5°
Head Tube Length - 115mm (4.5ins)
Seat Tube Length - 432mm (17ins)
Effective Top Tube Length - 556mm (21.88ins)
Wheelbase - 1121.5mm (44.15ins)
Chainstay Length - 445mm (17.51ins)
BB Height - 358mm (14.09ins)
Standover Height - 776.8mm (30.58ins)

I was thinking a smaller bike might be better because it would be easier for me to maneuver/control?

What are your thoughts?

 

[jonKranked]

Is it better to run a bigger frame or smaller frame for All Mountain / Freeride / light DH?

personal preference. I like my frames on the smaller size, but that may be a result of me riding a lot of bmx.

 

[joelsman]

Go large, that med is really short. what length of stem are you using on the xc bike? your large xc eff tt is shorter also.

 

[Banshee Rider]

Too short IMO. If you were 5'10 you could go either way, and would probably feel better on the medium, but at your height it wouldn't even enter my head as an option. It'll be too cramped to get any proper pedaling done, and it'll feel unstable and twitchy anywhere fast.

 

[Total Heckler]

Yeah, choice made. I am going large. Thanks for the input guys.

 

[rigidhack]

Good call. Shorten the stem and that should give you the sense of "compactness" you are looking for.