[Str8Dwn]

I'm looking at either the 08 ETSX or the 08/09 Element. Standover height is 31.2in for the 16.5" frame, which seems odd to me. Their 18" is almost 32.5".

My inseam (no shoes) is 30.5.

I've had a medium FSR-XC, 18" Stumpjumper, Medium San Andreas, so 16.5" seems like a micro-bike.

Admittedly, I do like a small-ish feel from my BMX background. I hate being stretched out.

Any advice? No shops locally (5-state radius) have any to test ride.

 

[MMcG]

Advice - buy something you can test ride.

 

[trees4me]

RM frame sizes are small. I'm 6'3" and I ride what they call a 19" blizzard. The 18" element should be comparable to your medium specialized. If you like smaller get the 16.5", you can always lengthen up the bike a little with a setback post or longer stem. Though, RM puts setback posts on many of their bikes...