Author Topic: Help me pick a frame...? (Read 1437 times)

CurbDawg · « **on:** July 08, 2014, 05:08 PM »

Hey folks, quick question (or maybe not!)

I'm currently riding a FlyBikes 20.6" Montana frame that I bought from a friend, but I can't get on with it.

My old frame was a Fit 20.0" Aitken S3 Which I loved.

Now, my question is...

Am I not enjoying the Fly because it's much longer, or is it due to the change in geometry? I don't understand the in's and out's of frame geometry and have no idea how you guys pick a frame!

If it's any help I'm 5ft 6 and do a LOT of manuals. Manuals are important to me!

Hope you can shed some light and help a brother out

Ste

pickle · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2014, 05:14 PM »

I guess it might be good to try a few out if you can?

Dannywhac · « **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2014, 07:24 PM »

Although front end length's important for picking up the bike - if you're popping a lot of manuals a slammed rear will make all the difference.

Do what Rob suggests - pop down to your LBS or blag some goes on peoples at a park and work out what TT and geo you like. Might just be that you've not had time to get used to your new frame....

CurbDawg · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2014, 10:51 PM »

Only problem I've got is I ride alone... I'm literally the only rider at my local park.

I've had the frame 6 months now so it's fair to say I've given it enough time to get used to.

I'm considering a 20.3" TrailorPark frame from BSD as it's a compromise between to two.

pickle · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2014, 07:37 AM »

Have a word with Stodgy at the RADSHOP as he knows his stuff when it comes to NS frames

nosepickben · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2014, 11:52 AM »

http://www.gsportbmx.com/2005/03/isnt-that-bike-a-bit-small-for-you-mate/

Read this first.....
Don't just go on tt length. BB height, tyres, fork rake and chain length all make a difference to how your bike feels. Frames these days don't come with much adjustment room on the chain stay length either. I do loads of manual stuff too but I wouldn't ride anything under a 14" chain stay length. Any shorter than that and it feels like it wants to throw me out the back door all the time. Ride a few peoples bikes and see what feels right for you, but bear in mind that the individual setup can make a lot of difference.

CurbDawg · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2014, 03:00 PM »

Having done the best research I can it would seem that my old and new frame are very similar, apart from the TT length. So this would indicate that my only real issues is the length of the frame.

I don't know whether to find a frame that's the same again but shorter or go for something different like the TrailorPark, which has a mellower headtube angle and a shorter back end. Something newskool might suit me, and 20.3" sounds perfect.

Lenny-Lentini · « **Reply #7 on:** August 04, 2014, 10:24 PM »

Me n The Crow are both ridin' Proper Trawlerman frames at the moment.

Got to say best frame geo i've ever ridden.

http://www.vitalbmx.com/product/guide/Frames,7/Proper/Trawlerman,5499#product-specs

The low 11.6 bb proper suits all types of riding.

Keep the Faith. L