If you're in-between two frame sizes, is it better to go too big or too small?

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If you're in-between two frame sizes, is it better to go too big or too small?
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flag floridamtber
Posted: Oct 16, 2016 at 7:00 Quote
I'm 6'3 with an inseam of about 34.5" inches. For a lot of the bikes I try, I am almost exactly between a L and XL frame. In a situation like this, is it (usually) better to go for the smaller or larger frame?

For example, I'm considering ordering a Giant Fathom 1. I know other factors such as reach, torso length, etc. come in to play. According to the sizing chart, I am a large frame but I'm very close to being an XL frame. My local shops said they wont be getting many Fathoms in, let alone my size. How can I ensure I get the right size?

Here is the Giant Fathom 1 size chart:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_ie/bikes/series/sizingsheets/2017_GIANT_FATHOM_SIZING.jpg

I spoke with my LBS and they have a 2016 Giant Talon in both a L and XL. They said its very similar to the Fathom (geometry-wise) and would help determine what size Fathom would best fit me. Looking at the geometry, they are slightly different. Can anyone better at geometry measurements verify this? I'm going to test ride both sizes in the Talon in the next couple days.

Here's the geometry for both bikes.

Giant Talon: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/talon.27.5.3/22213/84067/#geometry

Giant Fathom 1: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/fathom.1/26039/92805/#geometry
flag E30m3
O+
Posted: Oct 20, 2016 at 18:32 Quote
I am 6' 2" with a 34in inseam. I feel like I have always had this problem with bikes even since the BMX days. But I have always preferred the smaller frame size. I have 3 bikes now that are all larges. I used to have a 14' giant talon in a large that I felt really good on. I just never felt as comfortable at all on the larger size frames. Only thing is you might have to play with stem length a little bit.
flag sdken
Posted: Oct 20, 2016 at 19:20 Quote
Try a bunch of bikes at the LBS and write down the geometry numbers and base your new bike off those numbers. I am 5'10 and ride a 2015 Giant Reign medium and a 2015 large Santa Cruz Nomad. Both feels super close in reach and super comfy !
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