rzalewski6

There is a lot more to helmet safety then just the certifications as one might guess. If only everyone who rides could listen to this podcast before they make their next helmet purchase. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HuvqzMvCzZwWQXEEiUA4M?si=a-ghW0OyQv2l_TnBV2H4nw

@93EXCivic: While I agree they are 2 very different sports, it sounds like you are confusing reach measurement with effective top tube. ETT and seat angle determine your pedaling position. Reach represents your out of the saddle attack position feel.

As someone mentioned earlier, the reach number needs to have the frame stack # as well otherwise it’s not telling the whole story. If your frame has a shorter stack and you have to put 35mm of spacers under the stem to get it where you want it, your reach is now quite a bit shorter, especially if the bike has a slack head angle. I also like the point made about pro MX, a sport that has been around for about 60 years. Ricky Camichael, recognized as the GOAT of the sport, was around 5’5” (167cm). He rode the same wheelbase bike as the pros who are 6 ft tall. There are no different frame sizes in MX. Sure they may use 5-10mm offset footpeg mounts, but that’s the only thing that would change the reach measurement of the frame and that’s a tiny amount in comparison to what different Mtb frames are. Most of the other adjustments are done with handlebar heights, bends and position. Some bar mounts which would be like changing the stem length. Maybe the reach number doesn’t have as much to do with rider size as it seems, maybe more with stability and handling feel? After all, all the pros want to go really fast. As far as head angle goes, the point could be made that a lot of the EWS and enduro in general courses are not super steep. If you like to ride super steeps like the a lot of Sea to Sky corridor guys do, you might like things a touch slacker. One last point, people can be off by a bit when asked how tall they are sometimes. We’ve all seen the dude who is 5’6 say he’s 5’9.5”. How are they all measuring their height? Barefoot, in spd shoes, hiking boots? Anyway, some variables to think about here.