Lotusoperandi

@ashmtb85: Front center and reach are two different things. Two different measurements.You cannot interchange these two terms. They are VASTLY different from each other.

@ashmtb85: Actually, the front-to-rear center ratio would get "worse" as you move up in size because the chainstay stays the same while the front center gets longer (will have to weight that front end more on the large than the medium to maintain front wheel traction). But yes, it sounds like the reviewer would've liked a little more reach (and less stack). And the longer reach on the large would help in getting more weight over the front, which would be important on the large given the longer front center, whereas the medium has a more "balanced" weight distribution between front and rear tires (body positioning is a moving variable of course).

"Long chainstay enthusiasts, hang onto your hats; this is a wild one - the rear center of our test bike is 5mm longer than the front. Yes, the chainstays measure 465mm for all four frame sizes, while our medium-sized frame gets a 460mm reach." And: "While that front-to-rear center ratio seems somewhat normal for the large and extra-large frame sizes, Orange doesn't adjust the chainstays in accordance with the front center." Front center and reach are two different things. So in actuality for the size medium tested the front-to-rear center ratio isn't THAT extreme.

Yup, same here. Been on several larges over the past several years because some manufacturers pushed me that way (I'm 5'9"--5'10" depending on wind direction) and I keep coming back to mediums. I've finally decided that's it. Mediums it is for me from now on.....just like it used to be. So get that medium and enjoy the nimbleness.