I’m lucky enough to have a choice of frames for the Marin build I’m planning. I have a 19” (centre to centre) Rocky Ridge and a 17.5” IFT. They’re both ‘94 so the same geometry I believe. I’m intending to ride this bike a lot! Having only started mountain biking about 10 years ago, I want to get a taste of how it was back in the day. (Mind you, I’m plenty old enough to have been into it first time around...)
So, my question is which frame I should use? I’m 5’11” and both my modern MTBs are size L. The bigger frame would presumably feel more like the bikes I usually ride, but I’m aware that in the ‘90s riders often sized down, and doing that would save me a healthy 300g, and perhaps create a more ‘authentic’ experience. I’m wondering what the more experienced retrobikers on here would recommend? I have no problem with running a long stem, although the fact I’m running 90mm and 100mm items on my modern bikes might mean I’d need a super-long one...
So, my question is which frame I should use? I’m 5’11” and both my modern MTBs are size L. The bigger frame would presumably feel more like the bikes I usually ride, but I’m aware that in the ‘90s riders often sized down, and doing that would save me a healthy 300g, and perhaps create a more ‘authentic’ experience. I’m wondering what the more experienced retrobikers on here would recommend? I have no problem with running a long stem, although the fact I’m running 90mm and 100mm items on my modern bikes might mean I’d need a super-long one...