Between Bike Sizes - Should I Size Up or Down? - Ibis Ripley - Women's Mountain Biking

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Should I size up or down? Since I'm always right in between sizes, it's a question I've asked myself many times. It's not always a straight forward answer and I've owned smalls and medium frames over the years. Here are some of the considerations I make when choosing.
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[@magicunicorn6535]

As a beginning rider, I was worried my bike was too big because it doesn't like tight turns. After studying the video, now I realize the longer wheelbase length is what I need to adapt to. Changing frame size from medium to small probably wouldn't make that much difference at my stage of the game. But now I see what a huge difference demo-ing 2 bike sizes can make for higher-level riders. Thunder Mountain Bikes and the surrounding trails looks like a mountain biker's paradise. Loved your video!

[@petertobey603]

Nice video. Well done. I am between large and medium. I ride medium. Always test ride before making a choice. Go with what feels the most fun.

[@johnnydoe66]

It's amazing how a bike's geometry and size can change how a bike feels and handles. I had 5 different Hardtails that I was looking at and had test ridden. I literally had made a diagram of all the bikes overlaid in different colors of their respective geometries for comparison. Even though their geometry specs on my final two picks were relatively the same, riding them was truly the only way to actually determine which to choose.

[@barbbrazes869]

Thanks!! I’m in between small and medium also! Appreciate your opinion!

[@hondaxdood]

Very helpful video - height wise I’m usually between a S or M on the size charts. Can’t wait to see a review on the Ripley - the bike looks awesome!

[@PiTaReX]

What you said about having one bike and better to size up, stability , etc! ~makes perfect sense ! Thx 🚵🏽‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴🚴🏾‍♂️🚵‍♀️🚵🏽🚵🏽‍♂️

[@ajstalter]

Great video about this topic! Nice job.

[@reusablesbykirsten219]

I’m 5’4” with a 29” inseam and I went with a medium Ripley. I value stability as it’s my main bike other then my hardtail. I love it and have had it about a year. Recently swapped the fork for a fox 36 with 130mm travel which made it a bit more capable!

[@jessetter_snacks]

Super helpful! I am new to Mountain Biking and am looking for my first bike According to size charts I'm right between sizes and I think this was helpful to encourage me to size up.

[@allanridesbikes5856]

We love vacationing in Sedona. I think we'll have to check out that shop and rent some bikes on our next trip.

[@ArisaemaDracontium]

I love that Thunder Mountain Bikes has taken over the old Mountain Bike Heaven building. Lots of history there.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Having demoed a Ripmo AF with an air shock, it had basically zero pedal bob, best tech climber I've ever ridden, perfect pedaling position for steep, techy climbs. Rock solid on the descent, but definitely more of the planted enduro bike feel vs poppy trail bike.

[@walterbrown6388]

Great video. Would love to see comparison of air vs coil on the Ripmo AF

[@noobmountainbikesdesert8128]

Adobe Jack was the first hike we ever did in Sedona. I can't wait until we come riding up there in the near future. Now I just need to get a decent bike for my wife.

[@barbbrazes869]

Probably more likely to size down to feel more nimble! Thanks!! Nice videos!

[@markymarkpowpow]

best biking trails and scenery!!! top shelf skills too!!!

[@tomlevine9889]

Hi, great video. I'm 5-10 minus a bit, and always have ridden a large. I just build up a new bike with more modern/longer reach numbers, and chose the medium. It's reach and top tube numbers are similar to the large bikes I've had in the past. The only two places where I feel a difference are the relation to the saddle over the pedals; I feel like it have to move the saddle back a bit to get my knees over the pedal spindles. And the stack height-- since my saddle is a little bit higher on the medium, the bars (stack) feels a little low. I moved the bars up with a spacer under the stem and it feels much better. I agree with the flickiness/manueverablity comments you make especially with the newer bikes being longer and slacker. Unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to do a side by side. I ride flowly single track and fire roads. I do a fair amount of climbing. I'm not a super aggressive descender.

[@flapjackattack4]

I have a ripmo on backorder, and I'm also curious about the coil vs. air shock in terms of climbing and overall performance. Would be great to see

[@stuartpilling6190]

Good to know about the bike rental situation, as I was suppsed to come over there and do the Grand Canyon camp ride with Western Spirit that you suggested this year, but along came Covid-19 and ended that dream for now. I will get over there eventually, and I probably won't be bringing my bike, so rental it is! I am in Brisbane Australia, by the way. We seem to have nipped it in the bud here for now. Doesn't look so good over there atm. Hope it improves soon.

[@rogerb3927]

Good video.. so many videos focused on tech and measurements… riding is the best way.. and more fun than crunching numbers. :)

[@dolceitalia5846]

Love this vid! I have a small HT and a medium FS .. still not sure which size I prefer; think the small is faster but then being a HT, it’s a different ride altogether! Took me a few months to decide to get the FS in a medium and only used it a handful of times so hoping in time I’ll be thankful of my choice :)

[@carpenter751]

The true gauge of how far you have come is how you intuitively went for the air valve to have more fun on the down hill. Good Job

[@stevenewart3873]

I'm 5ft11 but have 28 inch inseam (very short) so Ive been using a medium bike with shorter crank arms. Going to size up to a 20/large with short crank arms

[@bobgardiner8570]

Nice i bought a second hand large but decided I wanted a new bike so bought a medium its feels so much better ...I think to much people over size ...

[@slowridemtb4712]

I can control a smaller bike better, whip it around, do cornering, uphill climbs, all much better than a larger bike. The only time I like a larger heavier bike is for long relatively straight downhill runs where the stability is more comfortable; but that's only about 15% of my riding. At 5'10" I'm almost always between a size Medium and a size Large, I choose the size Medium.

[@patseelyasi]

Great video! How tall are you and what is your inseam? I am currently torn between a small and medium Ripley with no demos available (Florida). I am 5’5 with a 28” inseam. Also, have they done enough to the geometry to not worry about going with a 29er? I’m hesitant because I’ve only rode 27.5 and this will be my only bike.

[@autumngroth5876]

I'm 5'6.5 inches tall and ride a stumpjumper. I feel exactly the same. I want to ride uphill on the small and downhill on a medium.

[@braydenhall1835]

I thought that bike shop used to be over the edge Sedona, when did it change?

[@thomasmiddlebrooks5169]

You should try the dpx2 on your ripmo and some light weight carbon wheels.

[@Nicoya]

"I want to climb on the small and go downhill on the medium" time to adapt dropper post technology to make a telescoping top tube!

[@dcasandman]

Did you take a RAD measurement when picking too? Just curious. Trying to figure out my best fit since nothing to demo here.

[@magicunicorn6535]

I thought it was interesting to see cactus growing next to pine trees. Something you don't see every day!

[@TheJofrica]

Interesting topic! I'm also in the range between a small and a medium probably. But I am in the reverse situation as you, where I ride mostly a Scott Spark and am looking for a bigger enduro bike. Right now I am looking at the Commencal AM Meta 29 for gnarlier rides. Now that's a huge long bike and everything I'm reading is saying to size down. I might do that just because for that specific bike it's so long, a medium is more like a large for the Meta. Did you happen to mention your height at all? I know sizing depends on many things like arm/inseam length, etc. but I feel like at least a mention of your height somewhere could provide a bit more context as to where you are located in the small/medium range. Very tough these days with bikes being so limited and rentals and demos also being tough with pandemic conditions. At any rate, thanks for sharing, this is steering me more towards a small in the Meta because it is a big bike to begin with, and what you said about laggier cornering will probably be even more exaggerated if I get a medium. Btw the Spark is in medium and it's very rideable for me. It has the same 130/120 travel range and I do agree it's a fun, fun bike. Thanks, and happy riding to you!

[@leeretaschen231]

I’m always in between sizes. At 5’ 10” with a 60 1/2” wingspan (ape index of 2.5”) , i’m consistently in between a medium and a large from most manufacturers. The bike I’m on now is a 2015 Chameleon in M which has a reach consistent with today’s extra smalls. As an old-school BMX’er and a hardtail guy I’ve been watching a lot of Steve’s videos. Probably going to give the current bike to the wife and get myself a Big Al or the new Chameleon in a proper size.

[@jwestpro]

if you are 70" tall and finger tip to tip is only 60.5", you have a very rare oddly short arm issue, like -9" ape index, not +2.5. Sounds like your numbers are wrong .

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

Have you seen Lee McCormicks (Lee Likes Bikes) info on Bike sizing, RAD calculations. His stuff is really good. He literally wrote the book on the subject.(Title:Dialed)

[@harrykwan734]

This vid is really helpful as I'm shopping for a Ripley. At 5'4" I am right between S&M (err that's small and medium) and I just finished a rental of the med last weekend. I liked how it climbed and how it descended but the seat post in the fully extended position was just a tiny bit too tall for me even with the post slammed fully down. I think a shorter extension post might fix that though. I may have to do the small rental on another weekend to see if the reach is too close or if I like the shorter wheelbase. It'll be my one bike quiver so I must choose wisely...

[@broadneydangerfield]

Did you ever figure this out? I am between sizes and going through the same struggle.

[@harrykwan734]

@@broadneydangerfield So I rented a medium for a day and I found that for my body I had no issues at that size. I didn't think the bike was too big for climbing and I didn't find it too long to turn; as long as you already know what to expect from a 29er I think the medium is good for my size. I'm 5'4" and have a 29" inseam. the bike shop folks told me to get a small but I'm not convinced I'll like it. I am a roadie and I feel comfortable with a slightly reachier position compared to some of the very upright mtb seating positions. Nonetheless I may do one more test rental with a small sometime before I place my order. But, I will expect that the shorter reach and slightly shorter wheelbase might bug me a bit. Ibis is totally unavailable until next year anyway so if you have time you should test both.

[@MrMoose-mf1oy]

Im 5’10” and just got really into riding recently so I decided to go to my local bike shop and get the new 2021 stumpjumper comp alloy. The guys there told me that since my arm span is 6 feet that I should go with the S5 instead of the S4 so that’s what I did (they said I looked less cramped on the S5). I haven’t ridden it yet cause it’s too snowy but now I’m worried it might be too big but I mean they are the experts, so I should trust them, right? I do mostly uphill but I like downhill too and wanna get better at it. I’m just worried I won’t be able to maneuver the bike as good on an xl frame. Also, is the weight difference that drastic between frame sizes that I would notice?

[@jdebussc]

Would it be possible to compare the bike size/fit for a small ibis ripley against a small pivot 429 (Or med to med)? IMO this is an interesting comparison as the bikes have super similar geometry. But Ibis puts a 5’5” person right in between S and M, whereas pivot puts you on the low side of the small bike (eg. a small ripley = 5’0”-5’5” whereas a small 429 = 5’4” - 5’9”, yet both have nearly identical geometry). This is such a difference in recommendation for a similar geo/reach that I am curious to know what is unique. Specifically, does pivot just push their riders to the smaller/more nibble riding style or have they done something special here.

[@drbyers]

A truly useful video as opposed to another “oh no, I crashed my bike while riding” video.

[@somethingelsehere8089]

I didn't realize that Over the Edge changed names (owners?). Glad you stood in front of that banner at the end, I was starting to question myself...

[@mrvwbug4423]

Only that location, OTE Fruita is still there

[@btc175]

That place is so good, you are lucky.

[@LampWaters]

I was surprised by the difference after I got on extra small for the first time. It's like I've never had a bike the right size until I got on extra small. Surprised too that small is really a reach for me. I've been riding big bikes for so long I had no clue how awesome extra small bikes are. I can touch lolololol, I can get up over and behind my seat to, the amount of control is awesome.

[@rjahn3000]

I think stand over is key....great bikes thanks!

[@whizzardno1]

I think that's becoming less important with modern geometry as the lowered top tube allows you to stand most sizes

[@pearana]

"better riders than me.. on hardtails" instantly reminded me of Scott? with HardTailParty.

[@pearana]

@@dustybettymtb oh im horrible with names... Steve! thank you! love his channel, and now YOURS ;)

[@jacoe33333]

Flicability. 👍😀😀😀yes!!!Thank you. I am trying to find a bike for my wife. She is 5’4”. There is a giant trance medium for a really good deal. I do t know if it will work for her.

[@christopherbargsten1422]

I looked through and couldn’t find your height. My wife is 5’6.5” and I’m trying to pick a reach length for her. I’m looking at an Esker Rowl size small 420mm vs the Medium 450mm. The Rowl (140R/150F 29er) is between the Ripply and the Ripmo.

[@jennifersandoval7525]

In general, I think it is better to buy the bigger bike and then push the seat forward and use a shorter stem than to buy the smaller bike and have to push the seat back and use a longer stem. The Ripley does not have a real long reach/front-center(the distance from the bottom bracket to the front axle) so I would go for the larger bike. However, if I was buying a very long slack bike with a long front-center, I would buy the smaller bike. For you---Ripley=size medium---Ripmo=size small.

[@jennifersandoval7525]

@@dustybettymtb Given the possibility, I would test ride the size medium Ripley with a 35mm long stem. I think riding the longer size medium bike will make you more capable riding down big steps of which there are many in Sedona. However, in the end, trust your own gut and get the bike that feels best to you. I think the Ripley might be the best short-travel 29er ever made. I applaud your bike choice!

[@davestock259]

How tall are you and what's your inseam I love all your videos I want to get a Mojo 4

[@TheNerdyPengwin]

What bikes would you recommend as a good starter bike for easier trails? Can you do a video on what to look for in bike brand/models and accessories at the different price points? we just road bike right now. My husband also did a fit for me using a go pro. I found a bike from a shop going out of business and added clipless pedals and a nice saddle. All in, my bike was ~$600. But, if I had to pay retail for it all and pay for that fit, it'd probably have cost me more like $850.

[@TheNerdyPengwin]

thanks @@dustybettymtb! that's great insight - I'm willing to spend it if it makes a big difference!! I want to enjoy trails. I'm willing to spend whatever money can actually buy me happiness. ha it's not worth the time and effort and riding otherwise :) Another experience to share - I appreciated your review of the Burley trailer! We got a D'Lite X and have absolutely no regrets! It's perfect for our lifestyle. Looking forward to more insights and advice from you! Thanks🤩

[@FullKarenMusic]

Use the R.A.D. method of measuring yourself for bike size. It's a way more tailored method then manufacturer recommendations. When it doubt pick smaller. If needed add longer stem, higher riser bar. I'm 6' on a medium. I find the reach often too long on a large where my height is mostly in my legs.

[@dustybettymtb]

I think the rad method has its place, but it also depends on which MTB discipline you are looking at. For example, I would ride a shorter XC bike than an enduro bike. That's because I'm looking to take advantage of different geo strengths and ride different kinds of trails.

[@FullKarenMusic]

@@dustybettymtb I think the RAD measurement is best suited to riding styles that involve more standing. You do need a shorter/longer reach to make up steeper/slacker head tubes. But RAD is more about the build then the frame alone.

[@kevinmanning7947]

I'm in a similar situation with M to L size and I have always gone with the L. The only caveat I have is the standover. Some manufacturers (like Trek) have been too high for me to standover. Others fit me better.

[@rated89]

How tall are you? Inseam?

[@diegovillacrez8349]

I have the same problem, I'm 6'0" with short legs and short arms (all torso). My inseam is 31.5" and wingspan is 70". My Large Vitus Sentier is almost too big for me with it's crazy long effective top tube/slack seat tube(73°). Will probably have to throw a 35mm stem on there.

[@frankfan2271]

@@diegovillacrez8349 Thanks Mate , So what size you end up with ? M/L or L from Trek

[@diegovillacrez8349]

@@frankfan2271 I don't have a Trek but if I did, I'd probably go with a M/L my long torso and short arms don't like extra long reaches or low stacks. but if you can try both before you buy I definitely would.

[@ethanbenton6676]

3:36 is that the new fox 34 with the grip 2?

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Good question. For much of my riding life, I was often between a M and a L at 5' 10" and usually sized down. But in the last few years the way bike sizing has changed I have been more solidly in the L range. Oddly enough, this "bit" me a few years ago when I bought a L Intense Primer and after riding it for awhile, my M Intense M16C felt small to me and I ended up selling it. I still bought a M Chameleon as for how I plan to ride that bike, I want it to be smaller and just more "BMX bike" like. Of course, it's comical when I put my L Megatower 29er next to my 20" wheel BMX bike and yet both bikes "feel" fine when I ride them in their intended venues. Yes, bikes are expensive... I try not to think about how much money I have hanging on my wall right now. Especially since I'm injured and probably won't be riding much again for the rest of 2020.

[@isozero7265]

Hi Betty , great very helpful vid. How tall are you and what is your inseam?

[@isozero7265]

@@dustybettymtb TY

[@devinbyrnes8058]

Hmmmm, I live for the long, extra steep, tech s climbs, and then try to survive the downs. So if I am 182cm and usually on the edge of M and L, I should consider the M for climbing? Other channels are suggesting longer wheelbase to avoid looping out. This is all so confusing.

[@broadneydangerfield]

Very confusing! I'm 181 cm and completely indecisive on M vs L.

[@L4J20]

On ibis...I’m 5’5” and in between S and M. I love the playfulness of small frames, but i would probably go M and put a 35mm stem on it. Great comparison 👍👍

[@jdebussc]

JK. Just as another idea, I’m in nearly the same position you are height-wise and I talked to the folks over at Lee Likes Bikes. They are big proponents that current geometry is generally too big, and in working with them on how to shorten the reach on a bike, they recommended the “SQLab 30x Low 16* handlebars”. They have a very aggressive backsweep that will give you back 1-2cm of reach to your grips. Food for thought.

[@ryangregohara]

I’m the same but small all the way. I find you lose pop and manual ability when sizing up.

[@mikejones5540]

Que pulgadas tiene la llanta 29 o 27.5?

[@alanfleming9836]

Great video. I'm in between small and medium as well. I did not have the chance to test ride and I ended up purchasing a medium Ripley AF online sort of blind. Ha. Ballsy move, I know. But I could not wait until testing because the bikes fly off the shelves so fast. So I'm taking a chance. I went with the medium because I'm stocky and I like to have room in the cockpit. But I'm only 5'6, so I home this feels right. We shall see. Fingers crossed. Dusty Betty, how tall are you? I don't think that was mentioned. Thanks for the solid video.

[@dustybettymtb]

That sounds like a great fit 👍

[@Eric-bh7jy]

Didn’t get that height still?

[@johncomet3711]

What about wheel size ?

[@thim8009]

Went from large to xl and I like the xl alot more, I'm also 6'-1".

[@martinmalloy5997]

Same for me

[@AxelHernandez-bm8rj]

I love you guys for these comments

[@AxelHernandez-bm8rj]

Same boat as you two this is confirmation on the xl

[@agentdoublezeroseven83]

Is that a 29er?

[@christianpeters6579]

I like to size up and roll with a mullet

[@TheNatashakong]

May I ask how tall you are? I'm 5'2 and really think I should be a small but a few people tell me I should give a medium a try.

[@kyle4891]

No way. Small frame and 27.5 wheels for all around riding. If its going to be mostly long easier rides a 29er small would be ok.

[@ralptyrab.8495]

Can i ask what is your height?

[@zigzachmtb2821]

The struggle is real!. I look at geo charts and I'm like I wish they made a schmedium. But really just depends on the bike and my intentions of how I plan on riding it and what type of terrain

[@drujenssen5444]

I prefer a size xtra medium.

[@magicunicorn6535]

If they made a "schmedium" bike, I would buy it!

[@martinmalloy5997]

I size up personally but I'm L to XL, unfortunately I have long legs so it's a high seat post for me.

[@KeanuSwayze]

Same. I am 6'3" with a 34 inseam and most of my bikes are XL because I need a mile of seat post. However, I do have an Evil Calling in size L (reach = 457) and it is great for the tight and twisty trails. Just have to run it with a 50mm stem and plenty of handlebar rise.

[@martinmalloy5997]

@@KeanuSwayze I'm 6.1 with a 34 inseem

[@subiehills4052]

How tall are you?

[@financialcyclist]

Hi what's your height and inseem?

[@sarahlw5291]

@@dustybettymtb thanks for that, that helps me alot, as my inseam is 31 and height 5'6"

[@JesusPerez-wg5qg]

Hey how tail are you. Let me know as I want to get a bike for my girlfriend but I need some advice. She is 5 ft 🥰

[@dustybettymtb]

Hi! I'm 5'4. I think for a writer who's 5 ft tall that's going to put you solidly on a size small and maybe even an extra small depending on the brand.

[@julianrpeeone2996]

I'm sorry did you state your height and weight? Big factors but thank you!!

[@dustybettymtb]

5'4" and 110lbs

[@julianrpeeone2996]

My wife is 5'6" 135lbs. She's comfortble with a small Ripley. Thanks for your time.

[@bca-biciclindcuaxel7527]

XXL

[@twowheelsforlife]

So how tall are you?

[@janisolsen595]

@@dustybettymtb this is cracking me up.....you are so gracious

[@rodrigolacaden4944]

1st your content is very informative. 2nd your beautiful 😍

[@redmountainrider]

girlfriend is 5'4", and I want her to experience as much dropper as possible.. she's renting a small with no dropper, but I'm wondering if there is an XS with a dropper? Ill check Thunder Mountain, she gets to town on Monday, and I got one shot to impress Arizona on her to move here with me....

[@newttella1043]

Unless she's an experienced old school XC racer, any bike without a dropper these days will definitely make her experience less fun and more scary. So if you only have one chance to impress, don't cheap out on your rental.

[@shawnconrad9292]

@@newttella1043 I love my XC riding, never really got into racing (I hate big drain out climbs) my Ripley has a dropper but I never use it! My arms are long enough for me to get back without dropping it down.

[@newttella1043]

@@shawnconrad9292 Old school skills, nice. But I admit getting a dropper seems to allow me to get more out of my new bike.

[@redmountainrider]

@@dustybettymtb she might try that juliana 27.5+ bike since it comes in XS, and she is always hearing me scream and yell with joy on my fat bike... thanks for the suggestion, they were really helpful on the phone even though most of its reserved next weekend!

[@bikeste]

@@shawnconrad9292 it's extremely rare when the right thing to do is get behind the saddle and over the rear tire. A dropper post is mostly meant to get the seat out of the way so you can get bike body separation in cornering, and get lower over the saddle during the vast majority of descents (rare is a descent steep enough to warrant getting your weight rearward over rear tire). Droppers definitely put you in a safer, more balanced position, and has little to nothing to do with arm length.

[@trepaslames]

What's her height

[@torquest7312]

5’4

[@vladcheto]

XL :)

[@raulvargas6575]

How tall are you?

[@torquest7312]

She is 5’4