Small v. Medium Frame

[Sparty99]

I'm stuck b/n a small and medium frame for an AS-R. I'm 5'8" so right in b/n frame sizes. I didn't really notice a huge difference b/n the two. I was hoping I would "feel" the difference on a test ride, but no luck.

Any thoughts on what size to select?

[shane ward]

smaller frame is usually better and easier to control if you dont plan on growing! but if it is bigger you can always change stems but make sure you have enough standover height...I was told as a guide it is best there is at least 3 inches between you and the top tube on a mountainbike and 1 inch on a road bike. so id usually advise people to go a bit smaller then bigger if your past your growing stage

[Sparty99]

So what you're saying is I'm vertically challenged! While I may act like a child, I am done growing. 5'8" is as tall as I get.

I had read that you should go as small vertically as possible, which would put me on the small frame. Not sure if there are any additional comments to that one. Thanks all.

[perttime]

The length of the cockpit is the essential thing. A shorter bike might be more agile while a longer one would probably have more stability.

If I had to have 3" of standover clearance, I could never ride anything except custom frames. When I am in trouble on a trail, the stem is the thing that makes me hurt...

[perttime]

ooops, is it my fingers or a Politically Correct website....? I meant to say something about the length of the riding position.

[mig]

I am 5/ft 7-1/2" and the small is a long bike, I have a 90mm stem on and low rise bars its just right with the seat forward a bit.

[Sparty99]

Thanks all. I went with the small frame. After test riding this out of the Yeti shop, it was clear this was the way to go. I put a 110 stem on it. Felt too cramped with the 100.