Author Topic: 20" Top Tube too long?  (Read 12269 times)

Offline Scottie

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20" Top Tube too long?
« on: January 08, 2014, 07:49:21 AM »
Hey is a 20" top tube too long for flatland? I am about 5 11" although I guess it comes down to preference. Also does anyone ride a flatland bike with a 20" tt?
 
The last time I rode was an 18.75 Hoffman although I have probably grown a little since then...
« Last Edit: January 08, 2014, 07:57:50 AM by Scottie »

Offline bmxelement90

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #1 on: January 08, 2014, 02:43:53 PM »
I was riding with a20.25 frame, it'll be ok  :ph34r:

Offline Jimbo

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #2 on: January 08, 2014, 03:21:04 PM »
i think you'll be fine man. we're the same height and i run a 18.8 and if anything its a little too tight.
i think i'd even be ok with a 21" to be honest.

Offline D

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #3 on: January 08, 2014, 03:44:41 PM »
I think for most things, 20 or even 20.5 should be fine.  The only time it would an issue would be that you'll have to get used to a higher jump to do decades (which most riders don't do anymore) and depending on how long your legs are deathtrucks might be a problem (again, not many people do them). 


On the other hand a long BACK end of the bike makes a flatland bike feel super sluggish, but in the last 5-10 years most ramp bikes are as short or shorter than a lot of flatland bikes were in the 90's/early 2000s, so anything modern should work fine.  I would think something like a 20.5 Sunday Funday would work great for flatland.   


I liked the big bikes for some stuff, there's lots more room to move up front and it doesn't feel as cramped.  Since our bikes essentially descended from tiny 18.5" top tube bikes made for middle schoolers, sometimes I wonder if the super short bikes are more just because that's what we've always used.  [size=78%]     [/size]

Offline manniedamaniac

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #4 on: January 08, 2014, 05:03:58 PM »
either way ull get used to it!!  B)

Offline ollie

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #5 on: January 08, 2014, 05:44:20 PM »
I think you will find it a little bit long for spinning stuffs.

Offline metalbmxer

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #6 on: January 08, 2014, 06:27:40 PM »
20 is a good size but 2 tricks I do are better on a shorter frame: death trucks and cliffhangers.
Dax (now in LAS VEGAS as of July 2022)

Offline byke

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #7 on: January 08, 2014, 07:49:36 PM »

I tried a 20.5 and didn't like it.
Yes it felt roomier, but I found to my surprise that a smaller sized frame but with a 14" rear was a lot better.


And you know its true.
Anyone who likes big butts can not lie.

Offline xsjadorider

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #8 on: January 08, 2014, 09:02:49 PM »
i ride a 20.5 and am just fine! also its personal preference, i felt wayy to cramped up on my st martin and mankind justice feels way better! if possible try both a flatland frame and a 20 inch frame! see which is better for you

Offline FlatismŽ

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #9 on: January 08, 2014, 11:59:13 PM »
20" is about enough. no more for Flat only.
Flat-ism

Offline rideflat43

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #10 on: January 09, 2014, 06:54:41 AM »
6'1 and up in height it is fine!

Offline Scottie

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #11 on: January 10, 2014, 02:47:32 AM »
And you know its true.
Anyone who likes big butts can not lie.
 ;D
 
This shop I am looking at this bike is in a rough neighbourhood, all their bikes do not have pedals attached and when I asked if I could test ride the bike they said "We don't normally do that". Understand if it is raining although that is a little silly, if I go back a second time they might let me ride it!

Offline FlatismŽ

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #12 on: January 10, 2014, 02:27:25 PM »
I do run a 21"tt, but I prefer the room. At the end of the day, if you ride something long enough, you'll get used it to regardless of the size!
« Last Edit: January 15, 2014, 07:35:08 PM by FlatismŽ »
Flat-ism

Offline neophyte16

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #13 on: January 14, 2014, 06:28:17 PM »
I ride 20.3TT and im 5'8. feels alright.

Offline byke

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Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
« Reply #14 on: January 17, 2014, 01:55:37 AM »
I ride a frame with a top tube measurement that gives no indication of its actual size.
So if I attempted to buy a similar frame based on the top tube size I would find myself wasting my money.