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English => General Flatland Forum => Topic started by: Scottie on January 08, 2014, 07:49:21 AM

Title: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: Scottie 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...
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: bmxelement90 on January 08, 2014, 02:43:53 PM
I was riding with a20.25 frame, it'll be ok  :ph34r:
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: Jimbo 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.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: D 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]
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: manniedamaniac on January 08, 2014, 05:03:58 PM
either way ull get used to it!!  B)
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: ollie on January 08, 2014, 05:44:20 PM
I think you will find it a little bit long for spinning stuffs.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: metalbmxer 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.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: byke 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.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: xsjadorider 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
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: FlatismŽ on January 08, 2014, 11:59:13 PM
20" is about enough. no more for Flat only.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: rideflat43 on January 09, 2014, 06:54:41 AM
6'1 and up in height it is fine!
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: Scottie 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!
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: FlatismŽ 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!
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: neophyte16 on January 14, 2014, 06:28:17 PM
I ride 20.3TT and im 5'8. feels alright.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: byke 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.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: dug on January 17, 2014, 04:08:47 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.
what frame do you ride? pics?
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: jm on January 17, 2014, 06:17:30 AM
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!

I have to agree there. The street influence is real, and tons of people are riding much longer frames than 5 years ago...and getting along just fine. I have a 19.5 myself, and I actually want to go up to 20. That's not a recommendation for you; just saying that for some people the size is fine.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: SurfonFlatland on January 17, 2014, 06:34:48 AM
Yes, 20" is too long.  Unless you're a savant like Matthias, you're only adding unnecessary struggle to your riding with a 20" frame.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: FlatismŽ on January 17, 2014, 11:11:16 AM
I think there is so many factors to take into consideration in whatever you decide that feels personally right for you.
It's taken me years to realise that a larger frame was the best move for me personally. I'm not the worlds greatest rider though, so...maybe I would be better off where a shorter frame would literally does half the tricks for me..
I think I relish the extra space, at the expense of just struggling a little more.

Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: byke on January 17, 2014, 11:44:05 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.

what frame do you ride? pics?



http://www.global-flat.com/smf/index.php?topic=53681.msg438210#msg438210 (http://www.global-flat.com/smf/index.php?topic=53681.msg438210#msg438210)
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: FlatismŽ on January 17, 2014, 04:53:04 PM
the new revolution (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1EYTH5IjfU#ws)
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: SurfonFlatland on January 21, 2014, 04:45:26 PM
Holy crap, Flatism!  What you're doing in that video is really unique!
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: sakis on January 21, 2014, 05:42:15 PM
This is michelle from italy.
The frame is my previews snm intrikat 19.5 from eric wright.
nice frame,i just bought it again with different bb height and ha!bike check soon
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: FlatismŽ on January 24, 2014, 03:19:42 PM
aye up hehe, yeah that ain't me. I were just proving some kind of point if i remember rightly..
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: Phatman on February 08, 2014, 12:57:27 PM
I'm 6 Foot, maybe 6'1 on a "Tall Day" lol... I've been riding a 19.5" for a while & it feels pretty good & then for other things it's reeeeally cramped! I mean I'm basically having to re-learn everything because of My wrecked shoulder, but I actually feel in this instance a Longer Frame would be a help not a hindrance! It all depends on Your style I guess. Also, Have your tried a Longer Stem? I'm running 48mm with My 19.5" Frame & that helped a great deal! There are a few Flatland "specific" Frames popping up with 19.5"+ Top Tubes now, I'm looking into getting a 19.9" St Martin Weast or a 20" Intrikat!
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: neophyte16 on February 08, 2014, 01:52:12 PM
I'm 6 Foot, maybe 6'1 on a "Tall Day" lol... I've been riding a 19.5" for a while & it feels pretty good & then for other things it's reeeeally cramped! I mean I'm basically having to re-learn everything because of My wrecked shoulder, but I actually feel in this instance a Longer Frame would be a help not a hindrance! It all depends on Your style I guess. Also, Have your tried a Longer Stem? I'm running 48mm with My 19.5" Frame & that helped a great deal! There are a few Flatland "specific" Frames popping up with 19.5"+ Top Tubes now, I'm looking into getting a 19.9" St Martin Weast or a 20" Intrikat!


I saw the St. Martin Weast personally, the paint is cool and it's very light! but I like the Intrikat more.
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: Phatman on February 08, 2014, 03:35:29 PM
I'm also looking at a Custom Solid as I can go literally all out, whatever Spec's I want $500 gets it! which even with shipping to the UK is cheaper than a STOCK Intrikat Frame here! :-O
Title: Re: 20" Top Tube too long?
Post by: Joshua S. on February 10, 2014, 05:07:18 PM
Like everyone says it's all about preference. I went from a 19"all the way to 19.75" over the years and didn't like them that much. Too cramped. I finally realized that a 20.5" + frames was best for me.
I've been riding a 21" recently for everything. And I don't have to switch bikes out and get used to another for one, and I don't like to limit myself to one type of riding. This is my preference.