Smuggler for tall people
Interestingly I have been crunching the numbers on XL 29er short travel trail bikes and this Smuggler is really unique. I initially thought that an XL smuggler was going to be too small for me. Im 6.4 and have a fairly long torso/arms. I have been looking for a bike/ frame for general trail riding that is fun, flickable and capable to handle my heft/size. Also a frame where I can run a short stem and wide bars and inline dropper.
Bikes reviewed against the Smuggler I looked at ETT, reach and chainstay length- most have a similar head angle around 68 degrees.
Brand Model ETT mm/inches Reach Chain Stays mm/ inches
Transition Smuggler 647/ 25.4 483 435/ 17.1
Yeti SB 95 635/25 ? 445/17.5
Hammer Head X-130 635/25 ? 445/17.5
Trek Fuel 650/25.6 466 450/17.8
Specialized Camber 645/25.2 454 451/17.9
Specialized Stumpjumper 648/25.4 456 455/18.1
Salsa Horsethief 650/25.6 465 437/17.2
Intense Spider C 648/25.5 470 445/17.5
Average 644.75/25.1 463 445/ 17.5
You will notice the Smuggle is above average ETT, the longest reach by far and the shortest chainstays (well under the average). Obviously there are many other factors that work towards having a fun, playful and capable frame but I find these numbers really positive.
I feel the reach measurement really helps to run a short stem and wide bars- ideal for general FS 29er trail riding.
Sorry to post in your thread Xero- but the more I investigate and review the better it looks. Not only for XL but for others that either want to potentially downsize frame sizes to gain more playfulness and still run short stem and dropper.
Now I just need a test ride- in Melbourne thanks.