Last Updated on July 31, 2023
You don’t just ride your mountain bike because you like its design and color. You also must consider other things, one of which is size.
Mountain bike size is important because this is where your comfort and control depend on. Factor in your height, weight, and riding style, so you’ll have the perfect fit mountain bike.
It also turns out that Specialized is one of the most famous mountain bike brands out there. And you might have asked yourself:
“What size Specialized bike do I need?”
Well, we have the answer to that. This article also shows the different size options and some tips on measuring yourself.
Specialized Mountain Bike Frame Sizes
The chart below is just a general guideline of the recommended Specialized mountain bike you need based on your hide. You also need to consider other factors, which we’ll discuss below.
| Rider Height | Bike Size |
|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5’1″ | XS |
| 5’2″ – 5’5″ | S |
| 5’5″ – 5’10” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’1″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’4″ | XL |
| 6’3″ – 6’6″ | XXL |
Extra Small (XS)
Extra small Specialized MTBs are a great fit if your height is 5’0” to 5’3”. Expect them to be very nimble and playful. This is also why many dirt jumpers and slopestyle riders prefer XS bikes.
Small (S)
S-sizing Specialized mountain bikes are great for riders with a height length of 5’2” to 5’6’. It’s popular due to its versatility. They’re not too short or too long. S-size bikes do well on jumps and cornering because of their short chain stays.
Medium (M)
Medium Specialized mountain bikes are ideal for riders with a height and length of 5’6” to 5’10”. Medium-sized Specialized bikes are still nimble but are more stable in high-speed sections.
Large (L)
The large-sized Specialized mountain bikes cater to bikers with heights from 5’10” to 6’2”. This is the most common Specialized bike size in the US and Europe, contrary to the S-sizing bikes popular in Asia.
These bikes are more stable in high-speed sections because of their longer wheelbase. But they’re not very nimble because of their long chain stays, making them a bit hard on tight sections.
Extra Large (XL)
Extra-large Specialized mountain bikes are for riders with heights of 6’2” to 6’4”. An XL bike size features even longer wheelbases and chainstays. Their reach is also long, making it difficult to control in technical sections. But they are stable on high-speed sections, have a style-specific sizing ideal for XL bikes, and have tall ride heights. XL Specialized bikes are also faster when you’ve gained momentum.
Extra-extra Large (XXL)
The extra-extra-large Specialized bike is the rarest of all mountain bike size charts and caters to riders with heights between 6’4” and 6’6”.
These bikes are not road and trail bikes because of their long wheelbase, resulting in slow acceleration and difficulty maneuvering tight sections. But these Specialized bikes move fast when you’ve gained enough speed and momentum.
Other Considerations
Riding Style
Every rider is different, and every trail presents unique challenges, so why should your inseam dictate your bike size? With Specialized’s new S-Sizing system, riders can choose a bike based on what matters most: their riding style and the kind of trails they ride.
For example, if a rider prefers speed and wants a bike that can handle high speeds, they may want to choose a larger frame size. On the other hand, if a rider values nimble and maneuverable handling, they may want to choose a smaller frame size.
Terrain
The size of a bike can affect how it handles different types of terrain, and choosing the wrong size can lead to discomfort and even injury.
For rough terrain, riders may want to consider a larger size bike, as it can provide better stability and control. This is especially true for riders tackling steep descents or technical trails. It can also offer more room for longer rides, benefiting endurance rides.
For less technical terrain, riders may want to consider a smaller Specialized bike. It can be more agile and playful, making them ideal for those who prefer a more nimble ride. This is why many dirt jumpers and slopestyle riders prefer XS bikes.
Accessories
If you plan to use a hydration pack or wear a bulky backpack, you can choose a slightly larger frame size to accommodate the extra gear. Additionally, riders who plan to use a dropper seat post should ensure that the frame size allows for proper post insertion.
Wider Tires
Many riders opt for wider mountain bike tires to increase bike traction and stability on rough terrain. If you prioritize wider tires, choose a frame size that allows for enough clearance between the tires and the frame.
Durability
A more durable frame may be necessary for riders who plan to tackle more aggressive trails or downhill terrain. In this case, choosing a frame size that can handle the added stress of these types of rides is important.
Best Specialized Mountain Bikes
S-Works Stumpjumper
The Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper is one of Specialized’s flagship trail bikes. It has 29-inch wheels and features an all-Fox suspension with Fox Float 34 up front and Fox Float DPS shock.
This Specialized bike also has Rockshox’s flagship Reverb AXS electronic wireless dropper, which is ideal for trails. Its brakes are from SRAM’s G2 Ultimate quad-piston that goes along with its DT Swiss 240 wheelset daily in Specialized.
S-Works Enduro
The Specialized S-Works Enduro is the top-of-the-line carbon endurance road bike of Specialized. This has won many Enduro World Series podiums.
Its beefy tube and seat sport Fox’s all-new Float 38 fork with Grip 2 damper and a Fox Float X2 shock, ideal for riders that need a larger size Specialized frame.
Most people with tall height also prefer this because of its versatility and stability in steep downhill sections. The dropper of this Specialized is Rockshox Reverb AXS, and its brakes are SRAM Code RSC, which go well with Specialized components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size mountain bike do I need for my weight?
Specialized recommends using their sizing chart to determine the appropriate bike size based on the numerical measurements of your body size, like inseam, hip, pant waist, and others.
What is the sizing chart for Specialized mountain bikes?
The Specialized bike size guide recommends bike sizes and corresponding frame sizes based on a rider’s height and inseam. It is important to note that this is just a general guideline, and riders should also consider their riding style and preferences.
How much does a Specialized mountain bike cost?
Specialized offers a range of mountain bikes at different price points, from entry-level models to high-end, professional-grade bikes. When choosing a Specialized mountain bike, riders should consider their budget and riding needs.
What are the advantages of riding a small mountain bike
Small Specialized mountain bike gives you more control and maneuverability. You can go through tight corners without doing trials and do tail whips on jumps and drops. You can also quickly put your center of gravity in your preferred position.
What are the disadvantages of riding a small mountain bike?
Smaller mountain bikes aren’t very stable on high-speed sections because of their short wheelbase. This happens because they distribute your center of gravity across a bigger area. You’ll also have smaller ground coverage, which is disadvantageous in races.
When do you need a large mountain bike?
A large mountain bike size is ideal if you are more of a conservative rider instead of a trickster. Its long wheelbase gives you the control you can’t have on smaller bikes. You can even roll drops on Specialized bicycles without jumping them. This makes your rides safer and injuries less likely because you factored in the rider’s height for the optimum experience.
Can I use a small Specialized mountain bike even if I’m tall?
You size up or down based on personal preference. So, it is possible that a tall rider could use a small Specialized mountain bike if it fits their personal preference and the bike’s sizing system allows for it. It’s important to ensure the bike is comfortable and fits properly to avoid discomfort or injury.
Conclusion
Getting the right Specialized mountain bike size is important because this affects your riding. Aside from factoring in the right frame size and rider height, you need to consider these technical matters so you can have a great time with your Specialized bike.
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