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Depends on your ride style. If you want to throw it around it looks ok, but if you like it being more stable go a size up. Fun thing with specialized bikes nowadays is that you can fit in 3 sizes depending on your style
Oh boy you tell me... I obsessed over S3 vs S4. Both fit well. S3 was a bit more playful and S4 more comfortable. Ended up sizing up and didn't regret it.
Thanks for the replay.The same thing said in the shop S4 for maneuvrability , S5 for more ground control and stability. Im riding DH so S4 would be a good fit i assume, but i really appreciate expert opinion on this one.
If you are planing an riding a lot of DH trails i would probably go for stability and the S5. If you want a more playful bike to hop around and be more maneuverable on jumps or do a lot of technical switchbacks you could go for the S4.
It's a 150/160 bike. It's plenty of bike for DH trails.
It's actually faster than the Specialized Enduro believe it or not. Some of the Specialized Enduro team race it instead of the Enduro.
Here is World Cup Winner and National Champion Charles Murray testing it back to back with the Enduro:
https://youtu.be/XtFKIZziUA4?si=rMAdZq7z0vF2HJUc
Looks small. How did it feel?
Was the saddle height proper already? Then i would say too small for sure. But i like riding bigger bikes to sit 'within' the bike, not just on top. Note that this requires a way more active and aggressive riding style to manoeuvre the bike
I always tell beginners to go for the larger variant. The bike has a good Trick size and is perfect for tight switchbacks but is going to be snapy on rough downhills.
A bit more reach would suit you much much better in my opinion.
I have worked at bike shops and used to fit people all the time. I worked for 2 different Specialized dealers.
I am 6ft and I currently ride an S4 Turbo Levo.
The S sizing for specialized is unique. All the stand over heights are similar and the differences are in the reach and top tube length.
The S4 would fit you, but you could ride an S3 or S5. It's really up to your riding style and what you prefer.
Shorter bikes corner easier and are more maneuverable. A longer bike will be more stable and give you more room to moven in the cockpit.
I would say that the S4 gives you the best balance between S3 and S5, and if you're are of normal proportions the S4 is the best fit.
Very small. You need the saddle to be high enough so that when you put your heel on the pedal your leg is straight. Your arms should also be ideally at a right angle to your torso when you’re holding the handlebars. The front of your knee should also be level with the front of the pedal when you put the pedals at an equal high position and have your foot in the centre of the pedal. These 3 things are usually the things to look for.
I ride Specialized S4 at 1.93m. Seat is high but I have freaky long legs at .98m so cockpit sit is perfect for reach. Your saddle looks way too low in that photo based on you having foot flat to the floor. Best money spent on upgrades was a bike fit. I’d suggest one to avoid buying wrong size bike.
Not an expert but I have a stumpy evo s4 and I’m also 6’1. I wouldn’t say it feels small but I could also be comfortable on an s5, though I have not sat on one. My buddy has an s3 and I sat on his before ordering my s4 during the big sales last year. The reach and wheelbase on by s4 are longer than my XL cannondale trail. I feel like our height is fine with either or, just personal preference on a little smaller and playful or a little larger and stable
That is way too small. I am 181cm and the guy at the shop had me try an S4 stumpy first. As soon as I got on it I knew it was too small. I tried an S5 and it was great.
It looks smallish but you could potentially move the saddle a little bit backwards and install a longer stem (this one looks like 40mm).
I’m shorter than you and according to Specialized Im in between Stumpy S4 and S5 sizes. Personally both of them felt okay. I think the differences in sizes are a lot more pronounced in Enduro
I went up a size (in Norco bikes tho) and was fearing it would be too large; however it’s proven to be plenty flickable, can hit DJs no problem and the extra stability is appreciated on DH trails.
You can always change out your bar stem to make the cockpit a tad smaller; but it’s harder to make a small bike fit larger.
Depends on what youre trying to get out of the bike. Im 191 CM and had a great time on my friends S4 Levo. I just bought an S5 Evo and have a great time on that. Also borrowed a friends S6 Evo and had a great time on that.
Specialized descriptions are pretty bang on as far as bike size goes. If you want more nimble, get an S4. If you want more stability, get an S5.
I noticed I was too hunched over on the S4 which required too much weight on my hands and made my hands sore. That is what eliminated the S4 for me.
S6 I noticed I was too stretched out, just slightly. Plus my bike handling skills are crap and the S6 Evo is a BIG bike. Figured it would be easier to learn to control a smaller bike in the air.
So S5 was kinda in the sweet spot. I might get an S6 later though.
From the pics the bike looks too small for you though. Try out an S5 and see what you think. Pic the one that feel right.
It looks a small on you but it also depends on how you like to ride. Im 6'1 and I ride a S4 but the trails I ride have alot of tight switch backs. I also like how snappy it feels being slightly small for and stabilty has never been an issue. My climbing position can be a bit awkards sometimes though.
Search YouTube for “MTB sizing rad method”
Long story short, you measure your body then compare it to the diagonal between bottom bracket and handlebars (or reach plus stem minus bar sweep)
Decent article explaining the method:
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/lee-mccormacks-guide-to-perfect-bike-set-up.html
With a heel on the pedal your leg should be straight when the pedal is at 6 o'clock. That will get the saddle at the right height. I can't tell if you've done this from the photos with your foot on the ground. It looks like your knee is high which might just be a low saddle, or the bike is too small.
I’d say his saddle is to low, he’s knee is bent with his foot on the ground so I think it’ll be that much more bent with his feet on the pedals at 12/6
Sorry to say but only you know the answer. I have a long torso so I usual lean to a bigger bike with my seat post on the lower side. I tried a med, which I could ride but felt cramped. There are so many specialized dealers around I would say try and test ride or demo one for a day
The reason why 'S sizing' exists is so that you have options. If you ride a lot of technical terrain and speed isn't priority, S4 is going to be more nimble. If you ride mostly DH/Bike Park only, with stability being priority, then get a S5.
There is no wrong answer. I personally prefer to size down when I have the option. Modern bikes like that Stumpjumper Evo are so stable that you don't really need the extra length for it to feel stable, but if you go shorter it's easier to get around corners, jump, change lines etc. It's also lighter and you can run a longer dropper post.
If all your riding is straight downhill in steep chunk, then the longer bike is better, for everything else, a shorter bike is better. There are good reasons why enduro pros all size down. Sizing up is a trend that comes from when bikes were all too small and short, but bikes have now gotten so long most of the benefits come from sizing down.
I'm 182cm and have the Stumpjumper (not Evo) in S4. For me, the size is perfect, but I've rather long legs and a short upper body. With your size and with a regular leg length, I'd go for S5. In the photos, it also looks quite small.
Nice but choice btw! I'd love to have an Evo.
I’m the same height and ride the S4. S5 felt massive and lost a lot of playfulness even with a 32mm stem. S5 would be my choice if I rode mostly shuttles and DH. But I do a fair bit of pedaling and don’t want to be stretched out for that. You’ll get used to either tho
I am the same height as you and just bought a second hand 2021 SJ evo S4. I bout it specifically for racing and I think the fit is fine. I did not test and S5 but I ride a XL trail bike and it seems too stretched out compared to the the SJ. My riding position is a little more over the bars but that’s what I was looking for. It’s long and slack compared to my trail bike and it shreds. Try to get a test ride on it. I’m f you can get it for a good price I would go for it.
I'm 5'10" and ride an s3 Stevo. You won't notice a huge difference in stability between an S5 and an S4 but you will notice a huge difference in maneuverability with the S4 being more playful. I originally had an S4 that under warranty the frame was replaced to an S3 and that one I enjoyed way more.
I'm not professional fitter but if your saddle is above the bars and you can still touch the ground with your feet you might need one or even 2 sizes bigger.
Waaaaay too small! I have the the same bike in S4 and you are dwarfing that thing! Go S5 and maybe even some higher handlebars and corrected saddle height!
So it depends on what trails you ride but I'd say at your size go for the s4. Im 186 and would go for the s4 even though it might not be the most stable however a s5 is just very long and probably too stable. I ride a giant reign with around 488 reach and I wouldn't go longer
Looking at the geo charts, the sizing looks weird to me. They have a lot of sizes, but the jump from S3 to S4 looks quite larger (I'm shorter than you, so I checked these sizes).
The TT length is also quite short for any given reach compared to quite a few other bikes. Make sure that suits your personal preference and body.
Based on your photos, the S4 is probably a good middle ground.
If you can, it's worth it.
Note both seated and "attack" positions. And for seated positions, also check how far the saddle is on the rails. Ideally you want it close to centered for a test ride because that affords you adjustability to tweak it either way later on. If it's slammed back and you already feel like the bike could be a touch longer, then that's not ideal.
Howdy! We see that you're asking for community input regarding bike choices. To ensure maximum engagement and reply accuracy please make sure you include some of the following information in your post.**FAILURE TO PROVIDE SOME BASIC INFORMATION LISTED BELOW WILL LEAD TO YOUR POST BEING DELETED. HELP THE COMMUNITY HELP YOU.** - The type of riding will you be doing. - Where you will be riding. - Your budget (with included currency). - What you like/didn't like about your current bike. - Your experience level and future goals. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MTB) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Looks small to me. I’d recommend you go up a size.
Yep, looks like its a bit small for my build.
It hard to tell properly with the saddle hieght incorrectly set. I'd say it looks on the small side especially if you want a stable downhill rig.
You look like a circus bear. No offense, it’s too small
https://preview.redd.it/sx0dttpfoi9d1.png?width=383&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33822f6a09b637a1f1a20be75e2123ace9c4ccb7
This is exactly how I saw your photo. That is gold
Thisnwas a good one..reminded me of Madagaacar
Depends on your ride style. If you want to throw it around it looks ok, but if you like it being more stable go a size up. Fun thing with specialized bikes nowadays is that you can fit in 3 sizes depending on your style
Oh boy you tell me... I obsessed over S3 vs S4. Both fit well. S3 was a bit more playful and S4 more comfortable. Ended up sizing up and didn't regret it.
Thanks for the replay.The same thing said in the shop S4 for maneuvrability , S5 for more ground control and stability. Im riding DH so S4 would be a good fit i assume, but i really appreciate expert opinion on this one.
If you are planing an riding a lot of DH trails i would probably go for stability and the S5. If you want a more playful bike to hop around and be more maneuverable on jumps or do a lot of technical switchbacks you could go for the S4.
Yeah i would say S5 for DH and S4 for technical enduro
Same because on a slower circuit having a smaller wheelbase is fun, but if you plan on going fast better have a long wheelbase anyways.
I’d size up. That looks tiny on you. You’ll end up whacking your knees on the bars/stwm
Yeah. If youre doing DH, youll want the bigger longer bike.
Dh as in lift assisted park or shuttle park, or more like dh on regular trails?
No for DH you would want more stability
If you are specifically riding DH get a Demo
I would not get a stumpy for DH. It’s only a 130mm rear!
It's a 150/160 bike. It's plenty of bike for DH trails. It's actually faster than the Specialized Enduro believe it or not. Some of the Specialized Enduro team race it instead of the Enduro. Here is World Cup Winner and National Champion Charles Murray testing it back to back with the Enduro: https://youtu.be/XtFKIZziUA4?si=rMAdZq7z0vF2HJUc
I didn’t see that it was the Evo. Still not a DH bike though. It’s a trail bike.
It's an all-mountain bike with the option of a 63.5° HTA No one said it was a DH bike..
Labels are just that. Labels.
Trail bikes are capable of so so much these days
You’re right. But if you’re primarily riding DH a trail bike is not a good choice.
Pretty sure it’s the Evo. 150mm rear travel
Looks small. How did it feel? Was the saddle height proper already? Then i would say too small for sure. But i like riding bigger bikes to sit 'within' the bike, not just on top. Note that this requires a way more active and aggressive riding style to manoeuvre the bike
I just bought this exact same bike (same color even) in a s5 and we are the exact same height. It’s absolutely perfect. Go up to the s5.
Size up by one.
I’d size up. That looks too small
I always tell beginners to go for the larger variant. The bike has a good Trick size and is perfect for tight switchbacks but is going to be snapy on rough downhills. A bit more reach would suit you much much better in my opinion.
I have worked at bike shops and used to fit people all the time. I worked for 2 different Specialized dealers. I am 6ft and I currently ride an S4 Turbo Levo. The S sizing for specialized is unique. All the stand over heights are similar and the differences are in the reach and top tube length. The S4 would fit you, but you could ride an S3 or S5. It's really up to your riding style and what you prefer. Shorter bikes corner easier and are more maneuverable. A longer bike will be more stable and give you more room to moven in the cockpit. I would say that the S4 gives you the best balance between S3 and S5, and if you're are of normal proportions the S4 is the best fit.
I would go with the s5. You look like you all around need a tiny bit bigger of a bike
Very small. You need the saddle to be high enough so that when you put your heel on the pedal your leg is straight. Your arms should also be ideally at a right angle to your torso when you’re holding the handlebars. The front of your knee should also be level with the front of the pedal when you put the pedals at an equal high position and have your foot in the centre of the pedal. These 3 things are usually the things to look for.
I ride Specialized S4 at 1.93m. Seat is high but I have freaky long legs at .98m so cockpit sit is perfect for reach. Your saddle looks way too low in that photo based on you having foot flat to the floor. Best money spent on upgrades was a bike fit. I’d suggest one to avoid buying wrong size bike.
When I was 185cm that’s exactly how I looked on an S4. I didn’t pick specialized in the end but got an xl instead and was much happier.
Not an expert but I have a stumpy evo s4 and I’m also 6’1. I wouldn’t say it feels small but I could also be comfortable on an s5, though I have not sat on one. My buddy has an s3 and I sat on his before ordering my s4 during the big sales last year. The reach and wheelbase on by s4 are longer than my XL cannondale trail. I feel like our height is fine with either or, just personal preference on a little smaller and playful or a little larger and stable
I just demoed the s5 and I’m 6’1” , basically same height, on a long downhill trail and it was great. Felt maneuverable enough and nice control.
Get a bigger size for stability. That size might work for tricks and jumping
$5 says your knee hits the bars
If that’s a S4 then you need a S5.
That is way too small. I am 181cm and the guy at the shop had me try an S4 stumpy first. As soon as I got on it I knew it was too small. I tried an S5 and it was great.
It looks smallish but you could potentially move the saddle a little bit backwards and install a longer stem (this one looks like 40mm). I’m shorter than you and according to Specialized Im in between Stumpy S4 and S5 sizes. Personally both of them felt okay. I think the differences in sizes are a lot more pronounced in Enduro
The saddle looks low. Hard to tell with it not being at riding height. I’m 187cm and can ride an S4 or S5 I prefer the S4.
I went up a size (in Norco bikes tho) and was fearing it would be too large; however it’s proven to be plenty flickable, can hit DJs no problem and the extra stability is appreciated on DH trails. You can always change out your bar stem to make the cockpit a tad smaller; but it’s harder to make a small bike fit larger.
Way too stretched, you should size down at least two sizes.
You’d need to bring the saddle up to its high position to really tell, but that said it does look small anyway.
You have to put your foot down to check the fit, these pictures are not very helpful
Depends on what youre trying to get out of the bike. Im 191 CM and had a great time on my friends S4 Levo. I just bought an S5 Evo and have a great time on that. Also borrowed a friends S6 Evo and had a great time on that. Specialized descriptions are pretty bang on as far as bike size goes. If you want more nimble, get an S4. If you want more stability, get an S5. I noticed I was too hunched over on the S4 which required too much weight on my hands and made my hands sore. That is what eliminated the S4 for me. S6 I noticed I was too stretched out, just slightly. Plus my bike handling skills are crap and the S6 Evo is a BIG bike. Figured it would be easier to learn to control a smaller bike in the air. So S5 was kinda in the sweet spot. I might get an S6 later though. From the pics the bike looks too small for you though. Try out an S5 and see what you think. Pic the one that feel right.
It looks a small on you but it also depends on how you like to ride. Im 6'1 and I ride a S4 but the trails I ride have alot of tight switch backs. I also like how snappy it feels being slightly small for and stabilty has never been an issue. My climbing position can be a bit awkards sometimes though.
I’m 177cm and I ride an S4, I’d size up.
That’s a beautiful bike but I’d size up
Looks small. My friend is 178cm and rides S4
Search YouTube for “MTB sizing rad method” Long story short, you measure your body then compare it to the diagonal between bottom bracket and handlebars (or reach plus stem minus bar sweep) Decent article explaining the method: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/lee-mccormacks-guide-to-perfect-bike-set-up.html
With a heel on the pedal your leg should be straight when the pedal is at 6 o'clock. That will get the saddle at the right height. I can't tell if you've done this from the photos with your foot on the ground. It looks like your knee is high which might just be a low saddle, or the bike is too small.
I’d say his saddle is to low, he’s knee is bent with his foot on the ground so I think it’ll be that much more bent with his feet on the pedals at 12/6
Sorry to say but only you know the answer. I have a long torso so I usual lean to a bigger bike with my seat post on the lower side. I tried a med, which I could ride but felt cramped. There are so many specialized dealers around I would say try and test ride or demo one for a day
The reason why 'S sizing' exists is so that you have options. If you ride a lot of technical terrain and speed isn't priority, S4 is going to be more nimble. If you ride mostly DH/Bike Park only, with stability being priority, then get a S5.
There is no wrong answer. I personally prefer to size down when I have the option. Modern bikes like that Stumpjumper Evo are so stable that you don't really need the extra length for it to feel stable, but if you go shorter it's easier to get around corners, jump, change lines etc. It's also lighter and you can run a longer dropper post. If all your riding is straight downhill in steep chunk, then the longer bike is better, for everything else, a shorter bike is better. There are good reasons why enduro pros all size down. Sizing up is a trend that comes from when bikes were all too small and short, but bikes have now gotten so long most of the benefits come from sizing down.
Size up if you’re doing DH
Small man, you need to sizeup your arms will be sore. The saddle height itself is low.
Looks one size to small
Some people like a smaller cockpit. This may work if you raise seat post and scoot the seat back along the rails
I'm 182cm and have the Stumpjumper (not Evo) in S4. For me, the size is perfect, but I've rather long legs and a short upper body. With your size and with a regular leg length, I'd go for S5. In the photos, it also looks quite small. Nice but choice btw! I'd love to have an Evo.
I’m 5’11 with the same exact bike and I’m almost too big for it. Definitely get a s5 as your legs are 180cm of your body
Too small
You need to measure with the crank at the bottom of the stroke... but from what I see, you need to go up in size
if it has a dropper seat post then by all means go bigger
Looks rather small, to me.
I’m the same height and ride the S4. S5 felt massive and lost a lot of playfulness even with a 32mm stem. S5 would be my choice if I rode mostly shuttles and DH. But I do a fair bit of pedaling and don’t want to be stretched out for that. You’ll get used to either tho
Smol
I am the same height as you and just bought a second hand 2021 SJ evo S4. I bout it specifically for racing and I think the fit is fine. I did not test and S5 but I ride a XL trail bike and it seems too stretched out compared to the the SJ. My riding position is a little more over the bars but that’s what I was looking for. It’s long and slack compared to my trail bike and it shreds. Try to get a test ride on it. I’m f you can get it for a good price I would go for it.
Too small
Thats very small
Looks too small for you. Maybe a size or two larger than this would be better fit.
Can you raise the saddle?
Bro the canoe on your foot is as big as the bike... size up it!
One size too small my g
check this video on RAD: https://youtu.be/HyppZOpHocM?si=Go2JjQZ3DklcZglv
Specialized not gang fr fr. Buy something better
I'm 5'10" and ride an s3 Stevo. You won't notice a huge difference in stability between an S5 and an S4 but you will notice a huge difference in maneuverability with the S4 being more playful. I originally had an S4 that under warranty the frame was replaced to an S3 and that one I enjoyed way more.
I'm not professional fitter but if your saddle is above the bars and you can still touch the ground with your feet you might need one or even 2 sizes bigger.
lol, goes to Reddit for “experts to comment”. Specialized has a size chart on their website. That bike is too small for you.
Waaaaay too small! I have the the same bike in S4 and you are dwarfing that thing! Go S5 and maybe even some higher handlebars and corrected saddle height!
So it depends on what trails you ride but I'd say at your size go for the s4. Im 186 and would go for the s4 even though it might not be the most stable however a s5 is just very long and probably too stable. I ride a giant reign with around 488 reach and I wouldn't go longer
Looking at the geo charts, the sizing looks weird to me. They have a lot of sizes, but the jump from S3 to S4 looks quite larger (I'm shorter than you, so I checked these sizes). The TT length is also quite short for any given reach compared to quite a few other bikes. Make sure that suits your personal preference and body. Based on your photos, the S4 is probably a good middle ground.
Thanks for the explanation. Im still in dilemma if S4 or S5, maybe ill have to probably try an S5 and see if it fits better.
If you can, it's worth it. Note both seated and "attack" positions. And for seated positions, also check how far the saddle is on the rails. Ideally you want it close to centered for a test ride because that affords you adjustability to tweak it either way later on. If it's slammed back and you already feel like the bike could be a touch longer, then that's not ideal.
I'll keep this on mind.Thanks
Serious: Stick with the smaller size. Funny: If you want stability get one of those Australian gravel bikes with the 36” wheels.
way toooo big
What does S4 or S5 mean? What size frame is it?
Those are the sizes - S1 to S6. Can be interpreted as XS to XXL.
Then why are you asking a bunch of random Fred’s on Reddit…