Frustration with finding a new MTB

[aquawife]

Thanks again for all the help, ladies!
I *think* I've narrowed it down to 3 frames~
Santa Cruz Superlight
Titus Racer X
Titus Moto Lite
All three of these bikes exceed my MTB skills, but I want to get the bike I really want now so I'm not out looking for a new bike in a year.

You are smart to get a bike that you'll grow into. No sense in buying something that you'll "outgrow" in a short amount of time.
I have friends that have the Titus RacerX and they love them. My hubby has a Santa Cruz Superlight and it rocks as well. You really can't go wrong with any of these bikes. I think the most important measurement is the top tube length. I'm getting a new bike (Specialized Epic) and I took measurements off of my Trek Fuel to figure out which size I needed. I looked at both the WSD and regular. The WSD was too short at the medium and too long at the large but the regular small was closest in top tube length to my Trek. I'll have a little more standover with the Spec than the Trek but that's fine. It's easier to raise a seatpost than to shorten the cockpit. You don't want to do too much crazy stuff to make the reach fit. I'd think that if you're going with a shorter than a 90mm stem and you have your seat jammed all the way forward then the TT is probably too long. But what to do I know? Make your LBS work for their money! Just make sure that in the end you feel very comfortable on the bike. There's nothing better at wrecking your confidence on the trail than feeling like there's something not right with your bike.
Good luck!

[emily_in_nc]

A Small Titus Racer X sounds a bit small for your height. I am 5'2.5" with 28.5" inseam and ride an XS -- it fits fine. I could probably get away with an XXS and get more standover, but the top tube on the XS is perfect for me with a 10cm stem.

Good luck in your choice!

Emily

[rocknrollgirl]

I ride an xs Racer X, and it fits me really well, I am 5'3and 1/2. gotta have the 1/2 in there! I bought it for racing, a few of my nonracing friends have the Motolite.

My suggestions. Call Titus. There is an onle measurement thing that you can use, and they could probably help you.

It is an amazing bike, but expensive, and you probably want to get it right the first time.

Give them a call.

Good Luck,
Ruth