Hello!
First off, congratulations on getting into the bike building business! I enjoyed Dialed at a theoretical level, but found it difficult to put it into practice. After all, who’s making bikes with that kind of wild geometry, anyway? 🙂
I’m very interested, but I have a few questions:
- Do you have an M5 built up that I could swing a leg over? I’m in Fort Collins, so I’d be happy to make the drive down. Normally I’m pretty comfortable buying a bike based on the spec sheet, but with this I’m having trouble believing I could actually fit on it. (I’m 6’4” with a long torso and arms.) Even a parking lot test would be enough.
- What is the head tube length on the M5?
- What rear shocks are available?
Thanks!
Coda H.
Hi Coda!
Thanks for reaching out. You nailed it. I’ve been telling people how to make their bikes fit perfectly for years, but it’s really hard when the bikes don’t support that. I had to make my own bikes for people!
I do not have a built M5 on hand yet. My hope is to grow slowly and have a demo fleet by this time next season. I do have an M3 here. It’ll be small on you, but you’ll be able to feel the enhanced cornering.
A “stock” M5 has a 140mm head tube. The extra height helps us get you a great fit with available bars. (Mainstream bikes will fit you too long and too low.)
That said, each Mistress is custom made for you. I’ll work with you to dial in the fit, including bar, stem and spacers. I’ve done thousands of fits for riders of all sizes, shapes and predilections.
I only help you with the frame. You can get your choice of shocks. I’m a fan of the DVO Topaz because it’s so tunable and it’s easy to change the amount of travel. It’s also easy to service on your own.
I’m confident we can get you on a bike that fits you well. It comes with two hours of instruction, so I’ll also show you how to change your approach so you get the most from it.
What do you think?
Lee
UPDATE: Coda has sent in his $500 deposit. I sent him a questionnaire. When I get his info I’ll start devising his own personal Wam Embrace geometry.