Originally Posted by
LC
So I'm keeping my eyes open for a new pub bike project - got lots of spare parts so just need a frame that'll work. I'd rather stick with an MTB hardtail to be able to use those parts and make it kind of fun to ride, be able to jump on and off stuff when needed, take the bumps out of our shitty roads, etc.
I'm 6ft4 and my trail bike has grown to a 505mm reach over the years (now an XL Madonna 29). I'm really limiting my options/stretching my budget on the local used market looking for something that long though, and although building up something like a Honzo ST to give me a decent trail hardtail does kind of appeal I'd rather spend less and not worry about leaving it locked outside my house or in town. And my current town bike is a 15-20 year old Kona XC frame which must be a size S or M and feels comically small now so that's not much guidance.
If I was to build up something from a frame around 450-470mm reach would that still feel "too small" every time I hop on it or be fine for mainly 10-20 minute runs across town? I mean my Bronson felt like a good fit 7 years ago at 447mm reach but if I rode it now it would probably feel weird.