Salsa Cutthroat Sizing

6 replies · 1,051 views

Gravel Scott
12 posts
#1Feb 18, 2024, 5:25 PM
I am 6' 1" and that falls between the 56 cm and 58 cm Cutthroat for sizing.

I was able to ride both sizes- the 56 felt cramped and I would probably need to go with a 10-11 cm stem (stock stem was 8 cm), but I had plenty of room to stand over the top tube.

The 58 cm was the right size reach wise, but the top tube was pretty much in my crotch.

Salsa says when between sizes to size down, but given the bikes geometry (slack head tube and steep seat tube) I am not sure how it would ride with a much longer stem. Would the steering be too vague?

Any Cutthroat owners out there that might be able to comment? I am leaning towards the 58 cm frame and taking my chances with top tube.

Any input would be appreciated.
0
ljsmith
762 posts
#2Feb 19, 2024, 12:08 PM
Personally I would go with the 58. Even on single track I don’t have a need for a lot of clearance over the top tube on a gravel bike. I would much rather have the geometry optimized for my riding position than my standing over the top tube position. It also gives you room for a larger frame bag if you bikepack.
0
Renegade
76 posts
#3Feb 19, 2024, 3:54 PM
I am 6' 1" also and rode the large. I had no issues.

I have it for sale if you want to save some money. 2019 Rival 1X cutthroat.
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Gravel Scott
12 posts
#4Feb 19, 2024, 4:23 PM
I am 6' 1" also and rode the large. I had no issues.

I have it for sale if you want to save some money. 2019 Rival 1X cutthroat.
Thanks Renegade, but I am looking at bikes with 2X set ups.
0
3TX
55 posts
#5Mar 12, 2024, 12:42 AMedited
Looking at the Salsa cutthroat geometry, the stack is quite high in relation to the the reach. + the standover height on the 58 of 851mm is high too. Even the 56 is high at 810mm. It sounds like if the top tube is in your crotch the 58 is too tall for you.
Overall Height is only one measure for buying the correct bike size. It varies whether you have long legs and a short torso/arms? or short legs and long torso/arms?
I’m 6ft tall, with long torso and shorter inside leg of 830mm. Importantly, what’s your inside leg measurement?
A stem of 100mm or 110mm is entirely normal. I use both sizes of stem on my two gravel bikes, which are size 56.
1
Gravel Scott
12 posts
#6Mar 13, 2024, 4:01 PM
Thanks everyone for the input. I would have probably ultimately opted to size down, but I actually elected to go with a Lauf Seigla Weekend Warrior Wireless (rigid fork). The tire clearance is not too far off from the Cutthroat (57mm), the bike has a threaded BB, I really can't complain about the price, and I have plenty of stand over clearance on the size large frame. The ride is great and I'm looking forward to getting it out on some gravel courses.
1
3TX
55 posts
#7Mar 13, 2024, 8:57 PM
Thanks everyone for the input. I would have probably ultimately opted to size down, but I actually elected to go with a Lauf Seigla Weekend Warrior Wireless (rigid fork). The tire clearance is not too far off from the Cutthroat (57mm), the bike has a threaded BB, I really can't complain about the price, and I have plenty of stand over clearance on the size large frame. The ride is great and I'm looking forward to getting it out on some gravel courses.
The Lauf is an interesting looking bike. Will be interesting to hear what you think of it. ...👍Sounds like you chose the correct size.
1

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