Reef95

Hi! I'm new here and I'm hoping to have a nice long stay. It's been a while since I've joined a forum.

I'm a male around 5'11 with a 32" inseam and around 165 lbs. and almost every guide I've looked into puts me smack dab in the middle of M and L for bike sizes. The particular bike that I'm looking into getting is a 2019 Norco Yorkville, simply for the reason that it's one of the few bikes that falls into my price range in the small city I live in.

The Norco website has a sizing chart and it recommends that I actually purchase the Norco Yorkville in XL size. After seeing this I decided to find a forum to join and see if anyone has experience with this bike.

I feel like a lot of people are going to tell me to get a proper bike fitting but after looking into a service like that in my area the lowest price is $200 for a fitting, which I feel is just a stupid insane price for a fitting (I could be wrong).. so I'm trying my best to avoid this route for this purchase.

This particular bike shop only offers the Norco Yorkville in size L, and I've been hesitating on pulling the trigger for some time now not knowing if this is the correct size. I'll just be using this bike for very casual bikes around town, heading to work, and down some small hiking paths, nothing intense.

Should I pull the trigger on a L Norco Yorkville? Any help/tips/information is super helpful since it's been a while since I've actually hopped on a bike.

Thanks,
Reef

Phil_gretz

After a cursory scan of the product description for the 2019 Norco Yorkville, here are some observations that may help you.

You're looking at a hybrid bike. It's a step-over compact frame, with 700c wheels and an adjustable stem. This means that each size increment is meant to fit over a wide(r) range of riders. Another way to say this is that absolute fit measurements aren't as necessary for this type of bicycle. The adjustable quill stem would allow you to position the bars where you need them for comfort.

I'm a bit taller than you with similar leg length. I have a longer torso. I would guess with pretty high confidence that the Large size would work very well for you.

What is the shop's return/exchange policy if you're not satisfied with the purchase?

Good luck. PG

Reef95

Thanks for the informative reply. I didn't actually think about return policies, I'll look into that right now!

shelbyfv

As Phil pointed out, that type of bike is very versatile/accommodating as to size. If you can sit on the bike in the shop and it doesn't feel wildly "wrong" then you should be good to go.

livedarklions

Does the bike shop let you test ride the bike? That will give you a good idea of whether you can actually put some miles on the thing.

I'm finding the XL recommendation shocking and am happy to hear you're disregarding it. I find that erring on the side of slightly too big is a disaster, but slightly too small can be compensated for with adjustments. Phil_gretz is spot on, that bike is extremely adaptable, but no bike has a shrink ray feature.

,

Iride01 

If the manufacturer sizing guide shows you as being good for two sizes then pick one. If you have no other experience, then trust them. Generally the smaller size will feel a tad more sporty.

Don't spend all your money on your first bike. If you get to riding a lot you probably will want another bike that is more appropriate to the riding style you evolved into.

wolfchild

In my experience you don't need a professional bike fit. It's very easy to make all the adjustments yourself at home. All you need is to choose a right size bike for your height...After doing a couple of rides you may have to make some minor adjustments to your saddle and handlebars and that's it. If you're new to cycling you will experience some discomfort at first until you get used to being in the saddle.

Barry2 

I would agree with this statement, IF, you are not having significant longer term troubles.

As an experienced cyclist returning to cycling after several decades, I was having serious knee trouble, to the point where I thought I might not be able to continue cycling.
A professional Bike fit both diagnosed and fixed the issue instantly. It could've taken me weeks, if I even found the problem at all.
During manufacturing one leg was attached incorrectly with a slight twist. All it took was a slight rotation of the cleat on one shoe.

Barry

freeranger

Some sizing guides may be better than others. I've test ridden every bike I've owned. I was considering a hybrid a while back (not Norco), and the sizing guide said a medium was the correct size. Went to a shop that, at the time (prior covid), had both a medium and a large in stock. The medium was much too small, while the large fit just right. If you can, test ride the bike. If you can't rest ride, as mentioned, check out the return policy and see when another size would be available. XL sounds like would be be too large for you, as prev.mentioned.

terrymorse 

The Norco Yorkville size chart recommends L size for heights 5'6-1/2" to 5'10-1/2", and XL size for heights 5'9-1/2" t0 6'2-1/2".

Trust the company's recommendations. At 5'11", you'll fit more easily on the XL.

curbtender

Easier to make a smaller frame longer than a larger frame shorter. That said, with the slant on the top tube, I'd go large at your height.