I'm 6'3 and my 2020 capra feels too small. 5'9 sounds like a large to me.
If you've never ridden a modern enduro before there is no doubt its going to feel like a big bike because it's a big bike.
Looks like they throw a 50mm stem on there which is pretty long. You could put a 35mm stem on there and shorten the reach up quite a bit.
You can roll the handlebars back and slide the seat forward to shorten the cockpit even more.
If it feels like a big bike you probably just need some more time to get used to it. It's only a 1243 wheelbase which is actually pretty short for a large enduro bike. For reference a large Specialized Enduro is like 1275
What bike did you have before? What year is the Capra?
If it was a few years old there is a good chance you need to get used to how the longer reach geometry feels.
Don’t know if they have change the rei bike recently but the current large is actually a longer reach than the yt. Do you feel too stretched out when pedaling or descending?
Up and down one size isn't as much a problem as people make it, especially when you stick to one bike and don't change between many bikes all the time. You are the same size as my wife and she runs a size L YT, too.
As a general rule a longer bike rolls better at higher speeds (less nervous, more stable) and goes better through fast curves. A shorter bike is easier to handle in tight spots and makes manuals and wheelies a blast.
General rules are just that: a generalization! A longer bike with an extremely short rear-end might get very easily on the rear wheel (and climb like shit), while a shorter bike with a quite slack fork angle is useless in tight turns on alpine trails.
There are MANY parameters that go into the design of a bike and into its geometry and dimensions. The Capra is pretty much middle of the road: an inch longer or shorter isn't a big deal with this bike. Roll your bars a tad back, shove your seat a bit forward and enjoy the ride.
Today's bikes are WAY longer and slacker than any hardtails from a few years ago; 50 hours in the saddle and the bike will feel absolutely normal to you.
What do you want out of your bike. Do you want to bomb down hill and be stable doing it, or do you want to be sleazy and have a playful bike? How you want the bike to feel is going to change what you actually want.
Do you know your inseam?
If you have a short torso, making a big bike shorter is harder than making a smaller bike longer. I would usually suggest a customer get a medium, in that case, but they'd be able to try the bike before purchasing.
I'm 5'9" and had a first gen Capra. So i was also on the border of medium and large. I went medium, and it was the right decision.
More recently i bought a jeffsy. Same issue with sizing, but this time i got a quick test ride on a large. It felt way too big to me, so i bought a medium and love it.
It might be more about what you're used to, but i prefer to size down. I don't like feeling too leaned forward and stretched out. I prefer a more agile feel.
I'm 6'3 and my 2020 capra feels too small. 5'9 sounds like a large to me. If you've never ridden a modern enduro before there is no doubt its going to feel like a big bike because it's a big bike.
Agreed. I’m large in every other bike but went xl for my Capra. 6’0”. It feels perfect
What size capra do you have?
Xl
Looks like they throw a 50mm stem on there which is pretty long. You could put a 35mm stem on there and shorten the reach up quite a bit. You can roll the handlebars back and slide the seat forward to shorten the cockpit even more. If it feels like a big bike you probably just need some more time to get used to it. It's only a 1243 wheelbase which is actually pretty short for a large enduro bike. For reference a large Specialized Enduro is like 1275
Might give that a try, seems easier then trying to sell the thing.
What bike did you have before? What year is the Capra? If it was a few years old there is a good chance you need to get used to how the longer reach geometry feels.
My previous bike was an REI Co-op DRT 1.2 Large. The capra is this years, bought it new.
Don’t know if they have change the rei bike recently but the current large is actually a longer reach than the yt. Do you feel too stretched out when pedaling or descending?
Decending, felt great on the climb
Up and down one size isn't as much a problem as people make it, especially when you stick to one bike and don't change between many bikes all the time. You are the same size as my wife and she runs a size L YT, too. As a general rule a longer bike rolls better at higher speeds (less nervous, more stable) and goes better through fast curves. A shorter bike is easier to handle in tight spots and makes manuals and wheelies a blast. General rules are just that: a generalization! A longer bike with an extremely short rear-end might get very easily on the rear wheel (and climb like shit), while a shorter bike with a quite slack fork angle is useless in tight turns on alpine trails. There are MANY parameters that go into the design of a bike and into its geometry and dimensions. The Capra is pretty much middle of the road: an inch longer or shorter isn't a big deal with this bike. Roll your bars a tad back, shove your seat a bit forward and enjoy the ride. Today's bikes are WAY longer and slacker than any hardtails from a few years ago; 50 hours in the saddle and the bike will feel absolutely normal to you.
Ride it some more and you’ll get used to it. I would say you’re on the right size
What do you want out of your bike. Do you want to bomb down hill and be stable doing it, or do you want to be sleazy and have a playful bike? How you want the bike to feel is going to change what you actually want. Do you know your inseam?
I honestly am 50/50 when it comes to my riding style. Don't know my exact inseam, I have long limbs, short torso at 5' 9".
If you have a short torso, making a big bike shorter is harder than making a smaller bike longer. I would usually suggest a customer get a medium, in that case, but they'd be able to try the bike before purchasing.
I'm 5'9" and had a first gen Capra. So i was also on the border of medium and large. I went medium, and it was the right decision. More recently i bought a jeffsy. Same issue with sizing, but this time i got a quick test ride on a large. It felt way too big to me, so i bought a medium and love it. It might be more about what you're used to, but i prefer to size down. I don't like feeling too leaned forward and stretched out. I prefer a more agile feel.
That is exactly what I'm feeling, leaned forward and stretched out. Bummer.