I like more clearance, but I can tell you that during my extensive riding last summer (some on some limit pushing terrains), the top tube never got in my way.

Since I have the Talus, I try to make the most of it. Most of my riding is either climbing or descending, I go back and forth between 110 and 140 all the time. But I use 110 solely because I'm climbing and trying to be efficient, not because I feel tall with 140 setting. I do use Gravity Dropper a lot if I feel I need to drop a couple of inches though.

Oh, just saw your comment on my About page.

>I am in the midst of searching for the perfect bike for me as well. After almost a year of riding the carbon FTM how do you like it till now? (that is if you are still riding it). I am a small rider, just 5'4" and i am wondering if size s will suit me well. Or should I look elsewhere at other manufacturers who make frames in xs. How tall are you?

If anything, I sometimes feel I was a little stretched out in my arms, but photos seem to look fine. Maybe that's because my previous bike had a shorter top tube and I was too used to it. I didn't think the factor affected my riding negatively. I just adapted to it. Otherwise, the bike feels pretty stable. which I think is partly a result of the larger size.

>Any input from your experiences would help tremendously. The do's and don'ts or the can and can'ts of the ftm carbon.

I love my side loading bottle holder. I did have a cracked rear triangle (in the horizontal non-chain stay) when I laid the bike down on a slope once (not violently). I got a crash replacement for it. The incidence didn't bother me much because I think that was pure coincidence. But if you ride in rocks a lot and are not afraid of crashing, I don't know if the carbon rear triangle should be a concern — on the other hand, my husband said most other material will break too if the force hits in the right (or wrong) direction.

>From a cosmetic point of view, what say you between the black and the blue model?!

I can't put a finger to it, but the black/red definitely appeals to me more. But maybe that's because I came from China. Blue looks nice too.

You have a sweet looking rig there. Btw, how tall are you? How much space do you have between the top tube and your, err, crotch?! What's your inseam? I am only 5'4" with a 29.5" inseam and am wondering a size s will even fit me! Or should I be looking at another make which has an xs size.

Are you using the full 140mm on your fork or do you use less to lower the bike somewhat?

Thanks!

Now, is my ride the only small FTM carbon in the Bay Area? I feel special.

Your ride is amazing, just like you!

Titus is no longer in business. It is all over the mtbr forums. This is sad news. This news went public last week. Tough times.

You know my Chris rides a Motolite, since 2005 (I think that's the year she got it). I was looking at the FTMs for sale at Jenson, but we aren't going to buy one.

-Paul

please i write from caracas………….thank you