Right size Trek 950 vs tad too small 970 - any thoughts?

[Frankengoose]

I wanna build up a daily driver and have to decide between a 22" 950 that should fit for my height or a 20" 970.
(Both bikes I would have to buy blind and have them send to me...)
So this is a question about steel: Both being about the same price, but the 970 being a higher Tange (prob. Prestige) and the 950 being
True Temper AT - anyone know if the difference will be significant?
Am I blinded by "cool steel" that I even consider riding a smaller frame?
For a DD I would prefer comfort over agility and this could probably only be answered by people who rode/ride both.

 

[MT62]

Just few thoughts,

I personally ride quite a variety of sizes, in general something between 19 and 22" ctt and various top tube lengths, depending on intended use. I prefer the smaller agile frames, but big ones are more chill for commutes or loaded touring. That said, the whole range of sizes is fone for me, but according to your post, I'm not sure whether both considered sizes are rideable for you. I mean, 19" ctt is fine for me, 18" is already a no go. Is 20" still fine for you?

That said, in general I don't think there are many people able to notice differences in how do these two already nice frames feel. I wouldn't, and I can easily see the point of having a better frame, but I don't think it makes a difference in everyday use. While having a too small frame is something you would notice.

Also, which year they are? The catalogs are in the archive of this forums (and some of them include geometry charts, I believe, not sure now). Details on frame materials are there. I personally own a '92 970, which is double butted True Temper, and that year's 950 should be about the same material too, I think. The difference is mostly in the fork and components.

 

[hamster]

Geometry beats material every time. But fit beats geometry.

Over the years I have ridden low-end frames that feel wonderful so I'd go with one of the right size. Your choice is not between a £89 Tesco special and something decent anyway. I'm sure you will enjoy the 950.

 

[alban]

Not adding a lot here, but I've got a 950 from '91 and at one point I had a 990 from the same year. Only recognisable difference was that my 950 has quite thick fork legs, and the 990 forks were a lot thinner and nicer looking. Afraid I don't know what the 970 is! Hopefully you've found models from the years before they stopped building with lugs.

100% recommend for the geometry though. they ride really nice.

 

[Frankengoose]

Thanks for your insights!
Right now I have 2 smaller frames and I know they don't fit that well.
I'll get the 950