6ft 6 bike sizing for lanky streaks!!

hi_im_noddy
hi_im_noddy Posts: 3
edited April 2008 in MTB buying advice
hi am looking into a new bike after old one nicked from outside bedroom window :evil: have done lots research and yes before you say am gonna go into town try some bikes out nxt weekend, what would people reccomend do mainly xc and some singletrack, have been looking at merlin malt 1 lots cus can be got in a 23" frame. my prev bike was a gt in xl frame which was slightly too small (as post says im 6ft 6 got 36"inseam) it was fun on singletrak but rubbish for long rides as tended to sit on back of the seat to gain effective cockpit length. so an reccomendations, have thought bout a normal 21"frame again but a longer stem, but this encounters probs with turning circle etc!!budget is about £700 but have been eying up few lat year gary fisher full sussers for £1000 mark cheers

Comments

  • milkywhite
    milkywhite Posts: 534
    Giants are worth a look. I think they do 23" frames.

    Don't rule out "smaller frames". Differing geometry will result in an entirely different fit and feel on each bike.

    I'm 6'5" and comfortable ride a 19.5" Trek.
    2006 Trek Fuel 80
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    As you seem to say, more to do with sizing than just the seat tube length - top tube length is important for reach. Some 20inch frames from one brand may have longer top tubes than 23inch from others. Try a few out.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    Noddy - Hi mate. I am 6foot 7inches - I managed on an XL GT and I currently manage on a 21" framed Orange Crush. I sometimes get back pain, but I don't think you can get away from it when you're as big as we are!
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • punkypossum
    punkypossum Posts: 660
    Trek tend to do a good range of sizes, from tiny to giant - might be worth looking into...
    One day, I'm going to buy a cottage in a small village and become its idiot!
  • toasty
    toasty Posts: 2,598
    I'm 6"6' and have ridden 3x XL Specialized bikes with no issues (21"), I don't run any stems over 100mm as I can't stand the steering past that point. I had an XL GT Avalanche 1.0 for a while but found it too short so switched the frame out for a Stumpy HT.

    I'd definitely say top tube length is the issue with me, rather than height on a lot of brands.
    Stumpy FSR 29er
  • wheelbuckler
    wheelbuckler Posts: 134
    I'm 6 foot 5 and I ride a L GT avalanche and I find that to be very comfortable
  • hi_im_noddy
    hi_im_noddy Posts: 3
    well fruitless journeys visiting bike shops!as predicted most dont keep large frames in stock (prob cus only fit 2 in space fit 10 others!)been doing my research has anyone ever tried a cube out?the AMS comp can be had in a 22"frame for just over a grand although ithink might be a bit too much of a XC'er for my liking!also been looking at gt i drive's any tall peeps got one?might go try out the halfrauds model bikeradar recommends!

Categories