Advice needed on a Boardman for a tallish rider...

F1ash
F1ash Posts: 4
edited October 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi, I'm new to the forum and would really appreciate some advice.

I've owned a Marin Nail Trial MTB which is now pretty old but has served me very well. I only really use it on road now so I now really fancy getting a nice road bike.

My ideal choice would be a Boardman Team Carbon but I'm concerned I might be the wrong shape/size for it. I can't try one out for size at my local Halfords Bikehut as they're pretty useless. They're hopelessly understaffed and only have one Boardman road bike on display which is too small to try.

I'm 6' 2.5" with long legs, short torso and long arms.

Are there any tall Boardman riders out there that find them an OK fit?

Any advice appreciated, thanks.

Comments

  • gregster10217
    gregster10217 Posts: 469
    Hope this helps you!!! I'm 6'4 and have ordered an XL, which is the 57.5cm frame. I also tried the L and found it just a bit too short on the reach, but the saddle height was perfect. I was also able to take the XL for a test ride on giving them a deposit equivilant to the cost of the bike-1hr test and very happy with it.
    Where abouts are you? Maidstone, Kent Halfords have been excellent for me and even ordered in the XL just for me to try for size, rang when it was in a set it up for the test ride and it was perfect. I've since received my C2W voucher and asked them to get me a Ltd Ed Team Carbon and it was done immediately. They're going to hang onto the standard carbon should there be any problems getting the Ltd Ed in so I'll have one or the other.
    Try to push your Halfords into being more helpful. They can obviously order in 'try for size' bikes and allow test rides, but some staff can be very unhelpful.
    Limited Edition Boardman Team Carbon No. 448
    Boardman MTB Team
  • freebs
    freebs Posts: 199
    I'm 6' 0" and have an XL '08 Road Pro. Fits me fine. Cracking bike.
  • F1ash
    F1ash Posts: 4
    gregster10217 wrote:
    Hope this helps you!!! I'm 6'4 and have ordered an XL, which is the 57.5cm frame. I also tried the L and found it just a bit too short on the reach, but the saddle height was perfect. I was also able to take the XL for a test ride on giving them a deposit equivilant to the cost of the bike-1hr test and very happy with it.
    Where abouts are you? Maidstone, Kent Halfords have been excellent for me and even ordered in the XL just for me to try for size, rang when it was in a set it up for the test ride and it was perfect. I've since received my C2W voucher and asked them to get me a Ltd Ed Team Carbon and it was done immediately. They're going to hang onto the standard carbon should there be any problems getting the Ltd Ed in so I'll have one or the other.
    Try to push your Halfords into being more helpful. They can obviously order in 'try for size' bikes and allow test rides, but some staff can be very unhelpful.

    Cheers for the replies.

    Yes, extremely helpful thanks Gregster - it sounds like your Halfords is one of the better ones. I'm in Sussex but will probably try the Halfords in Brighton next. I really like the look of the Limited Edition too... If you're OK at 6' 4" then I'm sure I'll be fine.
  • gregster10217
    gregster10217 Posts: 469
    Pleased to have been of assistance. Just as an addition, if you are on the cycle to work scheme, you don't need to put a deposit down so can order whichever model you want without having to hand over any cash. Hope you get decent service at Brighton, if not might be worth speaking to Simon or Rich in Maidstone just to see how good Halfords can be!
    Limited Edition Boardman Team Carbon No. 448
    Boardman MTB Team
  • joosed
    joosed Posts: 24
    Hi there,

    I'm the same height as you(6'2") with long legs and relatively short arms.

    I have the Boardman Comp in XL - fits me fine although the stem length makes it a bit of a stretch for me as compared to my other 2 bikes - the Ribble Sportive and Gary Fisher SingleSpeed.

    The XL should fit you just fine. The Comp is a very good bike btw.
  • F1ash
    F1ash Posts: 4
    Superb, I was worried I might have to go down the custom route.

    I measured my arm span - which is around 6' 5" - so I'm hoping I'll be OK for the handlebars.

    Now I just have to convince the wife it's a good idea for me to buy a new bike instead of the new front door she wants... is the warmth and security of my family really as important as a new bike for me? er, I may have to think about that one...

    Thanks for all the feedback :)

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