Tall person bike advice

jefferythegiraffe

Dear All,

I'm 6'5" and currently ride an old 1970/1980's 25" steel Raleigh, I'm an occassional rider, however I do the odd 10 mile time trial, occasionally ride to work (40miles each way) and very occassional audax's.

I'm looking at spending upto a grand on a nice shiney bit of kit. However due to my height I find it very difficult to visit shops and actually try out 63cm bikes which I believe will fit me.

Has anyone got any decent suggestions on how to actually try out a few different 63cm bikes and is there a comprehensive list on the internet which details what manufacturers make 63cm bikes?

Also as a slight curve ball I think a cyclocross bike could be fun to commute on, giving me curb hoping capabilities. But I believe that the largest cyclocross bike available is a 62cm. Is this correct and would anyone have concerns about buying a slightly smaller CC bike rather than a std road bike.

Thanks,

windbreaker

I'm 6'5" and recently got properly measured. My old cannondale 63cm is too big. Now I have a 62cm Trek. Get measured properly and there are plenty of bikes that will fit. Your choice will be restricted butt his may make choosing easier. Avoid internet purchases unless you are really confident. I would now be happy to buy some 60cm. Indeed my most commonly used bike is an Edinburgh Courier which is "too small" but has a long seat post, and I am comfortable with the drop to the bars.

paulbox

It's not just your height that is important, it's the composition of the height (i.e. long legs, short torso etc.).

If you post where abouts in the world you are, somebody might suggest a good local bike shop who can help you get measured up.

jefferythegiraffe

I'm in Manchester, England.

Butterd2

I'm only a short arse at 6'3" but I ride a 58cm and that fits just fine. Do you really need a 63cm?

Shark Sandwich

Butterd2 wrote:

I'm only a short ars* at 6'3" but I ride a 58cm and that fits just fine. Do you really need a 63cm?

Defintiely all about trying bikes out in all makes all sizes, Im 6' 1" and ride a 61cm Allez, most bike sizing guides based on inside leg said i should be going for a 58 but they were all too small for my reach. It was only from trying them out that found out i needed the larger size.

rake

tall with long legs is all about the reach not being too long and trying to keep the bar height reasonable. it quite tricky. if you can look for a tallish head tube and not too long a top tube, but shorter stems can help, unless of course you have a long reach as well.