Bike for tall guy?

whitebait01

Hey,

Hoping you can help... I'm 6'6", 14st (down from about 16 1/2st when I started) with particularly long arms and legs and currently riding a Ridgeback Horizon, 60cm c-t, around 58cm top tube.

I've been pretty sure that it's too small for me for some time and a bikefit has confirmed this.

Question is, what's out there that'll fit me and fulfil the following criteria?

To be used for fast commuting (9 miles each way 5 days a week), with a few day rides and possibly a short tour or two.
Able to fit a rack.
Able to take proper mudguards.

I started commuting by bike in May last year and I love it. 95% of my riding is commuting and I'm on track to do about 3000 miles this year. I'm looking at spending around £1500 maximum for a new bike and would be after 105 level components at that kind of price. Happy to pay less! I was rather keen on the idea of a 63cm Kinesis Racelight TK2 but think this may still be a bit small...

Thanks in advance!

Goldlude

Hello mate

Im in a similar boat to you, however i have been measured at reputable LBS, and been advised i need a bike with a top tube length of 59.5 to 60.5.. Finding bikes that fit my need isnt easy, cannondale do something that will fit as will Rose bikes, specailised and trek do too but you will be on the limits of them.

rake

there are some things that make it hard if you have long legs with regard to torso length, you would need something quite tall and not too long which is even harder to find.worth measuring yourself to see what your proportions are. long legged people tend to have longer femurs than shins which puts your seat back and up hence the need for shorter frame.

Gazzetta67

Similar height and same problem longer legs shorter top half. I currently ride a 65cm Colnago but i could go for a 64cm. decided to use the bike measure system on the Canyon website got measured up 2 or 3 times and it kept coming back that i needed a 64cm. It's ok some folk saying that the top tube is more important,but if your seat tube is too short then a shorter frame is no use to a leggy person. might be selling my Colnago soon hint hint 8) .

whitebait01

Hello, thanks for your responses! There do seem to be a couple of options out there, but I fancy something a bit different and also something that'll take a rack and proper mudguards but without being a full on slack angled tourer... Basically if Kinesis did a TK2 one size bigger than a 63cm I'd be a happy man.

Any lanky guys tried a Condor Fratello? If so, what did you reckon? I saw a 64cm go in the classifieds not long ago, but hesitated and missed out...

Also, what about the Ribble Audax? Anyone tried/got the 64cm? Again, opinions?

Cheers!

huuregeil

I'd without a doubt be looking a custom steel frame (or something off-the peg-ish from e.g. Mercian/Bob Jackson). That way it can be made to fit exactly, and you get the mudguards/rack mounts you want, along with the handling to suit. There are some smaller builders that could put something together for £500-600. You then have budget to rest of the build, but canny purchasing would see you very comfortably within your budget. And you'd end up with the perfect bike!