Tall guy looking for a Big Bike

baconater
baconater Posts: 72
edited November 2012 in Road buying advice
looking to get back and get fit again, and figured a road bike is going to be my best avenue whether it be on the turbo trainer in the living room or out on the open road.

Only problem is i am 6ft 8 and therefore going to need a rather sizeable bike, i was thinking around the 60-64cm frame size range.

also in a few places i have seen people talking about the legnth od top tube, again i dont know if i am going to need a longer one or what?

if you could help either by suggesting models to look at or you possible have something you could sell, dont hesitate to get ni contact with me.
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift, Thats why it's called the Present

so im grabbing my bike and going for a ride

Comments

  • loismustdie
    loismustdie Posts: 127
    I'm 6'4" and am comfortable on a 58cm BMC. Their largest size is a 61cm, which may be a good place to start if you're near an Evans.
  • Gazzetta67
    Gazzetta67 Posts: 1,890
    Baconater wrote:
    looking to get back and get fit again, and figured a road bike is going to be my best avenue whether it be on the turbo trainer in the living room or out on the open road.

    Only problem is i am 6ft 8 and therefore going to need a rather sizeable bike, i was thinking around the 60-64cm frame size range.

    also in a few places i have seen people talking about the legnth od top tube, again i dont know if i am going to need a longer one or what?

    if you could help either by suggesting models to look at or you possible have something you could sell, dont hesitate to get ni contact with me.

    Just a shade under 6'6" here. Ride a 61cm Tifosi winter bike (sloping) quite a bit of seatpin showing tho & Colnago 65cm (traditional top tube). Cube bikes go up to a 64cm and Canyon go up to a size 66cm . I have never bought into that idea you have to concentrate more on the length of the top tube as it could be 100cms for all i care...If the seat stay is not long enough your going to be pedalling with your knees as you wont be able to straighten your leg fully.
  • beams87
    beams87 Posts: 151
    I am 6ft 7in and had much the same problem as you about 8 months ago when looking for a cycle scheme bike.

    I ended up finding a 2012 Orbea Aqua TTG in my LBS, in a 60cms frame. Initially, because I did not get a professional bike fit, or take advice from friends/cyclists, I had my saddle too high and too far back, so I was straining to reach the hoods. I thought this symptomatic of a too large frame!

    After some fettling with seat position, a slightly shorter stem and moving my hoods slightly I have ended up with a good fit. So, 60cms for a very tall guy like me can work! All bikes have different geometry though, and this model suits me fine.

    Some models have a longer TT' which for me does not work as I have a shorter torso proportionally to my legs and arms.
    So to answer your query, if you're like me with a short torso, then a long TT will NOT suite you. Therefore,TT length does matter. Try out different models of a 60 and 62 frame, perhaps the BMC 61 frame.

    Bear in mind that larger frames tend to flex more under load as the are less stiff, and as heavy guys we need to be careful to balance the trade off in frame size/comfort with longetivity of the frame (break it in two)!

    Another one to think about when purchasing is crank length. If you are all leg like me then you'd be better off with longer-than-normal cranks. Something to bear in mind!
    "A beaten path is for beaten men"
  • bigtallandheavy
    bigtallandheavy Posts: 40
    6"5 and have a size 64 cube peloton race 2013. About 4 inch of seat post showing. Great value 2 in my opinion, looks great also.
  • jumbosausage
    jumbosausage Posts: 77
    Don't get too hung up on bike sizing equations.

    Many factors can influence your ideal bike fit.....age, weight, proportion, mobility, previous cycling experience/future aspirations. The list is endless.

    I'm sure the advice the others are giving is fine but you need to get out there and try as many as poss. Find a source you trust (not always easy!)

    Good luck
  • Kiwi_rich
    Kiwi_rich Posts: 68
    Hi, I am 6'6" and have a 64 canyon & a 65 Colnago (which is a fantastic fit) both great bikes. In the past I have had 63cm cannondale which also fitted well.

    It is worth getting a bike fitting to get the right bike & setup - my legs are long for my height which means seat height/position vs reach are important.

    Worth getting it right first time. Good luck

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