Bikes for Giants????
lobsterboy3
Posts: 7
Hey!
I'm just about to get back in the saddle after a small sabbatical. However I am facing problems. All the main manufacturer's don't seem to have bikes to fit me. I am 6'8 and in fair shape (19 stones).
Looking at all the sizing charts they seem to stop at 6'4.
I'm looking for help.
I have seen websites like Zinn, which are great but bikes are expensive. People have told me that I should go for hardtail as full sus would not suit me. They have also said I could just get an extended seatpost.
I am sure that I cannot be the only one in this situation and would greatly welcome any advice.
I have a budget between £1-2K.
What bike would be best suited for me.
Thanks in advance.
Lobsterboy3
I'm just about to get back in the saddle after a small sabbatical. However I am facing problems. All the main manufacturer's don't seem to have bikes to fit me. I am 6'8 and in fair shape (19 stones).
Looking at all the sizing charts they seem to stop at 6'4.
I'm looking for help.
I have seen websites like Zinn, which are great but bikes are expensive. People have told me that I should go for hardtail as full sus would not suit me. They have also said I could just get an extended seatpost.
I am sure that I cannot be the only one in this situation and would greatly welcome any advice.
I have a budget between £1-2K.
What bike would be best suited for me.
Thanks in advance.
Lobsterboy3
0
Comments
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Are you not best to visit a few lbs's and see what they have to say/show? That way you'll get a feel on them.0
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Yep, need to try them. Some will definitely fit, sizing varies massively.0
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Thanks Guys. 1 Question lbs's - does that mean bike shops? (Sorry to be dim)0
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Yep! Local bike shop.
I'm 6ft, with a 35 inch inside leg. I have bikes that vary from 16 inch frames to 20.5 inch. And they all fit me for what i do!0 -
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Some manufacturers don't import their XL frames to the UK but shops can get them. A mate who is 6'7" managed to get a XL Giant Trance. I think Santa Cruz make some very large framesTransition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=130702350
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Thanks for your advice. I have been visiting shops and have found that the sizing of bikes varies massively. It is imperative that anyone looking to choose a new bike to go and visit your nearest shop. I found that the sizing charts may as well go out of the window. Being 6'8 I thought I would have problems but I am happy to report that I had a great deal of choice. I also think it is important to state riding style has a great impact on your decision. (It did for me!)
I have narrowed the choice to 2 bikes - both hardtails -
The Kona Kula 2013 (22in) & Santa Cruz Chameleon 2013. (XL)
The Chameleon has slightly better spec (Fox Forks instead of Rock Shox - XT components etc) but this comes at a premium £400 more.
Both bikes feel great underneath me (managed a test ride on each) so I have come back to you cap in hand to see what choice you guys would make?
Thanks for your initial advice - hope you can help again!
Regards
Lobster Boy0 -
Have you got links to the exact models?0
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Hey,
Have found similar specs on line to give you an idea!
The Kula is the standard set-up -
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kon ... e-ec044030
The Chameleon is as follows -
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/1157 ... -bike-2013
The Fork is different from above (It's a Fox Float not sure on the exact model) - everything else the same.
Prices I have been qtd - £1400 for the Kula, £1899 for the SC.
Thanks.0 -
The Kula is the racier of the bikes - less travel, intended for more XC duties. The Chameleon is heavier, but designed more for harder riding and has a mor laid back riding position.
Fit is important of course, but the Kula has an atrocious specification for the money, some basic parts found on some £500 bikes. That said value wise the Chameleon is isn't any better.
What other shops do you have locally?0 -
Hey,
I live in Cheshire - but would be willing to travel to find the right spec at the right price. Do you have any suggestions?
Regards0 -
I'd travel to Paul's Cycles, and look at something like this for an XC bike:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... Suspension
or
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... Suspension
As you can see the specs are superb, as are the reviews.0 -
Thanks supersonic. Will do! Appreciate the help!0
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There is a very good section for tall riders on mtbr, IIRC it is called Clydesdale and Tall riders
There are guys taller and bigger than you. The generally consensus seems to be for a FS a Turner 5 Spot, but they do not come cheap. A lot of bikes seem to have weight limits in the region of 125-135kg.
You will need some decent wheels though, along the lines of Hope Pro 2 with Mavic EX721 or 823 rims.
Be prepared to wear out a lot of chains!0
