Big Frames for Big People

ajkerr73

I've been riding an XL Giant Defy 1 for the last 18 months (my first road bike) and I'm now in the market for a cross bike for the winter then a carbon replacement for the Defy in the new year.

I had a retul bike fit done on the Defy which made a notable difference to comfort and my performace. When doing the bike fit, the guy mentioned that there were few manufacturers that would make a frame that I would fit.

I'm 195cm tall.

Any of the taller chaps out there suggest which manufacturers do (or dont) do a bframe that I should consider??

I reckon an XL Planet X is too small. I'd assume a Spesh XXL would fit (but I'm not a huge Spesh). I wouldnt know where to start with CUbe sizing and CAnyon seem to have big frames???

Bit of a struggle with all the different Geometries.

Is there a simple explanation of what retul's "Stack and Reach" figures mean??

imposter2.0

195cm = 6ft 5in? Ok, it's tall, but to be honest, it's not that unusual. I would say most manufacturers' frames should be able to accommodate that kind of height. If you are currently on a Giant, then look at other frames in the Giant range.

gabriel959

I am 194,5cm and don't even ride the biggest frames! Then again I have got short legs.

freefall_junkie

As mentioned above leg length is key. I am only 188cm (6ft2) tall but I have a 92cm inside leg which would be more typical of someone 6ft4+. The only meaningful way to compare frame sizes between manufacturers is to look at the stack and reach measurements. My 61 Bianchi Infinito CV has a stack and reach pretty well identical to a 58 Scott Solace. The 61 Solace is huge and might suit. Cubes come up small for their stated size. My 62 Cube cross bike is really more like a 60 from other manufacturers. I think Cube do make a '64' in some models.

There is a good explanation of stack and reach on the Cervelo web site http://www.cervelo.com/en/engineering/t ... d-fit.html

elbowloh

I'm 6'5" too and ride a Felt, which do large frame sizes (mine's a 61cm).

kajjal

freefall_junkie wrote:

As mentioned above leg length is key. I am only 188cm (6ft2) tall but I have a 92cm inside leg which would be more typical of someone 6ft4+. The only meaningful way to compare frame sizes between manufacturers is to look at the stack and reach measurements. My 61 Bianchi Infinito CV has a stack and reach pretty well identical to a 58 Scott Solace. The 61 Solace is huge and might suit. Cubes come up small for their stated size. My 62 Cube cross bike is really more like a 60 from other manufacturers. I think Cube do make a '64' in some models.

There is a good explanation of stack and reach on the Cervelo web site http://www.cervelo.com/en/engineering/t ... d-fit.html

Strangely I am over 6ft6 and have only a little longer legs at 92.7cm / 36.5" inseam.

I ride a 62cm Trek and with the stem flipped upright it is fine for me. Trek also do 64cm frames which must be very big. The problem I found was the brakes were appalling so I upgraded them to 105's which are much better. Also the saddle was too narrow for me. Both easily changed.

Find the Trek 1.5 on the Trek website and it has a diagram / table with frame sizes on it.

BigMac in France

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I measure 2 meters 1/2 cm with an inseam of 98 cm. I can't help you much for the offroad bike, I purchased the biggest frame model I could find in a general sports shop, (Scrapper XC RAC 56 from Go Sport) knowing I wouldn't use it except for riding with family or an occasional tour in the country.

I might be able to help give some advice on the future carbon model however. I just spent a number of weeks looking on the internet for a road bike in my size. I decided on the Focus Cayo XL (My first choice was the Trek 64 but no dealer in France had one or even proposed ordering one for me, similar for Cube). I've had the Cayo only three weeks now. It is much better than my previous Giant OCR, however there are a few things you might encounter and going to a professional to order a specific build might be in your interest.
A very experienced friend of mine came over to adjust the bike for me. Unfortunately the standard components delivered with the bike don't allow for an optimum adjustment. Even though the seat stem is still not at it's maximum height, I can't set the seat far enough back. The handlebars are currently too low despite the 5 stem rings, and the reach is a bit short. I think the best way to get both added height and length is investing in a 140mm long potence with 10° which will give me about 1cm in height and length (delivered with 120mm 7°). Is it worth the time and investment, I don't know... I guess I won't know unless I try. What worries me is the length of the break and speed cables. I'm not sure the cables are long enough to allow for the added distance. I'm not up to investing in a new set of cables all around and having them installed. This is why I suggest you go to a serious dealer. I ordered mine through the internet and the dealer gave me what he could, without a serious study on my sizing.

Also, having long legs, my friend suggested I consider investing in longer pedal stems. The Cayo in XL was equipped 175 which are the longest Campagnolo provide. I found one manfacturer who can provide 180 or even 185 (which are still considered short for my legs) but a new problem arises... the heel of my size 14(UK), 49(EU) foot will probably end up bumping into the derailler! This has already occured when riding once when my foot twisted inward.

On the subject of "serious dealers", I contacted 4 reputed shops in my area. None of them had the largest frames of the models I was considering, but all were ready to sell me a smaller frame adjusted to my size, assuring me they could do it. I really doubt they could fit me optimally because I still can't quite get it with a frame size supposedly meant for someone my size. It's pretty close to optimum fitting, and is giving me lot's of pleasure, though I haven't riden more than 2 hours in an outing yet.

I started a website on FB for tall bikers to exchange information. I only found a few entries on various bike forums. Hope this helps with your future carbon bike.

popularname

I'm 195 cm and ride a Trek Domane 62 cm frame. I used to have a madone 64cm (nicked…) and was worried that the 62 would be too small, but not at all. I have a 110mm stem. Very comfortable.

derosa

I'm 190cm Road bikes are a Defy XL, TCR L and Felt 61cm F1.
Also have a Felt cross bike, but needed to size down to a smaller size due to different geometry. The only way to be sure is to try before you buy.

Rod11

I'm 193cm with long legs, and I ride a 58cm Cervelo R3, albeit had to buy a longer seat post. Just take the measurements from your bike fit and compare them to geometries of other bikes. That should narrow down your choices for you to test ride.