Straw poll - 'Large' riders preference in frames (just out of curiosity)

pinno

Of the size X and above riders in the 6 foot and over category, what are your preferences in frame material and what are your experiences with CF frames?
I have a friend who only ever rode hand built steel frames and then Giant and then back to steel
Similar story with another who now rides Ti.

MattFalle

6'2, 89kgs, ride either a 57 or 58cm, no problem whatsoever with any frames of any material.

Although the S3 is fast as, stiff, comfy, light, etc, you can't beat an ali CAAD or Scandium Prince.

DeVlaeminck

6'2, 81kgs but most I've been is 92kg - even then I wouldn't have even considered my weight as a factor in frame material choice.

If money is no object and I'm looking for performance then carbon all the way - there are other factors that might bring steel, aluminium or titanium into the mix - either way my weight wouldn't be a factor.

twotoebenny

I'm 195cm and fluctuate between 85kgs and 92kgs. I prefer carbon frame, only issue i may have had is with breaking spokes on rear wheels but no problems with frames. I have a caad12 which i really don't like and need to sell defo prefer carbon

MidlandsGrimpeur2

I have a caad12 which i really don't like and need to sell

Genuine question, why don't you like the Caad?Have had one myself for years and love it. Not to say that everyone else automatically should as well!

Sorry to highjack the thread, was just interested.

veronese68

I've not got a carbon bike, but that's nothing to do with my size or weight. A neighbour was 6'8" and built like a rugby player. He had a carbon Planet X for a while, but it was a bit small for him. He then got a Canyon as they do larger sizes with no weight limit.

rakkor

6'6" 115kg - I've A Ribble Gran Fondo XXL CF as my Sunday bike, My commuter was/is a Decathalon Triban RC 520 XL which is excellent, but I went e-bike last year Cannnondale Synapse Neo 1 XL. All are comfy to ride, but Ribble no longer do an XXL frame, so not sure if I'd go back there again. The e-bike was a revelation for my commute.

Wheelspinner

A bit over 6' here and vary from 80 - 87 kg. Had loads of different frames, and while I had favourites, it wasn't because of the base material itself. Frame material is only a small part of the overall package. It's the design , geometry, tube profiles, and all the components that make the differences add up to a good or bad ride.

I've had carbon frames that felt dead and lifeless (Pinarello "budget" model), others that felt horribly harsh and uncomfortable - but efficient - to ride (Storck), and some that rode superbly (Pinarello high end model, Colnago, Look, Cervelo).

Steel frames that flexed like noodles. (Old Specialized, some random Italian frameset, even an old Giant)

Alloy frames that were fabulous - (Fondriest, Principia)

Alloy frames that rode fast and furious but were *very* harsh and uncomfortable to ride (Cannondale CAAD 7)

I've had a couple of Ti MTB frames which have been excellent, and currently have a Seven roadie in a mix of Ti and Carbon, but I've not ridden it enough yet to know what it's really like. It *looks* awesome.

orraloon

Not experienced enough in different frame materials to comment; roadie Synapse and graveller Boardman are both alloy frames, Kona tourer is heavy steel, bombproof bike.

6'4" and 105kg. Maybe I've missed out on a luxury frame and just been making do enjoying what I have?

samiam

6'5 83kg.

Have carbon, ti and aluminium. Ride 10k km/year, split almost equally through the bikes and frames. Prefer Ti frame (Ti > C > Al).

pinno

orraloon said:

Not experienced enough in different frame materials to comment; roadie Synapse and graveller Boardman are both alloy frames, Kona tourer is heavy steel, bombproof bike.

6'4" and 105kg. Maybe I've missed out on a luxury frame and just been making do enjoying what I have?

But you're a tight git and don't come over all chairman Mao on me.
Ribble CF frames are pretty darn cheap. Cheaper still are planet flex.

twotoebenny

MidlandsGrimpeur2 said:

I have a caad12 which i really don't like and need to sell

Genuine question, why don't you like the Caad?Have had one myself for years and love it. Not to say that everyone else automatically should as well!

Sorry to highjack the thread, was just interested.

Can't put my finger on one thing... I got it after all the rave reviews I'd read and I'm not sure it lives up the hype! Bottom bracket, wheels (now upgraded) brakes, chainset... all underwhelming. Think I'll try and flog and try a gravel or another cx bike.

rwoofer

I'm 6'6" and 90kgs. My biggest issue is with frame geos in the larger sizes more than material as I have CF, Ali and Steel in my garage.

Many UK brands (eg. Ribble) are just too aggressive in the larger sizes. Just as point of comparison my summer bike is a 2018 Supersix Evo HM, size 60 with a 130mm stem, so a little bit small, but does fit (with a 10cm saddle to bar drop). A Ribble endurance bike in the largest size is more aggressive than what was a world tour race bike! Generally I find German brands and Cervelo have good geos for tall, big people.

HilaryAmin

6' and 72kg (was 85 a couple of years ago). Have a bespoke compact steelie roughly equal to a 60cm size. It's a great frame (Columbus tubing) which doesn't steal power and descends beautifully. Good at handling road buzz too. Recently in the Alps I rode an off the peg Ti frame which was ok but I really missed the ergonomics of the steel bike and didn't notice any better ride on Ti, it too was a great descender . It may have been a bit lighter but it didn't matter to me. Have also ridden a CF framed machine, Trek Domane IIRC. Comfortable but found the handling a bit insensitive. My town bike is aluminum. It's a good town bike.

Not a luddite, but I will be sticking with the steelie. I think Wheelspinner sums it up well:

"Frame material is only a small part of the overall package. It's the design , geometry, tube profiles, and all the components that make the differences add up to a good or bad ride."