Road Cycling - Bike for Tall Folks

Hi All, and apologies if this has been hashed over too many times... :rolleyes:

I am 6' 5", with a 36" inseam and 35" sleeve. I also do not want to be hunched over too far, and it appears that most new road bikes have gone threadless and, consequently, have little tiny short head tubes! My neck hurts just thinking about it...

It has been suggested to me that a 25" 70s/80s vintage touring bike (a la Motobecane, Gitane, Miyata, etc) would be my best bet...

Anyone else with a fantastic idea? Money is an object - shouldn't cost more than $300 - $400. Suggestions, sensible or otherwise are welcome!

I have several "tall" cycling friends. They ride road bikes with no problems at all.
Some ride mountain bikes.
Some ride recumbents.

To help you decide what you size frame and type of bike you might like, go to wrenchscience (http://www.wrenchscience.com/WS1/default.asp).

Gee-In that price range, the choices are a bit limited. although, my LBS did have a 27" Panasonic touring bike for only $150 last year. It sat for 2 years before somebody bought it. That may have been about right.
I have a friend who is 6'6", and he has a Trek 720(?) MTB in a 21 or 22" frame-big bike for a big rider. It seems to fit him perfectly.

It is not easy finding bikes for tall folks without laying out some big dough for a special made frame.

I always buy used tall bikes when I find them knowing that I will eventually be able to help a tall friend in need.

Some bike sellers try to convince tall riders that the bike geometry can be accomodated by an extended seat post. Not true - the top tube falls short and hunches the riders back like an armadillo.

If you read German, as your handle implies, you should look at this month's issue of Tour, which has a review of bikes for tall folks like yourself. Their website is www.tour-magazin.de. I don't know whether they put all the articles on the web.

Gute Fahrt!
Jamie