Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New Bike advice

I am 6'4" 260lbs I found a good deal on a Jamis Coda Sport 21.5in with flat handelbar at my local bike shop. My last bike was a 97 Cannondale R500 61cm with drops(50lbs ago, have not ridden in about 8 yrs). My Question is, is the Jamis frame size to small? it comes as big as 23in but none in stock so no deal. TIA-whitehare-

I am 6'4" 260lbs I found a good deal on a Jamis Coda Sport 21.5in with flat handelbar at my local bike shop. My last bike was a 97 Cannondale R500 61cm with drops(50lbs ago, have not ridden in about 8 yrs). My Question is, is the Jamis frame size to small? it comes as big as 23in but none in stock so no deal. TIA-whitehare-
Sounds a bit small to me. All I can say is see if it's really comfortable.;)

+1 to what Tom said. If it fits, go for it, otherwise is the c-dale still around? You could start out on that.. not a shabby ride to say the least.

I am 6'4" 260lbs I found a good deal on a Jamis Coda Sport 21.5in with flat handelbar at my local bike shop. My last bike was a 97 Cannondale R500 61cm with drops(50lbs ago, have not ridden in about 8 yrs). My Question is, is the Jamis frame size to small? it comes as big as 23in but none in stock so no deal. TIA-whitehare-

It's really hard to determine how to match up measurements from one bike to another, there are no fewer then 8 different ways to come up with that measurement.

1) Top of BB shell to top of top tube.
2) Top of BB shell to centre of top tube.
3) Middle of BB shell to top of top tube.
4) Middle of BB shell to middle of top tube.
5) Top of BB shell to top of where top tube would be if horizontal.
6) Top of BB shell to centre of where top tube would be if horizontal.
7) Middle of BB shell to top of where top tube would be if horizontal.
8) Middle of BB shell to middle of where top tube would be if horizontal.

Now some models are expressed in centimetres(cm), and others in inches, but converting is easy, multiply inches by 2.54 to get cm. Work with cm, it's easier to do the conversion to a smaller unit then a larger one. Every manufacturer has a different idea of how long that top tube should be, for a given seat post length.

Your best option, is to get the shop to set the seat to the proper height for you, then go for a test ride, check for how you feel, if your upper body feels scrunched up, then don't buy the bike. A too short frame height wise, can be easily fixed with a longer saddle post. A frame too short length wise, can only be remedied with buying a different frame. If you plan on short rides, the flat bars are okay, if you plan on long road rides, then they get uncomfortable, really fast. See, flat bars put your hands in an unnatural position (with your wrists turned), other bar types like road bars, trekking bars and moustache bars allow your hands to be in a more normal position. Debating about putting trekking bars on my bike, if I can find a source here in Canada......

Yes itis too small. BUT... BUT,it's acceptable. 23's are a bear to get, I know. keep in mind that the Coda it built on a mountain geometry soit's one size to small. On a road bike it would be worse. an inch and a half won't kill you. the seat may max-out when you get it adjusted high enough,you can answer that. You are just beginning, a small frame should suit you for a while at least. It not as if you're hunched-up on a cruiser,the Coda has a long-ish top-tube. Eventually you can change the stem for a longer one, even get a set-back seat post. I've done that sort o' thing. The top -tube length on the 21.5 and 23' are almost Identical,a few millimeters different. As I said ,you may have the seat high, if you're not overly low at the handle bars, it'll be fine. It's just the way the math works. I'll bet you won't need to address anything !

Yes itis too small. BUT... BUT,it's acceptable. 23's are a bear to get, I know. keep in mind that the Coda it built on a mountain geometry soit's one size to small. On a road bike it would be worse. an inch and a half won't kill you. the seat may max-out when you get it adjusted high enough,you can answer that. You are just beginning, a small frame should suit you for a while at least. It not as if you're hunched-up on a cruiser,the Coda has a long-ish top-tube. Eventually you can change the stem for a longer one, even get a set-back seat post. I've done that sort o' thing. The top -tube length on the 21.5 and 23' are almost Identical,a few millimeters different. As I said ,you may have the seat high, if you're not overly low at the handle bars, it'll be fine. It's just the way the math works. I'll bet you won't need to address anything !

Thankyou all for your input. Money is tight but this is now on its way!
http://catalog.bicycleblowout.com/Bikes/Jamis_04_codasport.htm

Congrats, 'whitehare'! That's a beautiful looking bike, with a steel frame & fork to boot, I hope you get many miles of enjoyment out of it.;)