Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Big Cycles

I'm getting back into cycling for the exercise, for the competition, for the joy of pain and knowing I've done more than most people I meet in my day to day existence before they get out of bed.

My problem is that I'm 6 foot 8 and its hard to find a bike, especially a tri-bike that really fits me. I'm 235-240 so I fit the bill as a clydesdale, but I'm not a 'big' guy, though I need a huge frame. Does anyone have some serious recommendations for what kind of tri frame I should be looking for?

Thanks,

Antelope or (51) need to be chiming in here :D

Zinn Cycles builds custom frames that are huge. But they're $$$.

As far as production frames is concerned, there aren't many. Rivendell makes a few models that go up to 68 cm. They used to have a production frame that was under $1000. Not sure if they still cary that. It might also not be the style of bike you're looking for.

In the 1980s, big frames were much more common than now. There are Schwinn frames that go up to 69cm. Look on Ebay, there often are XL frames floating around.

Good luck with finding something that fits!

I'm pushing 6'12". I am currently on a 25" (stock) Trek 7200 hybrid, which would fit you. I just ordered a custom Mazama from Co-motion cycles because I was just to crammed on the 25" frame. I looked at Zinn, but he was far too expensive. Co-Motion did it for half of his cost. They will custom build any of their bikes, not just the Mazama. http://www.co-motion.com/singlemenu.html

Antelope or (51) need to be chiming in here :D

The twin towers of the BF Clydes. :p

Besides Zinn, you might look at Spectrum Cycles if it is in your neck of the woods. Not sure what you want to spend but they make great frames. In their gallery they have a pic of a tall bike with an older gentleman. I used to have a 28" Panansonic years ago so they are out there.

http://www.spectrum-cycles.com/index.htm


http://www.spectrum-cycles.com/images/Image%20Pages/p58.htm

The twin towers of the BF Clydes. :p

:roflmao:

North of you in Wilkes-Barre...

http://www.bicycleframes.com

I don't know what the biggest frame he has built has been, but I saw one that a guy was picking up, and as I recall the top bar came up to my navel, and I am 6' tall. His frames do look sweet!!! I have never ridden one, but I would love to!

Plus Rich is a great person to deal with, and has pride in his work.

Aren't Cannondale's biggest models on the "really big" side? Perhaps a Cannondale touring bike would be big enough for your height and strong enough for your weight. (Doesn't Lebron James have a large chunk of Cannondale stock?) That's if you want to pay "off the rack" prices. Otherwise it would seem that custom would be the way to go.

I would be helpful to know what you are willing to spend, I seriously doubt you will find an off the shelf TT/Tri Bike to fit you. Trek is making the new Madone in a 64 which *might* be big enough for you and could be adapted for Tri. Pure TT machines -- Guru and Litespeed have custom programs(I'm sure there are others -- Serotta, Seven, Crumpton?). I'm 6' 6" and have found nothing in the new market off the shelf. Cervelo used to make their aluminum P2 in an XXL size which you might also squeeze onto. I somewhat feel your pain.

Jay at Winterborne Custom Bikes is about your size. His prices include Park Tool School so you know how to maintain your custom ride.

http://www.winterbornebikes.com/

PM sent to Nakedrider...

I'm 6'8" and have a steel Spectrum that is over 20 years old and about 72.5cm. It's still going strong. They build a great bike that performs well and is totally customized to your body. They also cost considerably less $$$ than a lot of production bikes out there that aren't nearly as well made. Definitely worth a look into, in my book.

I doubt a 25-inch frame would fit you--I'm only 6'4", and my old 25 Trek and new 64cm Rambouillet are a hair too short for me, at least on Rivendell's charts (they're comfortable, but I wouldn't want them any smaller). I haven't looked at the Rivendell site lately (www.rivbike.com), but when I bought my bike, Grant offered the Atlantis and Rambouillet up to 68cm. That might work if it's in your price range (around $1400 frame and fork, $2400 full bike). I have one of each in 64, and I love them (I got the rambo used, or I couldn't have afforded it).

PM sent to Nakedrider...

Do you have a big frame for sale?

Wow! Thanks everyone, this is really awesome. I'll sort through the various options y'all have thrown out.

Much appreciated. I have time, so I should be able to find something by Spring!

You might check with Spicercycles.com. They custom make all types of bikes, with big bikes one of the options. I have also seen new 68cm alum/carbon frames on Ebay the last couple of weeks; might be worth watching.

Cannondale sell a CAD 5 frame in 66cm for about 600$. It takes about 4 weeks from time of order.
This is the cheapest big frame you will find anywhere. It is aluminum and stiff as a rail.

Co-Motion will custom build, and at a good price.
Designed a tandem frame for a 6'7" guy with 5'3" riding partner. Ended up with 27" front frame and 19" rear! Extra length wheelbase + trilaterals to accomodate their size. Also custom 220mm cranks for him!
They now have over 35,000 miles on that tandem.
Quality pays off in the long run!

Wow! Thanks everyone, this is really awesome. I'll sort through the various options y'all have thrown out.

Much appreciated. I have time, so I should be able to find something by Spring!

Here's a photo of Shawn Bradley of the Dallas Mavericks with his new bike.
http://www.bicyclesplustx.com/photos/album/whats-new/page/1/photo/shawn-bradley-and-his-custom-built-bike

Here's a photo of Shawn Bradley of the Dallas Mavericks with his new bike.
http://www.bicyclesplustx.com/photos/album/whats-new/page/1/photo/shawn-bradley-and-his-custom-built-bike

Thanks for sharing. I've seen Yao Ming's and Bill Cartwright's bikes, but not that one.

Custom would obviously be ideal. Older Cannondales and Schwinns can come up pretty big. You should be able to squeeze onto a properly adjusted 66cm.

http://cgi.ebay.com/68cm-7005-AL-Frame-with-Carbon-Fiber-Fork-Brand-New_W0QQitemZ140175382738QQihZ004QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I am 6'4" and this is a big, big bike to me.