Touring - ISO: Extra Large frame touring bike

I am looking for the largest touring bike I can find. From what I can tell a 25" frame is about the largest currently made, without going custom. Are there any older models out there in 25", 26" or even 27" frames? Thanks!

A real large specialized expidetion just went off on fleabay over 25". Rivendell has some A Homer Hilsons you can pre order that are quite large, and also have made the Redwood, which is quite big. Keep your eyes open. I have found three 25 inch frames (63 cm). If you seek you will find.

On a touring bike, which generally has a more upright riding position, saddle height becomes the main issue. I have a 36" inseam and size 14 shoe which added together requires a very tall saddle. I have a jumbo Cannondale T2000 (63cm), which in normal sizing methods would be too small, but easily altered to fit me great. On all my bikes I use a mountain bike seat post (extra tall) and tall handlebar stem, this gives me the fit I need without going to a custom frame that may be too flexy unless they also beef-up the tube size for the extra long lengths, which adds a lot of weight. The Cannondale frame in 63cm has been great for me, plenty stiff in that frame size.

GregW, yes, you are right, you lose a lot of the strength of the frame when you go to a bigger frame size. Maybe that is why touring bikes in particular are rarely made over 25". I am a little taller than you with size 15 shoes so I am likely going to have some issues with a fully loaded bike. I am a little leery of aluminum frames as I am big and tall. They do provide ideal stiffness I suppose. How much weight do you put on the Cannondale fully loaded with gear? Thanks!

A real large specialized expidetion just went off on fleabay over 25". Rivendell has some A Homer Hilsons you can pre order that are quite large, and also have made the Redwood, which is quite big. Keep your eyes open. I have found three 25 inch frames (63 cm). If you seek you will find.

True, Rivendell do some really big Hilsens, here's a 69. I think they may do a 72cm too.

Well I feel differently than most about an aluminum frame, I think it is better than steel for a touring frame. It's lighter, stiffer and does not rust. The so called harsh ride is because of the stiffness, but to me that means an efficient bike, very good energy transfer from pedaling. A comfortable ride is easy to get by component selection, a steel fork, Brooks saddle with springs and generous size tires. I get no harsh feel from my touring bike at all, even on 5,000 + mile tours. (The whole welding a steel bike on tour thing is a touring legend and myth)

I weigh 225 and hard as I try, I can't seem to pack light. That is part of why I use a Bob trailer, most of the weight goes on the trailer wheel. I have never broken a spoke. I think with panniers I would be breaking spokes often. If I did use panniers, I would go with a 40 spoke rear rim.

"and does not rust."

(The whole welding a steel bike on tour thing is a touring legend and myth)

I'm inclined to believe the "rust" bit is too. Sure, steel will rust, but I've seen bikes older than I am, that have been neglected for years, still riding around and not collapsing because of rust.

The LBS has a large Specialized Sequoia (sp?) in stock and I have to say that's a very handsome bike at an upgradable (is that a word?) price.

Foamy, are you on the Eastern Shore? We call that area the Land of Pleasant Living here in Maryland. Do you know how big the Sequoia was? GregW, the Bob trailers are a good idea for us larger folks who don't travel light. Nun, the Hilsens even in the big frames only have a rider capacity of 220# which is not a lot of allowance for someone that tall.

Contact Co-Motion. They size by order but aren't full custom, and the Americano and Mazama might be what you would need.

CHenry, thanks, I had run across the Mazama doing a google search but the Co-Motion folks tell me it is being discontinued. They do still offer the Americano which is the touring model but it is not cheap. I don't think bigger touring frames were made aside from custom so I may have to just bite the bullet and order a custom bike if I want it to fit me properly.

Foamy, are you on the Eastern Shore? We call that area the Land of Pleasant Living here in Maryland. Do you know how big the Sequoia was?

Hi exploring, yes, you have my location pegged. I'm kind'a surprised that many folks would know that. As far as the bike, I can't really say. I know it's a big'un. A nice green and white—quite the thing. Call 411 and ask for the Bike Doctor in Easton. The two fellas that own the shop are the only ones that work there and I'm sure they could tell you what size straight away.

Foamy, I checked with the shop and that bike is sold but it was a current model year Specialized that they normally stock in that size of 63cm. I'm looking for someting even bigger than that but custom may well be the only way I will get the desired 68cm. Thanks!