Touring - Seeking fit advice from Tall Surly LHT owners

I have a 6'6" friend I'm trying to get on the road. None of our local lbs's stock the 62cm LHT, or much else in that size for a fitting. I think his inseam is 34"? We've located a used 62 for a great price but it's a 2 hour trip each way. I'm wondering if anyone has similar experiences and sizes, but found the 62 to still be too small for this height. Trying to get the bars level with the saddle might be the hard part, but that's the goal.

Thanks.

If the used 62cm is offered at a good price, it may well be Worth the trip and have a test ride before purchase. I'm 6' 1'' and a 58cm seems to work for me.

For one frame of reference...I am 6'2" with a relatively short inseam--about 33". I have a 60cm LHT and it's a tad big standover-wise. Seems like more than 1" but I doubt it's 2". I could probably ride a 58cm, but I might feel a little cramped as much of height comes from above the waist and I have long arms.

Agree that if it's a good price, it may well be worth the trip for at least a test ride, especially since your friend seems to have a relatively short inseam for his height. Even if you don't end up buying it, you will have a better idea of what fits.

I have a 6'6" friend I'm trying to get on the road. None of our local lbs's stock the 62cm LHT, or much else in that size for a fitting. I think his inseam is 34"?

Can't comment on the fit of the bike, but a 34" inseam seems really short for a 6' 6" person. I'm 6'2" with a 34" inseam. I'd double check that measurement. 'Course, trying the bike on for size is the best choice.

I'm 6'4". I wear pants with a 36" inseam. The 62cm LHT is a great fit for me.

Ask him how long the steerer is cut. Surly's come with long steerers but sometimes get cut short. If there are at least 50mm of spacers able to go under the stem then the handlebar height will more than likely be okay. It is the largest frame they make, and any other company would call the 62cm a 64cm, and I have personally fitted someone 6'6" to a 26" version that they rode across Africa. Sounds good to me.

Interesting. I am 6'1" with a 32" inseam (long torso) and I'm riding the 56cm right now. The seat is just about level with the handlebars. I guess it just comes down to how far you want to be stretched out on tour. I left 4 spacers on so that I can be a bit more upright when just riding around for fun, but can still stretch out in the drops when it's needed. My wife is trying to get fitted for the same bike, but she has the same inseam and is about 4" shorter than me. LHTs are tricky to fit we've found. I would take the trip and give it a ride. It'll be worth it in the long run. We've ordered two LHTs so far, and we're really really hoping this second one fits her.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pdb5rlL1ns0XLxM31WpvkCw#

There's a spreadsheet to a group of LHT owners who measured themselves.

I read on the Colorado Cyclist website that when you measure yourself, they say to put a book under your crotch and squeeze it there tight enough as is you were on a saddle. Then you put the book against a wall and place a mark, back facing wall and bare feet with feet about 6 inches apart.

Now, I measured myself and am 5'8" with a 32.6 inch or 83cm inseam. That gives me 56cm which seems kind of big to me. But the link I gave there shows a range of 52cm to 56cm with 54cm being the average for my height.

EDIT: Let me post an indirect link here because the link seems to add the rest of the link by itself automatically.
http://groups.google.com/group/surlylht/browse_thread/thread/da91ac25f5d66fa0

I am DC based and have a 62, new this year. For me, 35" inseam (bike not pants) and 36" shirtsleeve it is a touch to long. I'd be happy to meet and let you try it out but I won't be back in town until the 22nd or so. May even be willing to sell it, 750 miles on it.

Bob