Mountain Biking - Bike comparison's (tall rider ?'s)

Been out of the sport for about 2 years and finally ready to get back into it. I sold my bike in college because of the load I was taking, but now have the time again and miss it like hell. Anyway, I used to ride GT, but I've been looking at Giant, Gary Fisher, and Trek now. I'm a tall rider at 6'5 and weigh about 245lbs (got into heavy lifting when i stopped biking). I've heard great things about the Gary Fisher Genesis geometry for tall guys so that's why I'm considering it.

I'm definite on getting a hardtail and looking to keep the price below $1000 if possible. Here are the three I'm looking at:

Giant Rainier ($700)
Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo ($799)
Trek 6700 ($850)

The Rainier seems to be the best bang for the buck, although I haven't ridden it for extended trials. The Gary Fisher has the Genesis tech. And the Trek comes in a 21.5inch frame.

Any suggestions or experiences would be great. Thanks.

A lot of wheels on production bikes are 32 spoke which is OK for average guys, but big heavy riders could do with a stronger 36 spoke wheel.

Bike sizing is best done by length, you will always have plenty of standover clearance.
A good guide is
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
Not MTB specific, but very useful.
If you want to compare the riding position of bikes, measure horizontally back and forward from the bottom bracket position, to the bars, and the saddle nose.

Well, the bike I have is not on your list but I would recommend it to anyone. I'm 6'6" and 260 and ride a cannondale Jekyll. I looked at everything and the Cannondale is extremely durable. I ride it three times per week without a problem. Unfortunately, the Jekyll is a full suspension bike and a bit out of your price range. You may look for a used hardtail though.

I upgraded to some Shimano W535 wheels after tacoing my front wheel in a crash a year ago. They are a deep dish wheel with 13 guage spokes and extremely durable (and good looking too). I just had my bike in for a tune up this week and the mechanic found them to be true! This is the second inspection I've had in over a year. I highly recommend them. Follow this link for more information:

http://bike.shimano.com/wheels/mountain/index.asp

Another word of advice, look for good components and a frame warranty. Big guys break things. Also make sure you have a reputable company behind your frame in the event you crack it. Cannondale offers a lifetime warranty on their frames.

Best of luck with your search.


Chris

I have been going through the process of buying a bike for a tall rider. I am 6'4" and looked at a few different options. It's a personal thing but I found the 23", larger frames to be most comfortable for what I wanted to do. Out of the Giant range the Yukon was the most comfortable but with lesser componentry. I was close to buying a Yukon with upgraded components as the Iguana and Rainer only go to a 21". Eventually settled on a 23" Specialised Rockhopper Comp which had the larger frame and the better parts.

Hi kaingearoo

And welcome to the forums! :)

Out of the bikes you've chosen, the Hoo Koo E Koo probably has the longest history, and as you stated it comes with the genesis geometry.

I think I'd go for it when put against the Trek and Giant just on the strength of that alone.

Let us know what you go for...as you've probably seen, Mountain biking has developed somewhat since you last swung your leg over the saddle :D

Rich

Have you considered any of the new 29 inchers? Since you're already interested in the Gary Fishers, you may want to test ride one of these!

I've heard from the GF sales rep, that these have become so popular that next year all their models will be available in the 29" format.

BTW, Cannondale also makes frames in "Jumbo".

L8R

I will have to say that I've had good luck with Cannondales and their XL frames. There is something comfortable about knowing that the company will replace a frame that a beefy sucker like me may wreck.

6'3", 245lbs and riding XL Cannondales since 1992.