(51)

After crunching numerous numbers and visiting a few fit sites, it seems my bike is slightly too short for me (vertically), but horizontally it is about 8" too short. What advantage would I have by getting a longer bike? Mind you, this would have to be a custom build to the tune of $3,000. Is the expense worth the extra inches? I'm considering a custom Americano or Mazama from Co-Motion cycles.

I ride mostly upright now (Hybrid), but this bike would put me in a lower position.

ronjon10

I had a bike that was too short for thanks to my extra long torso. I always felt scrunched on the bike, and it would get very painful after an hour or two.

I had a custom bike made at a similar price. Greatest decision I ever made. The bike should fit you like a glove which will let you ride for hours in (relative) comfort.

If you're able to ride your bike as long as you'd like in comfort, it's probably not worth the expense.

jaxgtr

I thought moving to a regular road frame would really give me lower back issues as I moved over from the hybrid geometry to the road geometry, but to my surprise, I was able to transistion quite easily and have not suffered at all. I had been doing core stretching and strengthening prior so I figured that help ease the move. I don't know how your lower back and shoulders are, but I would think as long as you stretch them and tone them, you should have no trouble moving over to it and getting a bike that will fit you will in the long run, be better for you. You are quite the giant so custom is your only ave.

Of the two bike listed, I think I would go with the Mazama. I like the idea of the disc brakes cause as much as it rains in Florida, stopping in the wet is a high priority with me. I have really come to hate V-brakes and the Americana is almost a MTB setup with drops, almost a Cross bike. A couple things I would change is the cassette, would go with a 12-25 and a double versus a triple, no need for the granny where your at, unless your panning on riding over the Skyway .

Good luck in your decision, I know the thought of laying out $3K on a bike is a big one, but when it comes to riding in comfort versus not riding, comfort wins. And your also quite the lucky dog to have a dealer in the vicinity. I love to check one of their bikes out.

Terrierman

The advantage(s) would be comfort and efficiency. Fit is everything because fit = comfort + efficiency. After you get on that is. And it would seem that having a bike that is both comfortable and efficient would lead to getting on more often + staying on longer which in the bike equation = more time in the saddle, which = more mileage which = better fitness which = what you want. If you can afford 3K and like biking go for it. I would if I couldn't find an off the shelf bike that fit and I liked. Now. A year ago, I would have said you're nuts.

Kid-Cycle

Not being an expert on bike fitting what about looking at a touring frame? It would be much less than a custom frame and are typically longer than race frames. If $$ is not a problem I would go with the custom.

Another option might be going with a longer stem. your best bet might be talking with a good LBS.

Not sure if I provided any good help but thought I would share my thoughts.

CardiacKid

8 inches is 20 cm. Are you sure your calculations are right?

(51)

I'm a tall drink of water.

MrChuckles

How tall are you?

Tom Stormcrowe

He's tall enough that Wilt Chamberlain looks up to him!

CliftonGK1

My guess is that the 8" too short is referring to an overall reach (seat to bars) and not wheelbase length.
For a really tall person on a poorly fitted stock bike, I can see that happenning.

superslomo

Road bike fit would be different than hybrid fit. Have you checked out standard geometries in larger sizes?

stevel610 

I might try to find a custom fitter in your area (check with local clubs or race shops) and spend some $ for a proper fitting. You might find some stock bikes have the geometry or size you need.

bikingshearer 

These days, Wilt pretty much looks up at everyone.

(51)

(51)

211cm. Get my drift?

Tom Stormcrowe

So, about 6'11"? Dang, you are a tall drink of water!

schnee

Dude, you're the target market for a Zinn bike. He's the author of those maintenance books, and makes custom bikes specifically for super-tall guys like you.

He doesn't just make the frame bigger, he takes things like crank length into account too.

fat_bike_nut

Longer top tube (horizontal length) = more stretched out riding position. If you're riding a bike that's too short, you will feel squished and cramped in, which is exactly how I felt when I started bike riding again using my aunt's unused mountain bike.

On the other hand, too long and you will probably end up being hunched over too much to be comfortable, which is what happened when I test rode a 58cm Raleigh Rush Hour fixed gear. I could do the stand-over more easily than I thought, but at 5'9" with not-so-long arms, I was stretched out on the tops, nevermind the hoods or the drops!