So, If You're A Tall Rider, You're Screwed Bike Wise?
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So, If You're A Tall Rider, You're Screwed Bike Wise?
Cant seem to find any US bike manufacturer's that make road bikes in size(s) 64/65/66 cm any more, I guess if you're a tall rider, like me(6ft 6), you're pretty much screwed now, if you want to buy a new bike in any of those sizes? Or, you have to pay ALOT for a custom bike to be built for you? Just curious...are there any US bike companies even selling those sizes anymore? Getting increasingly frustrated by the lack of bikes for taller riders,it doesnt have to be a 2011 version, maybe one they have, thats a bit older, but new?
Maybe someone can sticky this for those of us who are a bit bigger/taller than the rest, who are looking for bikes for taller riders as well?
Maybe someone can sticky this for those of us who are a bit bigger/taller than the rest, who are looking for bikes for taller riders as well?
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i'm 6'3" my brother is 6'5" we both had Giants which are sized S,M,L,XL They are a "compact geometry" with the sloping top tube but i'll be damned if I wasn't nearly at the bottom of the range for the XL. I would think someone 6'6 could be fit to an XL Defy, I would test ride one. Otherwise, it does make sense if you think aobut it. On any given day at 6'3 I don't typically see more than 1 or 2 people taller than me and I live in a big city, at 6'6" you are definatly in the top 1/4 percent of height. not a huge market for framebuilders
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Cannondale just a couple years back went up to 63cm, there are 2 listed right now on ebay. For anything bigger it can be real tough.. Many tall riders end up getting Zinn's but they are very pricey. https://zinncycles.com/Zinn/index.php/archives/1465
https://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Cannondale-...item256219ecb9
https://cgi.ebay.com/EXCELLENT-CANNON...item256240f117
https://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Cannondale-...item256219ecb9
https://cgi.ebay.com/EXCELLENT-CANNON...item256240f117
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I am 6’ 2”, down slightly in my old age. Most of my bikes have horizontal top tubes, but my most recent one, a Salsa Vaya, has a sloping top tube. With 350 and 400mm seat posts available now, if I can get the top tube length I want, I am happy with the shorter seat tube and a longer seat post.
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At 6'6" I've been able to fit myself to most production 62cm frames with a long seatpost and stem.
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Specialized has 64cm in two bikes.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road
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Cant seem to find any US bike manufacturer's that make road bikes in size(s) 64/65/66 cm any more, I guess if you're a tall rider, like me(6ft 6), you're pretty much screwed now, if you want to buy a new bike in any of those sizes? Or, you have to pay ALOT for a custom bike to be built for you? Just curious...are there any US bike companies even selling those sizes anymore? Getting increasingly frustrated by the lack of bikes for taller riders,it doesnt have to be a 2011 version, maybe one they have, that's a bit older, but new?
Maybe someone can sticky this for those of us who are a bit bigger/taller than the rest, who are looking for bikes for taller riders as well?
Maybe someone can sticky this for those of us who are a bit bigger/taller than the rest, who are looking for bikes for taller riders as well?
Talk to Mickey at Spooky bikes, I bet he could build you a custom for less then you think. I guess it all depends on how you plan to use the bike. Dorking around on the bike path or 20 mile rides, you can make due with most anything. If you're "serious", get a frame built because nothing will ever really be right until you do.
Major consideration is "where is your height". All legs, all torso or even? Top tubes on most current XL sizes are way to short unless you have the 'bar stool' position.
If you don't have a torso.......
https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/2276564105.html
Look up 3" and you'll see me.
As for paying "a lot" for a custom.......you're 6' 6" man, you better get use to it. The world ain't made for us.
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custom doesn't necessarily mean crazy expensive. if you go with a big name nationallyknown custom builder than yes, but here in NY there are a few well respected local framebuilders who can build frames from $300-$750 which is far more reasonable. Even some of the big name guys frames that go for $2000 isn't THAT bad when you compare the cost of other high end carbon fiber bikes. $1500-$2000 for a custom frame then spend $1000 for a full ultegra equipped bike from bikes direct and transfer all the parts over and sell the frame for $200 and your talking under $2500 for a pretty nice bike.
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The other option is to scour the used listings. Older production frames were available in larger sizes. My '88 Trek 400 is a 64, and I think it was also available in a 66. Trek and Cannondale both made big frames (and I think C'dale still does for a few.)
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#10
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The trend toward sloping top tubes and so-called "compact" frame geometries means that you can often get by with a slightly smaller frame. When I started riding, my first road bike had a horizontal top tube and was labeled as being 56cm. Fit perfect! These days, I ride a 54cm frame with a sloping top tube. It's also a perfect fit.
I wouldn't pay attention to the number painted on the frame by the manufacturer as much as I would to the actual fit. In particular, the length of the top tube seems to have more to do with achieving an acceptable fit than the length of the seat tube (which often corresponds to the frame "size"). I found the fit calculator over at Competitive Cyclist to be pretty accurate. I went with the middle-of-the-road "Eddy" fit, FWIW.
If you haven't tried to fit yourself to a "compact" frame, I'd suggest giving the fit calculator a try. Plug in some numbers, see what it comes up with, then compare its suggestions to the geometries of various frames. If the geometry is anywhere close to correct, it might be worth taking a look at the bike. You can always tweak the fit by installing a longer stem, a seatpost with greater setback, handlebars with more reach, etc.
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Hate to ask a stupid question, or sound condescending, but: have you tried riding a 62cm bike recently?
The trend toward sloping top tubes and so-called "compact" frame geometries means that you can often get by with a slightly smaller frame. When I started riding, my first road bike had a horizontal top tube and was labeled as being 56cm. Fit perfect! These days, I ride a 54cm frame with a sloping top tube. It's also a perfect fit.
I wouldn't pay attention to the number painted on the frame by the manufacturer as much as I would to the actual fit. In particular, the length of the top tube seems to have more to do with achieving an acceptable fit than the length of the seat tube (which often corresponds to the frame "size"). I found the fit calculator over at Competitive Cyclist to be pretty accurate. I went with the middle-of-the-road "Eddy" fit, FWIW.
If you haven't tried to fit yourself to a "compact" frame, I'd suggest giving the fit calculator a try. Plug in some numbers, see what it comes up with, then compare its suggestions to the geometries of various frames. If the geometry is anywhere close to correct, it might be worth taking a look at the bike. You can always tweak the fit by installing a longer stem, a seatpost with greater setback, handlebars with more reach, etc.
The trend toward sloping top tubes and so-called "compact" frame geometries means that you can often get by with a slightly smaller frame. When I started riding, my first road bike had a horizontal top tube and was labeled as being 56cm. Fit perfect! These days, I ride a 54cm frame with a sloping top tube. It's also a perfect fit.
I wouldn't pay attention to the number painted on the frame by the manufacturer as much as I would to the actual fit. In particular, the length of the top tube seems to have more to do with achieving an acceptable fit than the length of the seat tube (which often corresponds to the frame "size"). I found the fit calculator over at Competitive Cyclist to be pretty accurate. I went with the middle-of-the-road "Eddy" fit, FWIW.
If you haven't tried to fit yourself to a "compact" frame, I'd suggest giving the fit calculator a try. Plug in some numbers, see what it comes up with, then compare its suggestions to the geometries of various frames. If the geometry is anywhere close to correct, it might be worth taking a look at the bike. You can always tweak the fit by installing a longer stem, a seatpost with greater setback, handlebars with more reach, etc.
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I think you should really look more closely at the compact frames with upsloped tubes. I recently took delivery of a Rivendell Hunquapillar and had to drop from a 58 to 54 cm frame to get a good fit. Their 62 cm frames are spec'd for people with up to 100 cm pbh, that's nearly 40 inch standover height. It just ain't like it used to be!
Marc
Marc
#13
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Sorry, but I find it impossible to understand your logic here. The Competitive Cyclist fit calculator that I recommended just spits out a range of numbers. For example, it told me I needed a bike with a top tube that was 53.7-54.1cm long combined with a stem that was 11.2-11.8cm. How can numbers be biased?!?
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Cannondale just a couple years back went up to 63cm, there are 2 listed right now on ebay. For anything bigger it can be real tough.. Many tall riders end up getting Zinn's but they are very pricey. https://zinncycles.com/Zinn/index.php/archives/1465
https://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Cannondale-...item256219ecb9
https://cgi.ebay.com/EXCELLENT-CANNON...item256240f117
https://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Cannondale-...item256219ecb9
https://cgi.ebay.com/EXCELLENT-CANNON...item256240f117
Last edited by LemondFanForeve; 03-28-11 at 12:07 AM.
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So they offered you a frame in your size and you said no. Well you can always get a custom Zinn in your size for about 4-5k..
I'm sure the only reason they have those older frames in stock because of there warranty replacement program. It just does not make financial sense for them to keep building 66cm frames when they may only sell less than 100 of them a year..
I'm sure the only reason they have those older frames in stock because of there warranty replacement program. It just does not make financial sense for them to keep building 66cm frames when they may only sell less than 100 of them a year..
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So they offered you a frame in your size and you said no. Well you can always get a custom Zinn in your size for about 4-5k..
I'm sure the only reason they have those older frames in stock because of there warranty replacement program. It just does not make financial sense for them to keep building 66cm frames when they may only sell less than 100 of them a year..
I'm sure the only reason they have those older frames in stock because of there warranty replacement program. It just does not make financial sense for them to keep building 66cm frames when they may only sell less than 100 of them a year..
Are there ANY manufactures us/or overseas, that still sell/make 66cm bikes, that will deliver to the US? I know of Canyon, but I haven't heard if they finally got all that BS squared away, and decided to start shipping bikes to the US again?
Does anyone know?
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Well I bought a 62cm Merckx last year, just went for a group ride and hung just fine with many local racers. The frame is a 1987 Corsa Extra Columbus Steel Frame, works just fine.
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Sorry, but I find it impossible to understand your logic here. The Competitive Cyclist fit calculator that I recommended just spits out a range of numbers. For example, it told me I needed a bike with a top tube that was 53.7-54.1cm long combined with a stem that was 11.2-11.8cm. How can numbers be biased?!?
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there are a couple of nice 64cm - C to C on ebay:
https://cgi.ebay.com/SEVEN-Elium-SLX-...item5d2e0cdf2c
https://cgi.ebay.com/Pegoretti-Big-Le...item33665c2a56
Last edited by socalrider; 03-28-11 at 07:12 AM.
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Real simple solution here, buy the 66cm frame from cannondale and buy an aftermarket fork because you will probably need the full steerer length or close to it. then buy any bike from bikes direct. there are $100 bikes with full ultegra. Take all the parts off the bikes direct bike and transfer them onto your cannondale frame. Problem solved.
Lets face it, you need something pretty custom, there just aren't going to be that many frames mass produced in those sizes, they won't sell enough of them. your pretty much going to have to build from scratch but it's not as hard or as expensive as you think.
Lets face it, you need something pretty custom, there just aren't going to be that many frames mass produced in those sizes, they won't sell enough of them. your pretty much going to have to build from scratch but it's not as hard or as expensive as you think.
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Cant seem to find any US bike manufacturer's that make road bikes in size(s) 64/65/66 cm any more, I guess if you're a tall rider, like me(6ft 6), you're pretty much screwed now, if you want to buy a new bike in any of those sizes? Or, you have to pay ALOT for a custom bike to be built for you? Just curious...are there any US bike companies even selling those sizes anymore? Getting increasingly frustrated by the lack of bikes for taller riders,it doesnt have to be a 2011 version, maybe one they have, thats a bit older, but new?
Maybe someone can sticky this for those of us who are a bit bigger/taller than the rest, who are looking for bikes for taller riders as well?
Maybe someone can sticky this for those of us who are a bit bigger/taller than the rest, who are looking for bikes for taller riders as well?
The key isn't so much the seat tube length, there are other issues, that may make a too small even though it's the largest size bike work for you. One of the reasons why they don't make them as big as they used to, is that in the old days, "a fist full of seat post" was the mantra, so in order to have the seat post that short, you needed a larger range of sizes. Now the fist-full-of-seat-post does not apply anymore, so you can get 66cm by taking a 60cm bike and instead of 9cm of seat post, you have 15cm of seat post, given that they make seatposts up to 30cm long, this shouldn't be a problem for you. The key is to have the bars high enough, a lot of steerers are long enough from the factory, the dealer needs to leave it long for you, then you need a professional fitting, to get things sized properly. It's not that they don't make bikes large enough, smaller frames with longer steerers and seat posts are the style at the moment.....
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I 6'4" and know the tall situation all too well. I went with an older bike, partly because new bike sizes are limited, but truthfully because money is more limited. It's a longer, more difficult road to dink around fixing up a bike, but it can also be rewarding. Currently I'm fixing up an old 80's Fuji that has a 27" frame (68cm) posted over in the C&V section here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ate?highlight=
When I'm done with it I suspect to be every bit as good for me as if I were going out to buy a new LHT at less than 1/2 the price. The biggest cost will be the custom wheels I eventually buy for it, but then I'd have to build special wheels even if the bike was new. Big old frames are out there, and they tend to sell for a little bit less because there's a smaller market for them. I don't race, so older equipment is fine with me, if I did race I suppose I'd have to invest in a custom build. Interestingly the fuji is actually a little too big for me because I'm more lanky than legs, but it was cheap. I paid less than $100 for it in decent condition the winter before last and rode it all last summer for club rides until I trashed out the old steel wheelset.
If you go the old route, there's a lot of resources online to help. I can give you links if you want.
Good luck,
Jim
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ate?highlight=
When I'm done with it I suspect to be every bit as good for me as if I were going out to buy a new LHT at less than 1/2 the price. The biggest cost will be the custom wheels I eventually buy for it, but then I'd have to build special wheels even if the bike was new. Big old frames are out there, and they tend to sell for a little bit less because there's a smaller market for them. I don't race, so older equipment is fine with me, if I did race I suppose I'd have to invest in a custom build. Interestingly the fuji is actually a little too big for me because I'm more lanky than legs, but it was cheap. I paid less than $100 for it in decent condition the winter before last and rode it all last summer for club rides until I trashed out the old steel wheelset.
If you go the old route, there's a lot of resources online to help. I can give you links if you want.
Good luck,
Jim
#24
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Can you tell us what geometry you need (top tube length, seat tube length, etc)? If not, you're pretty much shooting in the dark. Once we know how large a bike you really need, we might be a bit more helpful. I can name a number of bikes with long top tubes, but none of them are going to have a 66cm size painted on the seat tube...
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So, OP, where have you been shopping? What bikes have you looked at? Which have you actually tried? Are you actually going out to bike shops, or are you shopping on a message board?