sevenisthenumb

Hey everyone, Im brand new here out of a need to get some solid answers from you guys who have been doing this for a while. About two years ago I took up biking for health and weight loss and I really love it. I ride 10, 20 or 30 mile routes based on how much time I have and I ride twice a week. I bought a Diamondback Trace Hybrid and its been good. I do however wonder what Im missing as I am more and more frequently riding long rides in the 20-30 mile range. I ride mostly on paved road or paved trails with the occasional gravel or dirt here or there, I don't dirt bike though and would get another bike just for that if I ever was curious. Heres the biggest thing, Im 6' 6"... I just don't know what I need!? What I need to know is "what would you advise for a guy like me?" Im clueless in most every way. Is this bike making things hard on me? Whats better and why? Teach me! Im all ears! I would spend $1500 or so I think to get something perfect.

Here is my bike (Link has several pics)
[URL=https://app.box.com/s/bxn2z6uzcx5umil4vj6u3iu7smg86lko[/URL]

Maelochs

For a road bike you probably need a frame over 61 cm .... if you want a road bike. The bike you have looks fine, but for longer rides you might prefer the slightly more aero position and multiple hand positions afforded by drop bars.

More experienced posters respond to queries of this type by asking "What exactly is wrong with your current bike? What does it do that you like, and what does it not do that you wish it did?"

Sizing might be a bit of an issue because manufacturers make fewer bikes for people of your height---but they are out there. Getting a bike that fits right makes a huge difference.

02Giant 

That saddle is far too low for someone 6'-6"

10 Wheels

Visit a regular bike shop and get a Fitting.

JonathanGennick 

The bike in the photo looks nice, and the saddle is the only item that leaps out at me to consider changing. I favor thinner and narrower saddles with less padding -- that's presuming a reasonable forward lean when riding the bike.

Otherwise, I'd suggest the OP simply visit a few bike shops and take some test rides to get a sense of what other options are out there for the sort of riding that he is doing. What are others in the area or on the same route riding? That sort of thing. Don't rush into spending. Keep adding to the war chest and enjoy the process of looking around to see what else might be fun to ride.

The OP mentions gravel, so I will end by pointing out that there are road-style bikes being made that are well-suited for gravel and rough roads. Salsa Cycles has several such models on offer that allow for wider tires and would be perfect for double-track, gravel roads, and still offer a drop-bar position that's nice on long pavement rides.

sevenisthenumb

Thanks guys, mainly I just wanted to know if the distances made sense for this bike and if I could do a little more at better speeds with another bike. I took it in today to a local shop and they tuned it up and I upgraded the tires. WOW what a difference. I cut 20 min off of a 20 mile ride. Hills were much easier, the only prob is that I ran out of gears at points. Im pretty interested in a cross bike now. I also raised my seat to the proper height, that really helped as well and I ditched the big sofa seat ;-)

bmthom.gis

If you trimmed the excess from the zip ties and fixed the rear brake cable routing you could gain an extra watt or two, and look 100 times more pro

Abe_Froman

That looks like a perfectly nice bike, and if it fits that's half the battle. Since you've already ditched the seat, my only recommendation if you are going to be doing serious distances would be drop bars...it is more comfortable in the long run. If you didn't have a big cash outlay on that bike and you do want something else, I would recommend a cross bike as well. I've got my eyes on a Kona Jake on sale at the local bike store....I just can't bring myself to pull the trigger on it though. $1500 will buy a pretty nice bike whichever direction you go. My recommendation would be to focus on getting a decent frame, save money on components to do a few upgrades that make sense. Shimano Tiagra is perfectly nice stuff, and from what I hear will outlast and be more durable than ultegra/Dura-ace. So, in my book, that means better. AND it's a fraction of the price. Use the cost savings to put really really nice tires and saddle on the bike, which will make a difference.

sevenisthenumb

I did that and gained more turbo power :-)

Abe_Froman

Damnit now I really want a cross bike again......I blame this on you seven.

sevenisthenumb

I messed around wiht this here in town and LOVED it. They have a nice 62cm frame in stock also, Im so tempted. Fuji Bikes | Tread 1.3

Wilfred Laurier

As to what others have alluded, how the bike fits your body is key. An cheap bike that fits will be much better than a much more expensive bike that does not fit, and at 6'6", the vast majority of bikes will not fit. Many models (and even some manufacturers entire product lines) may not have a bike that is big enough for you.

Also as others have said, most consider bikes with drop bars to be more appropriate for longer rides because the bars offer multiple hand positions, and some of the positions allow you to get more aero, and to stretch out and produce a bit more power.

As you have found out, a set of higher quality tires and a tune-up on your current bike might let you realize noticeable improvements. It's up to you if you want to take it farther. Keep poking around at your LBSes and see what they have in at least XL size. Some models and brands come in XXL sizes (like the Trek aluminum framed road bikes, lastI checked) and that would likely be a decent fit.

Abe_Froman

He might not be so big he can't find anything easily. It would be worth going to a shop and getting fitted for a bike. You might only need a 61 or 63cm bike...sure it limits options, but not as bad as trying to find a size 15 shoe. Once you know your size and type of bike you want, shopping online becomes an option. Most makers will have all of the technical specifications online. Find a bike at a shop that fits, and has specs available, and then you can KNOW if a frame will work for you without having seen it.

sevenisthenumb

I ordered the Fuji, we will see!

68venable

Good luck with the Fuji. It looks very nice. The Diamondback looks nice too. I think the Dback has more tire clearance so fit as big as you can in that one and leave the Fuji as is. This may gave you a reason to ride both instead of having one sit around doing nothing.

shafter

Congrats! I looked at the link you posted and immediately was jealous... I think you will really love a road bike, they're SO much faster feeling.

kuroba

Congrats! The Fuji looks nice.

dabac

Low or high?
Bike like that ought to be good for about 30 mph for someone with average pedalling skills.
Unless there's a podium finish at stake, you're not losing any important time by coasting those precious moments above 30 mph.