streeter

After riding a used 63cm single speed for the past few years, I'm ready to get a new road bike. This time one with gears, so I don't have to kill myself on hills. But I'm having a very hard time finding models that come in larger sizes, and an equally tough time finding stores that sell them (I'm 6'5).

Does anyone have any advice or recommendations? Either for stores or specific brands/models?

I've looked in numerous stores in NYC and NJ, but struck out each time. One store tried to sell me a 61cm Cannondale Synapse, which I liked a lot but just felt a bit too small. Any help would be much appreciated.

Some information on me and intended usage and budget:
-I'm in Brooklyn and ride recreationally about 100-150 miles per week, mostly in Prospect Park, Central Park and along 9W, average moving speed 17mph
-I'm 6'5 1/2 tall, Inseam: 37"
-I currently ride a 63cm Fila Milano, which seems to fit great although I never had a professional fitting
-Ideally I'd like to spend no more than $2,500 including fitting.

fjohnj

I am 6'5" and do similar riding. My inseam is 36". I ride a 61cm Fuji. I did my shopping on line and purchased the frame for $750. Over about two months I purchase all top of the line components (DA 7900, FSA K Lite, etc). When I had all the parts I took them to my lbs and had the bike assembled. MSRP $5900 my finished cost $2750. The frame is super stiff and I love it since I have a large frame with a 52" chest. I also purchased a Cannondale Hybrid from my lbs and he ordered me a JUMBO. My son is taller than me and he purchased a Giant Cypress in an XL frame with 700c tires and he loves the fit. Good luck and ride safe!

Standalone 

There is a custom frame maker in Newark NJ. https://folkengineered.com/about/about/ I think you could get a bike through them for around $2.5k.

On the cheap side, my 66cm Panasonic was $40 in 1999 in some lower east side basement thrift store. I know that kind of bike is seen as being in a different world than what you're looking for, but I don't think I'm really any slower in it than my Jamis Sport with all the carbon bits. That Panasonic did over 16mph average on a century last summer. (Yes, with me riding it) And it's more comfortable. You can avg 17-18 easily on an old 12 speed. Just tune it up, make sure you have semi-decent wheels, and go for it.

There is a similar tall panasonic for $50 in East Haven CT-- check the New Haven CL.

Vintage bikes can really be the way to go for us tall guys. They don't make 'em like they used to. I was thrilled just to get a hold of a 61cm carbon Fuji frame-- it's really the biggest off the rack size anyone seems to make these days.

Standalone 

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2513085444.html

Raleigh Professional. 64cm



https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2514287068.html

Trek 25"

Oh snap, a 63cm cannondale six: https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/2510526869.html