Wake_Forest

Hello everyone.

New to this forum but looking for some advice.

I am about to get myself a new bike to replace the current one but would welcome your opinions about the following

> Specialized Tarmac (Ultegra version) .... BTW this is not the S-Works version
> Trek Madone 5.2
> Cannondale six13 (ultegra version ... the 06 model with Carbon top and diagonal tube)
> Bianchi 928 (Ultegra)

I have tried the first 2 but I am having trouble finding the next two due to diffuculties finding the frame size ==> 62 ! in SC
Typical use is hard paced riding with a few friends on a mixture of terrains. If it helps I am 6ft 4 and about 215 lbs. I like a very stiff bike with aggressive geometry (did not like the Roubaix at all ...)

Any opinions / advice would be appreciated.

John Wilke

FWIW, I'm 6'5" and have ridden 61cm road bikes with MTB seat posts (long) for years. Quite comfy for me.

jw

peachthief2

what do you mean by "a mixture of terrains"?

Slice2

Well, I'm 6'1" & 180. Of your four, I tested a Six13 and Bianchi 928 (carbon lugged). I felt the Bianchi was very comfortable but too whippy, esp descending. I passed on Treks because I felt their specification was not a good value compared to other mfrs in the range. The Six13 I rode was a 56, but the ride/handling was immediately apparent. I bought a 58cm Six13 Team 1.

For stiff, have you considered a Cannondale CAAD8?

Wake_Forest

I meant a mix of long flat rides but also some more "hilly" ones since I can do both around where I live.

Wake_Forest

My local dealer did not have one on display and I have a hard time imagining the bike by looking at the website... I think I will drive to the Atlanta area next week-end to see if they carry a bit more inventory.

was_bmxer

You are similar height to me, I am 195cm which I think is just under 6"5' & around 200 pounds. I do not have longer arms or legs, so frame is 61cm square with a 130mm stem. Guys our size can use custom frames to get the correct fit and actually see a difference over off the rack frames. Mine is custom, Alu and has a straight bladed fork, really good race bike, I too like quick frame angles.

I don't think you will have a problem with the trek or the C-dale. I see guys our size riding them a bit, no real issues with replacement if they break (any large brand really).

Not sure if the 928 is big enough? Don't know much about the tarmac? I am not a fan of the trek bike company much, they are very common where I live. Though the Madone is one frame I would be happy to race on, or at least have a proper try. I know a guy who is just a bit smaller than me (very strong racer) and he used to break his C-dale often, it was always replaced under warranty, even here in Australia.

Let us know how you go, good luck

thewalrus

You might have better lucky finding a R1000/R3000 with the 62cm CAAD8 frame, if none of your local Cannondale dealers stock your size of Six13. Otherwise, start phoning around to neighboring states and get ready for a long drive?

I have heard anecdotal evidence that guys with long torsos/arms enjoy riding Tarmacs, due to its naturally short head tube and long/stretched out riding position compared to some other bikes. Have you tried an XL sized Giant TCR2 or TCR1 Carbon?

Serpico

bianchi or the cannondale--ride 'em both and buy the one you like

Thrasher

6'4" 205lbs

Rode the Tarmac (just say no to compact), Trek, Specialized, and settled w/ the 63 (really 61) C-Dale R1000. Tweaked the fit just right and am very happy.

HOWEVER, when standing on the pedals I can make the rear wheel rub on the brake shoe. Only occurs on left pedal downstroke, so I assume it's twist in the frame (thoughts anyone?) May try tensioning the rear wheel . . .

I suggest keeping an eye (or ear) for this on your test rides!

BillyD

Another tall rider checking in.

I'm almost your shadow -- 6'4", 214 before dinner.

Sorry, but I'm not famil with the sizings of those bikes.

Good luck!

my58vw

Any large rider is going to flex a large frame, just due to power transfer. I have been known to flex seat stays and wheels, expecially in the back. You will have to look long and hard for a 62 or 63 cm in any of those bikes. BTW cannondale sizes run LARGE, i.e. a 63 cm is a little over 63 cm.

I have a 38 inch inseem, I can not ride anything under 63 and that is pushing it... (3 inch drop with massive spacers. My next bike will be custom, pink or lavender carbon.

Thrasher

I believe you're right my58vw: long femurs are big levers; big frames are less stiff.

Measuring the seat tube on my 63 r1000: 66 to the seat binder bolt, 61 center to center

adam18

I am 6'4'' tall, 200 lbs., with a 34' inseam. My 2005 62 cm. Roubaix with 130 mm. stem fits me perfectly, after my LBS spent around an hour and a half setting up the bike for me. I love riding my Roubaix, and I recommend that you give it a try.

Prince9931

6"6 64cm torrelli ....... great to ride

EURO

six13, then the Spesh.

Bianchi over-priced, Trek boring.

All bikes are similar in quality.

DocRay

+1 on the CAAD8. That bike is amazing for the price. It is not harse ride at all, I've felt harsher carbon frames.
l'm 6'3" and 190-you may want to look at an ally Cervelo Soloist at 61cm.

DocRay

One point on the Bianchi: Magnus Backstedt had frame breakage issues on the carbon Bianchis, they ended up making him a custom titanium frame. He weighs 200lbs.

late

Hi,
A lot of frames have the same design for each size. The ride is hard in the small size and whippy in the largest.

OTOH.. there are a few out there that are great for big guys. I would email (or call if you're patient) and ask them which models will work best for a strong 6' 4" rider. Cannondale always has a couple bikes for big guys. But email a bunch of them and see what they say.

You could also look into custom. Ever heard of the Habanero Team Road?

EURO

He also puts out a hell of a lot more power than the average recreational rider.

onRoffR

I'm not quite as tall as you but I am 6'1" and I just went thru almost the same decission scenario, all the same exact bikes except the bianchi. the bike I ended up getting was the cannondale Six 13 team 2 with the SI carbon compact crank and I upgraded the STI Shifter/brake levers also to DA. This bike is very stiff. the BB stiffness is exceptional with the oversized unit and the two carbon sections of tubing made it ride as smooth as the madone and tarmac but with much more of a responsive feel. I had trouble finding a demo even in a 58cm frame most stores seem to have the 56cm and when I got my bike a couple of weeks ago the fit is perfect. I would say that I rode all three on 15 mile test rides and there was no comparison the six 13, for me is an awesome bike. I found the tarmac a little slow in the turns, although it was an great climber. I also was concerned that there was paint chipping on the seat tube and bottom bracket tube, I'm not sure why ,may be over tightening or flex of the frame. the madone was a very smooth bike not quit as responsive as the six 13, very nice fit and finnish like the cannondale but The components for the money were hard to compare Bontrager X this and xxx that. wheels were nice but not as solid as the mavic krysium elites. I've put about 300 miles on the bike and I am am very happy with my choice the cannondale is very stiff, lite and fast. I still feel like I'm dreaming pedaling up hills it takes so little effort. this is a super bike!!

jreauclaire

6'3" 175lbs riding an '05 Trek Madone SL 62cm. 36" inseam. Great fit. Is smoother than my Trek 62 cm Aluminum, but is it stiff where it counts. Yes, they are common bikes, especially where I live (Wisconsin, where they are made) BUT they make a good high end product.