"I want some feedback from other builders who have maybe built for tall folks like myself"
I'm not a builder(made a few in 70s) but I'm definitely a "tall folk" with 40+ yrs of cycling experience so heres my $.02.
Is there a personal preference for your frame being be a "traditional" frame design with horizontal tt? A sloping tt will give you a smaller main triangle. Extending the ht higher above the tt(1-2" or so, quite common these days on large frames)will also make the frame more compact.
Why the straight gauge? You didn't mention what tubing will be used other than the generic 4130. Using
oversize tubing would help eliminate any "noodling" although a competent builder should be able to build one just as "stiff" using traditional size heavy wall tubes. I'm a really tall guy myself and currently ride a
Curtlo with butted OXPlatinum tubing and it is
worlds more responsive, compliant and lighter than my previous straight gauge frame(the difference is stark to say the least). I would definitely talk to your builder regarding this aspect of the frame. You'll have to take my word for it but getting an "all arounder" custom frame built(at considerbable expense) with straight gauge will be something you'll kick yourself for farther down the road(litteraly and figuratively).
I would also recommend
at least 430mm cs. A 73 degree st is pretty typical for a "normal" size bike, and when you jack up the seat height you move the load center back, which is generally not a good thing, so why have a cs length that is used on smaller bikes. I know a guy, 6'9", that just had a custom frame built, not that much different from your geometry, and wished it had longer cs. Longer stays may make the bike slower handling(marginally/imperceptively for most
) but you're not a racer and the benefits of longer cs outweigh that negative.
Please post what the planned tubing size and wall thickness is. And what is the wheelbase and front/center, if you know them (I know you builder does)?
thanks, Brian
Here is a pic,
for size reference only, of probably the largest production framemade today(KHS) with oversize butted tubing, a sloping tt, and extended ht, they claim a good fit up to 6'7". IMO, for you at 6'7", make the pictured st longer(its
only 22.4/568), at least 50mm, keep the tt slope or close to as shown, extend the ht as necessary to maintain that slope, and keep the ht extension. If you're not a racer no need to keep the frame the minimum size possible as this appears for a 6'7" rider. Just a little food for thought.
and the geo
