MidwestCommuter

I hear there might be some really tall folks here! I have this posted in the "Commuter" section, but somebody suggested it may be better hither rather than yonder.

I am hoping to get some advice on a frame set to replace my undersized, heavy, old beater. The list of manufacturers out there is dizzying, but my requirements leave me with little options.

My biggest challenge? I am 6'-5" with longer legs than the "typical" 6'-5" dude. My PBH is 99.5cm. I visited Rivendell in Walnut Creek and talked with Grant Petersen, and at the time, he suggested a custom A. Homer Hilsen in a 69cm frame. It was to have TWO top tubes (It looks like he actually came across more freaks of nature like me, since the double-top-tubed AHH is now a standard model). Unfortunately, I could never afford the AHH's $1,500 price tag.

I should also say that I ride year round in the snow-covered and rain-soaked Midwest. The conditions can get really nasty. I ride through Spring floodwaters filled with silt and mud; Winter snow, ice, slush and worse yet salted roads (the salt on the pavement quickly devoured my chain and rear derailleur this winter). Also, potholes are a problem. And sometimes, when you are riding along and a semi pulls up next to you, there is no choice but to hit the pot hole head on.

I also ride RAGBRAI from time to time. I require fenders front and back, as well as a rear rack. The smallest tires I ride on are 32c WITH fenders. In winter, I ride Nokian 35c Hakkappellita's, also with fenders.

I was looking at Surly's Long Haul Trucker, but their frame size maxes out at 62cm. I looked at Soma's Double Cross, but again, they max out at 62 cm. Their Smoothie ES has larger sizes, but can't accommodate tires wider than 32c. I need a frame / fork that that can fit my tall stature, is rugged and can slip and slide in the snow (and yes, I do occasionally wipe out), but more svelte and lithe than my current department store jalopy that weighs in at a scant 42.5 lbs.!

Suggestions?

Tom Stormcrowe

Well, there's Co Motion

mazama has a Co motion Mazama and he's right at 7'!

mstrpete

I was thinking LHT myself. Being "only" 5'10" I'm not sure I can be of much help, but could you get comfy on a 62 cm with a high seatpost and stem? I sometimes ride a Trek 720 hybrid which has a 15" (38 cm) frame, and with the seatpost up high enough, it's fine for me.

Antelope 70cm

I would suggest saving up until you can go custom. It will most likely be a once in a lifetime purchase. As Tom mentioned, the Mazama by Co-Motion. However it is no longer being produced. I called to confirm this a while back. I'm not sure where in the Midwest you are, but I believe the custom bike maker show is in Indianapolis next year. Here is a picture of my 1987 70cm C-T Serotta Colorado.

What is PBH by the way?

v1k1ng1001

i think a nice custom bike would be worth the money given your needs and the amount you ride

there are several good builders that can help you put something together

ishkabibble

PBH is Pubic Bone Height. https://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_..._to_measure_it shows how Rivendell measures it.

A Gunnar with custom geometry might be a little cheaper than a full custom.

Bill

Antelope 70cm

Ah, thanks. My PBH is 40.5 inches.

MidwestCommuter

Thanks folks,

I would like to go custom...I've been contemplating it for a couple of years now, but it is just so difficult to outlay so much cash up front. If I do, there is no question it will be a Rivendell. I like Grant's philosophy, his shop, his workers, and of course, his bikes. It seems that all custom frame sets are right around the $1,500 mark.

Surly's and Soma's are less than a third of that cost, and if only they made a frame a few centimeters larger than their largest, I would be there.

I am in the Quad Cities...a fair drive from Indy. But it may be worth the trip just to check out the show.

meier06

You can get a custom geometry gunnar sport for an extra $200. That's my vote. 3hrs from the QCA, your can have a local shop fit you right and send them the dimensions, or you could actually go to their factory in Waterloo, WI. I emailed about doing this, fitting was $200 on top of the additional $200 for custom geometry/sizing. By that point, your getting into your AHH territory. Hope this helps

dizzy101

Various bicycle manufacturers in the 1980s made 68.5 or 69 cm frames. At that time, it was *hip* to see as little seat post as possible, so even relatively short people rode on huuuge frames.

You can still find these frames on Ebay, often for less or around $100. Look for major American brands, Schwinn, Paramount, etc.

thaetviking

Since you do RAGBRAI there is a frame builder here in Ames. For the life of me his name is escaping me. He also moved his shop so I can not stop by after work to get you the info. If you call Skunk River Cycles in Ames they may be able to help you out. I have met a couple of people who had stuff done by him and they loved it. I am not sure on his prices either.

Mazama

I see Tom already introduced me. I went with a Mazama because not only am I tall, but I also have quite a gravitational pull. The Mazama uses tandem tubing and components. You could get by with another one of their single-bike models. Co-Motion will custom make any model.


Good luck in your quest and welcome to the Clyde subforum

MidwestCommuter

That Mazama is one stylish ride. I checked into Co-Motion, since a few of you recommended their shop, and I was quite impressed. And they offer some of the more affordable custom frame sets, but they are still way over a grand.

I checked Gunnar, and they charge $750...but that is only for the frame. Add in a fork and custom geometry, and you are right about the price for a Mazama.

I was afraid I would have to spend big bucks to get a big bike. With three kids and a stay-at-home wife, I just can't swing that kind of dough.

But I appreciate everyone's help. At the very least, I learned of some new manufacturer's that I hadn't heard of before.

MidwestCommuter

Thanks Dizzy,

My problem that I've run into in the past is that those older frames are strictly road bikes, and they don't have the braze-ons for fenders and racks, nor do they have the clearances for 35c tires (with fenders). Also, the wheelbase is kinda short, and in the snow and ice, where there is a lot of slippin' and slidin' I like a longer wheelbase for greater stability.

But I am curious if there are some specific models that folks are aware of from the 80's that are less "road-ish" and more "tour-ish".

artisne

I'm in somewhat the same boat you are. I'm 6'6'' and my PBH is 101cm or about 39.5 inches.
Go to https://zinncycles.com and use their online frame size calculator. The mechanic at my bike shop recommended this way of calculating size over Rivendell. I think you would do ok with a 66cm... maybe a 64cm... it has more to do with the top tube length. My calculation said I should have a 60.9 cm top tube.
Check on Ebay. Sometimes you can find a big old Raleigh touring bike. I had an old Raleigh 66cm from the seventies that I took on Ragbrai many years self-contained... panniers front and back and it did well.
Centurian is another bike that you can sometimes find in really large frames. You have to be diligent and patience and pounce on it when you see it.

mstrpete

Maybe something like this will turn up for you...
https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/bik/602279513.html
Good hunting.

superslomo

habanero has a 64 cm frame... titanium standard geometry for $795. https://www.habcycles.com/road.html could get you closer to what you need.

mark9950

Sometimes you have to pay more than the average person for what you need,I also found out you can have custom built bike from your trek dealer.

MidwestCommuter

No kidding? I never would have thought about that. I consider TREK to be the Starbuck's of bicycles, and did not think they would actually offer something "unique" to suit individual preference. I'll have to look into that.

BikEthan

I know it's been a couple months but I saw this bad boy on da bay and thought I'd post the link, so uh... here's the link!

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:B:SS:US:1123

socalrider

the surly crosscheck would be a good choice. It also maxes out at 62cm but the nature of cross frames makes them fit a little larger than the frame size.. The 62cm crosscheck will fit more like a 64cm standard road frame.. They are priced right also and can be made to many things..