RedViola

Hi,

I'm not sure I qualify as a Clyde (6'3", 198 lbs) but I'm certainly sympathetic to the fight.

I presume a number of us here are over 6 feet tall and rocking out on road bikes with 58cm or larger effective top tube length, but for most bikes available online, the displayed stock photos are of the cutesy, smaller-size frames. I expect I'm not the only one who has noticed the problem therein.

I am presently considering a winter build for next spring and wouldn't mind some suggestions (carbon, road frame under $4K, racing geometry), but mostly I am interested in hearing about your experiences (pictures!) with larger frames that don't look like Frankenbikes once you go above a Medium. Obviously, there are other factors to consider when purchasing a frame or complete bike but I hate seeing the beautiful lines of a "normal" frame stretched beyond recognition in the plus-sizes.

What do you reckon are the most attractive bigger size frames on the market today?

Mr. Beanz

I know hwa tyou mean about the cutesy models. But nowadays from what I have noticed is that the way the modern carbon frame tubes are shaped, they seem to avoid that overly long awkward funky tall headtube look. So my opinion is that even the larger frames resemble the cutesy models. Mine is a 58 but I've seen larger that look pretty much the same. Pretty sure that is true for most brands out there.

Take a look at my 07 Lemond and 98 Cannondale. Headtube looks much longer on the Canni because of the smaller diameter tubes in that area. The Madone doesn't look as tall eventhough they are the same size. Just my 2 cent!

RedViola

That's interesting, thank you.

I think you might be right about the larger tubing up front making a difference. The more aero Ridleys and their round, fat tubes/junctions seem to size up with little sacrifice visually (assuming, of course, you like that sort of thing) whereas the leaner, sharper Cervelos (ditto) start looking kind of ridiculous above a 54 or 56.

But yeah, the Trek really does look smaller. Actually, the Madone's rear triangle also appears to be shallower than that of the CAD. Maybe it's the sloping top tube (or simply the photography)?

Btw, those are two very good looking bikes.

tallteacher

I guess I am old and boring...I Like the look of a titanium bike..maybe its because my mtn bike is ti, or just that ti bikes are rare on the road...

Barrettscv 

Size 60cm Pedal Force Cg2

PhotoJoe 

I couldn't agree more! This is my Lynskey in size Large



Except they weren't totally uncommon on our last SoCal C/A ride.

tallteacher

I like that... here i am not even owning my first bike and im considering a future build (sad isnt it).... I am thinking/leaning towards something like a de salvo semi custom ti frame ..... but that is down the road...but always on my mind....you guys pedaling your bicycle crack..get one...sure youll want more...you will find ways to rob and steal and justify future purchases...more farkles, upgrade this....change out that....

damn you all!!! (in the nicest way)

TrojanHorse

Looks like you bowed your seat stays there, PJ.

I agree about the sloped top tube making bikes look a bit smaller but if you look at the current generation Roubaix, they look pretty silly in large sizes (not that it would stop me).

Here's my 60cm Merlin: (WAY old school... and yes, it was a bit big for me)

and here's my 58cm Roubaix.... older model


I think the newer frame style does look a little better in that size, but that's just MHO.

Daspydyr 

My Obrea is Triple Butted for strength. Probably overkill for my 235 pounds, but I feel more secure. I think the color and Winged Fender look makes the bike look like a 1950s Hot Rod Lincoln! 60CM frame