agurkas

Been lusting over cyclocross bikes for a while now. Local shop has some Kona Jakes (whole setup looks exactly what I need) and I have seen on BikedDirect one of those Motobecame Fantom Crosses with Tiagra. Problems is - nobody stocks anything larger than 60CM, though both seem to be available in 63cm+ size.

Trying to stay here below $900. Have tried looking for used ones for over 6 months. No luck.

Any other reliable CX bikes I should look at, that would work for 6'5" guy with 240lb frame?

Barrettscv 

https://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/cross-hairs/

https://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/hyper-x/

https://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/fast-lane/

agurkas

Those are just frames at $900 a pop. Put this together with build fees and I am in $2K land. Not going to enjoy riding anything that expensive.

cpach

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx3.htm is available in 64cm in orange and silver. Sucks about the sizing availability for you.

Also this frameset: https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1211 is available in 64cm.

agurkas

I have seen that one. I was told I would murder Sora groupo in no time with my weight (240lb). I use biking for cutting after my bulking cycles, so I am not getting much lighter.

Re. Putting one together. I don't have the tools or know-how to get it done right.

Barrettscv 

Getting a bike that fits and is stiff enough for a large rider is worth an extra $500.

Buy a Cross-hairs in your size for $800 and a 2010 Bikes Direct Fantom Cross for $700 https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ntom_cross.htm and transfer the componients from the Fantom Cross to the Cross-hairs.

meanwhile

Ignore the people who told you that. Cheap Shimano groups are very tough. In some ways they're tougher than high end stuff - its the old AKA47 vs M16 engineering principle.

Also: why should WEIGHT be a problem for any part of the groupo??? It's the business of the frame and tyres. The enemy of the power train is dirt, not weight. And brakes, well, cheap cantilever brakes can last longer than nuclear waste - you can still find old pre v-brake MTBs covered in mud and dents using their original brakes.

A lot of cyclists have to a certain level of equipment for prestige reasons. If people get away with spending less, then they feel bad. The main "problem" you'll have with Sora is less responsive gear changing and a little more weight. Unless you're racing these aren't really problems.

Really - I'm 5'10 and a 230lb mesomorph: my current bike uses Campag, but I've NEVER had a problem to do with my weight and "cheap" groups. Ignore these people!

meanwhile

Btw :

1. If your shoulders are wider than average, change the handlebars to wider ones when you can. Especially if you are riding off road. Nitto Noodles and Sala Bell Laps and Moto Aces come in extra wide. Put two layers of decent tape on those bars too, and wear gel gloves - you'll be putting much more pressure on your hands than a 150lb rider.

2. Buy 40mm tyres if you're going off road. Marathon Extremes are good both on and off road. They make a difference when a rider of our weight hits a rock or a tree root.

fietsbob

big, strong and Cheap , probably a pick 2 situation. , drop the cheap part
and Zinn Cycles can build something that fits. He is a tall Guy
with vendors to supply even longer than usual cranksets ,
and Builds a big bike series of framesets..

meanwhile

The extra stress that a frame for a tall rider takes over that of a shorter rider of the same weight is minimal. I weigh 220lbs; I know what standard bike frames can take. There is no reason to spend money on a custom frame.

tombailey

The specialized crux and tricross are actually pretty big (despite being listed as 61cm). I'm the same height and around 220lbs and have ordered a crux.