Rando Bike for a Tall Person
 

I'm looking for a rando-style bike to do some light touring and ride around town. Trouble is, I'm 6'4". My current bike is an old Andy Gilmour racing bike, which was custom made for someone about my height almost 30 years ago. I love the bike, but I'm looking for something a little more relaxed that can handle a front bag and a light rear load well. I'd also like to ride wider tires (maybe 30c - 34c) with fenders. Other than the Soma Smoothie ES, I don't know of any appropriate production bikes that would fit me. Any ideas?

Also, there is a used 66cm Seven Cycles Sola bike for sale on craigslist in my area. The specifications follow. He's asking for $1,200. Sound like a good bike for my needs? Thanks.

Frame - 66 cm Seven Sola Argen (titanium) tube set
Fork - Rigid steel 26" fork black
Headset - King 2nut 1" Threaded silver
Derailleurs - Shimano Deore LX black
Shifters - Shimano Dura-Ace 9 speed Bar Cons
Cassette - Sram PD-950 12-28 cassette, custom
Chain - KMC X9.99 9 speed silver
Crankset - Ritchey Logic 180mm 48/36/24 chainrings
Bottom Bracket - Shimano UN55 ENG 68 x 118mm
Brake levers - Tektro RL340
Brakes - Ritchey Logic New Shoes
Handlebars - Bontrager 46 cm 31.8 mm
Stem - Threadless type with Soma High Rider Stem Adapter
Cables & Housings - Black All
Tires - Panaracer Pasela 26X1.5 all black
Pedals - Clipless Can supply standard pedals

This isn't out yet, but I'm keeping my eye on this one:

http://oceanaircycles.com/bikes/

The owner is 6'3" or something, so he understands taller riders.

At 6' 4", I find that 62cm production bikes fit me. Have you not found this to be true? Do you find that stand over or top tube are harder to find in adequate size?

Not all manufacturers produce bikes this big. I would recommend you take a look at Surly. The LHT would be a capable rando (and if you really need it, has a 64cm size available soon/now). I understand people use the Cross Check as well. They are generally recommend for rear biased loading, which might be a strike against them given your stated preference for a front loader. Two other production frames that come to mind: SOMA San Marcos (a listed 63cm frame) and the Black Mountain Cycles Road (the designer is tall himself).

I own an 1980 Fuji that fits well with a moderate stem and a fist full of seat post (about 60cm top tube, I forget the seat tube size). My 62cm Surly Steamroller (single speed) has a 61cm top tube and also fits great.

As seat_boy pointed out, the Oceanair might be a good choice when it comes out. I too am watching that development.

I'm 6'3" and ride a 60. That is a great price for a Seven which was (probably) custom made for someone. Are you sure it will fit you**********

Seat Boy and mfredrickson, thanks for the product plug, I really appreciate the support.

I myself being tall, 6'3", have helped a few people out, but on the tall end of fitting, extremes can be exaggerated. Example being my brother-in-law, we are the same height, but his inseam and saddle height are about 4cm taller than mine, he is all leg. Funny thing is the old sport touring frames like a 64 with a 58cm top tube fit him as well as a custom would. I on the other hand prefer a little more top tube. the Surlys IMO are a little on the long side, and soma's offerings do not go as big as you would want.

IXTX. A couple of questions I can ask that may help you find a fit. What is your current saddle height, center of crank to top if saddle? and while you are at it can you measure the top tube on your current ride, center to center?

Post the dimensions of you current ride and it will help the group get you some solid advice.

Thanks for your help. No, 62cm bikes do not fit.

My current bike:

Saddle to ground: 109cm
Saddle to center of crank: 86.33cm
Stand over height: 92cm
Top tube (c-c): 61cm
Seat tube (c-c): 66.67cm

Look at this for giggles http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...an_turismo.htm

Is the Seven 26 inch wheels? That's going to be awkward looking on a frame that size.

You are right that even my 62 will come in a little small for a traditional fit. the 62 is really intended for a saddle height up to about 82-83. For a frame a reference, here is my current main ride:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5289/5...1fb3667d56.jpg
Frame bag No.1 by rperks1, on Flickr

the saddle height is about 80cm in this picture. My upcoming model will have a lower bottom bracket than the Roadeo shown. Combine that with the center to center seat tube measurements I am using and a 64 could probably work out pretty well for you. I have only had a little interest in that size, but enough that I am still keeping it in the line-up.

It sounds like the easily available vintage steel may also be a bit of a problem for your fit, as the older bikes tended to have shorter top tubes. Keep your eyes open for a used Fuji America, s-12s or LTD, these will pop up from time to time, the sizing will be close on the largest sizes (64). The models around the 1980 year give or take a couple of years are a decent low cost way to try out a bike with a low-trail front loaded bias type of bike. Most of these can easily be converted to 70c as well.

Good luck on your search, the journey is part of the fun.