BigBlueToe

I'm looking towards purchasing a new touring bike. I want to ride with panniers, front and back. I'm 6'4" tall with a 35" inseam and a pubic bone height of 37 3/4". I was looking at the Rivendell sizing pages and I like his philosophy. I'd like a frame that is big enough, rather than a compact frame with a mile-long seatpost. I'd like the handlebars to be around the same height as my seat, without a freakishly long stem. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice.

I did a search on this topic. I found people making recommendations, but without mentioning the kind of position they like. If you're tall and have a bike you like, I'd love to hear about it. Could you please mention how high your bars are compared to your seat?

Thanks in advance.

late

You can get significant flex in the bottom bracket area with such a tall frame.
If you want steel, I'd suggest Waterford over Rivendell. They have a LOT more experience with touring bikes, and offer more bang for the buck despite also being custom.

For something more moderate in price, try a Cannondale touring bike. You can contact them and ask them what would work. They are known for building bikes for tall guys; and would be my 2nd choice.

Shemp

I'm 6'3.5"and have a 35.75" inseam. I love the fit of my Cannondale 60cm T2000. They have a bike one size up from that even, but getting over the top tube of the 63 would take a really long pair of legs.

brunop

check:

https://www.zinncycles.com/

tall dude builds big bikes.

GeoKrpan

The nice thing about a mile long seatpost is that it flexes and gives a better ride.
Sheldon Brown mentions this in his article in the Feb. 2007 issue of Adventure Cyclist.
And, a bike with a sloping top tube has a smaller, stronger main triangle than a level top tube bike.
That could be important to you. And, of course, a sloping top tube frame is usually lighter than a level top tube frame.
But, I personally like the aesthetics of a level top tube bike.

Noah Scape

What's you budget? If the USD was not so weak against GBP, I'd recommend a look at Mercian. I'm 6'6" and in the 70s and 80s, toured on a 63cm frame. When I finally decided to get a custom steel lugged frame built, I went with Mercian and I couldn't be more pleased.

Cyclesafe

CoMotion Americano and Mazama are available in large sizes and you can get an extended head tube at a nominal extra charge. One advantage of a big bike is that you can put smaller rear panniers on the front giving you more usable volume.

BigBlueToe

I was looking at the Cannondale models. I noticed that the T2000 has straight forks, and the T800 has curved. What are the advantages/disadvantages of both? What should I know? How do the two models compare otherwise?

Thanks!

ldesfor1@ithaca

hi, i'm the same size as you and fit well on a surly LHT 62cm with a fist of seatpost and a B17. I now ride a crosscheck in 60cm and actually enjoy the fit of this bike too with about an extra finger of seatpost showing. I like a short top tube though and a slack seat tube which both surlies offer (72 degrees). i use a very short stem to counter the longish top tube on these 2 bikes.

cyccommute 

The T800 has a steel fork while the T2000 has an aluminum one. The aluminum fork is lighter and probably stiffer...maybe not something you want more of on these bikes. The straight blades transmit more road feel to your hands while the curve on the steel forks gives a bit more when you hit something. Personally, I like a fork with a little curve to it for just that reason.

The other differences between the bikes is more cosmetic than anything. The T2000 has a bit better component set and a suspension post. The T800 cost less. Either one is a good bike. For me, the T800 is probably a bit better value.