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Any really TALL riders out there?... What are you riding?

Old 03-11-09, 02:41 PM
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Any really TALL riders out there?... What are you riding?

Greetings. I'm 6'10" and caught the cycling bug back in the 80's. Amazingly, my Fuji Del Rey frame has lasted all these years and miles. But alas, it is tired. So I am wondering if there are any similarly tall or taller riders out there who are happy with their mounts. Pictures are appreciated!
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Old 03-11-09, 03:01 PM
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Hi,

Not as tall, but tall enough at 6-4 that I almost never find anything in a bike shop that I can ride on. A few manufacturers do make larger frames. If you're a traditionalist, Rivendell sells some very big frames. I rode one of theirs at 66 cm, and liked it. I've got a compact geometry fixed gear that's 61 cm. Waiting on a Mercian King of Mercia custom. The folks there are very accommodating.

Mark
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Old 03-11-09, 03:15 PM
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No personal experience I am afraid as I am only 6' 2" but I have several tall friends, although not as tall as you.

A friend of mine rides a GIANT (slightly ironic) xl frame (can't remeber the model but I can find out if you want) which fits him quite well. He is "only" 6' 7" and looking at him on it I am not sure that it would scale up that well to someone 6' 10". Another mate who is 6' 4" has a custom BJ and rates that, not really tall I know but tall enough to have some difficulty in finding frames. Lastly my cousin is about 6' 6" and has found Cannondale frame that fits him, I can find out more if you like. I think all of these guys where on the edge of what the biggest production frames could be made to fit tbh.

If I were you being as you are in Eire I'd go semi custom / custom with a British frame maker and use the power of the Euro.
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Old 03-11-09, 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by oddtanlines
Greetings. I'm 6'10" and caught the cycling bug back in the 80's.
For touring the fit (IMHO) is very important. You can be 6'10" with a variety of different needs, leg length extension, arm length, comfortable arm and hand positions, so if the Fuji served you well and still is comfortable, measure all the points on the frame and discuss your needs for a custom frame.

I am ONLY 6'4", sons are 6'7" and 6'8", one has a perfect fit on a Giant Yukon 2XL frame, the other on a XL frame. This is a MTB frame setup, and is hardy to handle there body types and total mass. Yet if they were wanting to tour, these frames will work for 1-2 days routes, yet I suspect they would want a stretched frame for longer ride durations. This would also apply to the wheel set you select as well. Off the shelf just may not provide the best option.

Best wishes...
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Old 03-11-09, 03:48 PM
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Thanks lads. I know what you mean about the Euro/GBP Brick. I've been buying parts from shops on your island lately. I figured that custom is my only option. I really want to see which customs people like. (I should have mentioned that in OP) Bab2000... that is one huge family. Btw - I'm a LaPorte native!
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Old 03-11-09, 03:52 PM
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paxtonm - just looked at the Mercian. That is quite a deal! Especially with the exchange rate at what it is. You must be salivating!
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Old 03-11-09, 03:55 PM
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I'd try the CTC forum as well as it's a bit more British focused so you may beable to get some more recommendations for frame builders over this way. Good luck. Mercian is always going ot be up there.
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Old 03-11-09, 06:46 PM
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I am not a very tall rider myself but I have fit a number of people roughly your height on various styles of bikes and I would have to strongly suggest a Gunnar. They do affordable custom frames in any configuration you could want. I personally ride the hell out of my crosshairs from them and love everything about the bike and the people there. Everyone I have talked to in the process of building my bike has been super friendly and helpfull.

They also have plenty of experience with VERY tall riders, here is a pic of Yao Mings bike they built for him which is kinda cool looking and easily the tallest non "tall bike" I have seen.

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Old 03-11-09, 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by oddtanlines
I figured that custom is my only option. I really want to see which customs people like. (I should have mentioned that in OP) Bab2000... that is one huge family. Btw - I'm a LaPorte native!
Yes, was so glad when the last move out on own, 2 daughters as well each 5'12"

Just down the road, LaPorte was always meal time on return trips from visiting oldest when he was at Purdue on home football Saturdays (5 years worth) and if me made it a day trip for a Saturday or Sunday visit. (they completed the 4 lane roadway just after he graduated)

A British Hoosier, well I have never had the pleasure till today, "howdy-cheers" should cover it.

I have not yet taken on a long tour trip, but when ready I am first looking at the Surly Long Haul Trucker for my 2XL frame. Presently I am using a Specialized Crossroad Sport for my trips is fitted for racks and geared just about right for the flatlands and the rolling hills in in Indiana and southern Michigan. I also have a couple of Schwinns, (mid 70s Vintage), longer frame length. I fit with a rear rack, and large saddle bag for a hilly road tour and often when the ride is supported in regards to gear.

PS: Spring is trying to emerge, was nice and pleasant late last week breaking low 60s, storms Sunday with tornado hitting Columbia city and making appearances eastward. Then dropped to the low 30s through today with promise of clearing weather by weekend. 6" of rain since Sunday causing flooding along the river basins near here, not sure if the Wabash is rising. Take care now.
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Old 03-11-09, 11:20 PM
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I am only 6'6" and have a Surly LHT (62cm size) that fits me nicely. It is very new so I haven't had a lot of time on it, but I really like the fit compared to some of my other bikes. For 6'10" I would mention the same ones others have mentioned Rivendell, or a custom Mercian or Bob Jackson.
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Old 03-12-09, 02:33 AM
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Thanks lads. Nubcake, that Yao Ming bicycle is amazing. I know that the Waterford folks have done some monster frames for Chicago Bulls players, but I have never seen one that large. Thanks for that photo. It appears that those are not particularly long crank arms - only 170's??? For Yao-sized legs, I would have guessed that they would have installed 180's. Maybe the massive size of the frame and the 28" wheels are throwing me off.
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