Bicycles for tall people!
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After so many years I'm keen to get back into cycling again mainly for fitness, fun, and probably
some weekend travelling... I haven't been to any cycle shop yet... just been looking around a number
of web sites.. and lurking around here for a coupe of days... I have a few questions before I go...
always helps to know what you need / want by then!
From my requirements, Im looking at racer / touring bikes.. however being on the slightly tall side
at 6'5".. I'd appreciate any advice. What concerns me is the reach from saddle to the handlebars...
esp since I have had back problems. Any other tall cyclists out there who care to share some
information?
Price wise... I'm looking at around £350-£400.. including all the extras.. flaps, lights, lock,
cover (it's gonna be stored outside), full tank of... :o) etc... Unfortunately that is outside a
custom build... so given that I can comfortably sit on a factory build how should I proportion my
spending? At the moment I'm considering something along price of the Dawes Giro 200... but slightly
concerned at how much I should budget for the extras.
Any thoughts gratefully welcome, Mark
Mark Blewett wrote:
> From my requirements, Im looking at racer / touring bikes.. however being on the slightly tall
> side at 6'5".. I'd appreciate any advice. What concerns me is the reach from saddle to the
> handlebars... esp since I have had back problems.
Depends what riding position you prefer and what your proportions are (back vs legs, etc). If may be
impossible to find an off-the-peg bike with a long enough top tube if you want a serious flat-backed
racing position, but you might be just about ok with the largest sizes if happier a bit more upright
that that; more likely still with a typical touring position. Longer stems (with more horizontal
extension) can be used but there's a limit to what's available and how far you can go before
handling becomes horrible: 130 to 140mm, I find. A seatpost with more layback than average might
help. A longer one may be required as well. A good dealer will swap post and stem free of charge if
they're keen on your business.
Even at 6' 2", I find head tube height - therefore handlebar height - is a problem. However, a riser
stem can get the bars high enough, and you should ask for forks with a full-length uncut steerer if
the bike uses the threadless system.
~PB
"Mark Blewett" <spam@blewett.nildram.co.uk> wrote in message
news:0clcmvk72bkd9rq8hg1c0n8f0ajhr4sphc@4ax.com... <snip>
> From my requirements, Im looking at racer / touring bikes.. however being on the slightly tall
> side at 6'5".. I'd appreciate any advice. What concerns me is the reach from saddle to the
> handlebars... esp since I have had back problems. Any other tall cyclists out there who care to
> share some information?
>
> Price wise... I'm looking at around £350-£400.. including all the extras.. flaps, lights, lock,
> cover (it's gonna be stored outside), full tank of... :o) etc... Unfortunately that is outside a
> custom build... so given that I can comfortably sit on a factory build how should I proportion my
> spending? At the moment I'm considering something along price of the Dawes Giro 200... but
> slightly concerned at how much I should budget for the extras.
My first thought is that buying oversized equipment is always more expensive.
If I was looking at £400 all-in (locks, lights etc), then I'd consider second hand. You won't get
the locks thrown in, as decent ones are kept, likewise lights. So, with cheap locks and lights,
you're down to £350.
You'll have to get a cover for the bike at night. It'll rust to bits outside. Take another tenner or
so off for that.
At £340 and 6ft 5" you'll need to make sure the frame size is correct. A visit to your LBS is the
best bet here to get an opinion.
Hope you find something, but I think it's optimistic to find something comfortable and reliable. Put
another hundred into the kitty, and look through the second hand market? No experience in road bikes
myself, but the prices in the shop today were around £1100 for a decent model. I didn't even check
the prices on the expensive ones. Very light though, and I want one.
Pete Biggs <pLime{remove_fruit}@biggs.tc> wrote:
: Depends what riding position you prefer and what your proportions are (back vs legs, etc). If may
: be impossible to find an off-the-peg bike with a long enough top tube if you want a serious
: flat-backed racing position
I'd say he'd be ok with a Cannondale - they do dales in very large sizes (up to 65cm ISTR) though I
doubt there's a shop in the country that has one in stock and I don't think they do all models in
the very large sizes. Well worth a look though.
Arhtur
--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org (http://www.clune.org/) "Techolibertarians make a philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook
Arthur Clune wrote:
> Pete Biggs <pLime{remove_fruit}@biggs.tc> wrote:
>
>> Depends what riding position you prefer and what your proportions are (back vs legs, etc). If may
>> be impossible to find an off-the-peg bike with a long enough top tube if you want a serious
>> flat-backed racing position
>
> I'd say he'd be ok with a Cannondale - they do dales in very large sizes (up to 65cm ISTR) though
> I doubt there's a shop in the country that has one in stock and I don't think they do all models
> in the very large sizes. Well worth a look though.
>
I've seen a 68cm as standard in the touring range but at 6'6" I find my fairly readily available
63cm to be a great fit. The other advantage is Cannondales are known as stiff frames and are good in
the large sizes. Quite a few frames which are more giving in average sizes become a bit noodly in
the very large sizes.
Tony
--
"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Mark Twain
Tony Raven wrote:
> Arthur Clune wrote:
>> I'd say he'd be ok with a Cannondale - they do dales in very large sizes (up to 65cm ISTR) though
>> I doubt there's a shop in the country that has one in stock and I don't think they do all models
>> in the very large sizes. Well worth a look though.
>>
> I've seen a 68cm as standard in the touring range but at 6'6" I find my fairly readily available
> 63cm to be a great fit.
I can confirm that. I'm 6'7" and used to ride a 63cm Giant hybrid which I was very happy with, even
on a number of longer tours.
With the introduction of sloping top tubes ("compact frame") some manufacturers including Giant
reduced their range to only three sizes.
I was rather sceptical about that, but when I decided to get a new bike, I test rode a Giant in XL
(60cm) and found it to be a good fit. A thousand miles later I'm still happy with it.
Seat post extension is well within limits and with an adjustable stem it's easy to fit the handlebar
position to requirements.
Trek still do 25" (63cm) frames, although when I asked about availability in the local bike shop it
was a matter of months rather than weeks.
Andy
Mark Blewett <spam@blewett.nildram.co.uk> wrote in message
news:<0clcmvk72bkd9rq8hg1c0n8f0ajhr4sphc@4ax.com>...
> From my requirements, Im looking at racer / touring bikes.. however being on the slightly tall
> side at 6'5".. I'd appreciate any advice. What concerns me is the reach from saddle to the
> handlebars... esp since I have had back problems. Any other tall cyclists out there who care to
> share some information?
>
I,m 6ft3 and find the largest size in most bike ranges give enough saddle height with an inch or two
to spare on the seatpost (above the max height marks). Handlebar height is always a problem. For the
older quill type stems you can buy longers stems to get enough height. For Ahead type stems you can
get a device that clamps on top of the stem raising the bars by about 2 inches. If thats not enough
using an adjustable A head stem combined with the stem raiser should do the job. The Stem raiser is
sold by both Halfords and Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative as well as other shops. One brand is made by
"ZOOM". I,ve also suffered back problems and you might want to consider carefully whether its a
racing or touring style bike you go for. Slightlt wider touring tyres while still reasonably fast
rolling give a bit more cushioning. I use a suspension seatpost on my commuter and touring bikes as
well. If you don,t mind flat bars then a lot of manufacturers are doing hybrid style bikes which are
suitable for touring. IE 28-38 mm tyres higher geared than mountain bikes and ideally (in the price
range you are looking at) without suspension. Shops tend to be selling off 2003 models around now
before stocking up on the 2004 models for christmas. cheers Iain C
iarocu wrote:
> Mark Blewett <spam@blewett.nildram.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:<0clcmvk72bkd9rq8hg1c0n8f0ajhr4sphc@4ax.com>...
>
> Handlebar height is always a problem. For the older quill type stems you can buy longers stems to
> get enough height. For Ahead type stems you can get a device that clamps on top of the stem
> raising the bars by about 2 inches. If thats not enough using an adjustable A head stem combined
> with the stem raiser should do the job. The Stem raiser is sold by both Halfords and Edinburgh
> Bicycle Cooperative as well as other shops. One brand is made by "ZOOM".
Another alternative for a quill stem is to get the quill-ahead converter - basically a quill stem
that is just a vertical post. You can set it at the maximum and then put an ahead stem on at the top
sans spacers (which are not needed).
Tony
--
"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." Mark Twain
Tony Raven wrote:
> iarocu wrote:
>> Handlebar height is always a problem. For the older quill type stems you can buy longers stems to
>> get enough height. For Ahead type stems you can get a device that clamps on top of the stem
>> raising the bars by about 2 inches. If thats not enough using an adjustable A head stem combined
>> with the stem raiser should do the job. The Stem raiser is sold by both Halfords and Edinburgh
>> Bicycle Cooperative as well as other shops. One brand is made by "ZOOM".
That won't be necessary if a stem with sufficient rise can be found - and there are a few with very
steep angles if needed.
> Another alternative for a quill stem is to get the quill-ahead converter - basically a quill stem
> that is just a vertical post. You can set it at the maximum and then put an ahead stem on at the
> top sans spacers (which are not needed).
I agree that is a good solution because it's easier to find good quality ahead stems with the
necessary angle (the adaptor shafts aren't very long, btw) and with 25.8/26.0 bar clamp. Most quills
are 73 degrees with quite short shafts and most don't have front opening clamps either.
~PB
On Tue, 16 Sep 2003 02:25:52 GMT, "elyob" <newsprofile@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>"Mark Blewett" <spam@blewett.nildram.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:0clcmvk72bkd9rq8hg1c0n8f0ajhr4sphc@4ax.com... <snip>
>> From my requirements, Im looking at racer / touring bikes.. however being on the slightly tall
>> side at 6'5".. I'd appreciate any advice. What concerns me is the reach from saddle to the
>> handlebars... esp since I have had back problems. Any other tall cyclists out there who care to
>> share some information?
>>
>> Price wise... I'm looking at around £350-£400..
<snip>
>My first thought is that buying oversized equipment is always more expensive.
Certainly seems more expensive than the last bike I had 20 years ago! Spent ~£80 for a secondhand
bike, alloy frame with centre pull brakes.. replaced the bearings etc, re-built, re-spayed the frame
by hand.. didn't look expensive, but reliable and a good ride... certainly better than the average
racer at the time. Then bought a Dawes (can't remember the cost) when I was at 6th form... nicked
within the first 6 months :o(.. and the last time I cycled
>If I was looking at £400 all-in (locks, lights etc), then I'd consider second hand. You won't get
>the locks thrown in, as decent ones are kept, likewise lights. So, with cheap locks and lights,
>you're down to £350.
Thanks, that was the approximate costs for the extras I was thinking. Are mud guards normally
included... most of the pics I see on sites seem to be missing them?
>You'll have to get a cover for the bike at night. It'll rust to bits outside. Take another tenner
>or so off for that.
... and a damp seat too :o)
>At £340 and 6ft 5" you'll need to make sure the frame size is correct. A visit to your LBS is the
>best bet here to get an opinion.
LBS? Local Bike Store?
>Hope you find something, but I think it's optimistic to find something comfortable and reliable.
>Put another hundred into the kitty, and look through the second hand market?
That is a possibility... I think I'd happy to buy secondhand, and rebuild. Where's the best
place to look?
> No experience in road bikes myself, but the prices in the shop today were around £1100 for a
> decent model. I didn't even check the prices on the expensive ones. Very light though, and I
> want one.
So do I, but it's out my price range... for the time being at least until I get hooked!
Regards Mark
On 16 Sep 2003 05:21:55 -0700, iarocu@hotmail.com (iarocu) wrote:
>Mark Blewett <spam@blewett.nildram.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:<0clcmvk72bkd9rq8hg1c0n8f0ajhr4sphc@4ax.com>...
>
>> From my requirements, Im looking at racer / touring bikes.. however being on the slightly tall
>> side at 6'5".. I'd appreciate any advice. What concerns me is the reach from saddle to the
>> handlebars... esp since I have had back problems. Any other tall cyclists out there who care to
>> share some information?
>>
>I,m 6ft3 and find the largest size in most bike ranges give enough saddle height with an inch or
>two to spare on the seatpost (above the max height marks).
Thats what I thought from looking at various frame specs.
> Handlebar height is always a problem.
Must admit I was more concerned with handlebar to seat distance.
> For the older quill type stems you can buy longers stems to get enough height. For Ahead type
> stems you can get a device that clamps on top of the stem raising the bars by about 2 inches. If
> thats not enough using an adjustable A head stem combined with the stem raiser should do the job.
> The Stem raiser is sold by both Halfords and Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative as well as other shops.
> One brand is made by "ZOOM".
Thanks for the info. I guess there are different "standards" of stems, which to be honest I know
little about.. how standard are they? Do different companies have their own standards? The reason I
ask its perhaps a more universal standard, would give me more options?
> I,ve also suffered back problems and you might want to consider carefully whether its a racing
> or touring style bike you go for.
To be honest I'm not sure... possibly something inbetween :o) For the most part I'd like to use it
locally... for work and in the evenings (wimbledon comman and richmond parks are near by), then
again I'd like to get on the train (well at least to start with!!!) and go down for a weekend in the
new forest etc.
>Slightlt wider touring tyres while still reasonably fast rolling give a bit more cushioning. I use
>a suspension seatpost on my commuter and touring bikes as well.
Sounds like a sensible option for me. Would a "good" shop charge for changing the tyres?
> If you don,t mind flat bars then a lot of manufacturers are
From experience I must admit I do prefer drop handle bars... but normally riding in the up
right position.
>doing hybrid style bikes which are suitable for touring. IE 28-38 mm tyres higher geared than
>mountain bikes and ideally (in the price range you are looking at) without suspension. Shops tend
>to be selling off 2003 models around now before stocking up on the 2004 models for christmas.
It's all about timing... and now seems a good time to buy from what I've read (also Jan/Feb).
Thanks Mark
On Tue, 16 Sep 2003 03:08:41 +0100, "Pete Biggs" <pLime{remove_fruit}@biggs.tc> wrote:
>Mark Blewett wrote:
>> From my requirements, Im looking at racer / touring bikes.. however being on the slightly tall
>> side at 6'5".. I'd appreciate any advice. What concerns me is the reach from saddle to the
>> handlebars... esp since I have had back problems.
>
>Depends what riding position you prefer and what your proportions are (back vs legs, etc).
From my experience of gliding, "short" (relative!) legs but a long body... I'm not looking for an
areo-dynamic position.. but also I'd like a bicycle which doesn't put too much stress on my back
because it's the wrong size.
> If may be impossible to find an off-the-peg bike with a long enough top tube if you want a serious
> flat-backed racing position, but you might be just about ok with the largest sizes if happier a
> bit more upright that that; more likely still with a typical touring position.
I'm not looking to break the sound barrier... a comfortable position would be good. From my
searching (for example http://www.habcycles.com/road.html), the standover height should not be a
problem.... floor to crouch being ~89cm", so a 62 or 64cm frame. What concerns me its the top-tube
length at 59.5cm.. doing some measurements... sounds very small... given ~65cm from chair to mid
shoulder, and 70cm from mid shoulder to palm... whatever.... it's going to be a very upright
position!!
> Longer stems (with more horizontal extension) can be used but there's a limit to what's
> available and how far you can go before handling becomes horrible: 130 to 140mm, I find.
130-140mm in the hortizontal direction (relative to the head stem angle?). Sounds a lot.. I take it
takes awhile to get used to it?
> A seatpost with more layback than average might help. A longer one may be required as well.
Sorry... I'm not up with the terms... Layback?
> A good dealer will swap post and stem free of charge if they're keen on your business.
I hope so!
>Even at 6' 2", I find head tube height - therefore handlebar height - is a problem. However, a
>riser stem can get the bars high enough, and you should ask for forks with a full-length uncut
>steerer if the bike uses the threadless system.
I never considers the handlebar height being a problem (having not tried any for size yet).. so
thats for the heads up.
Thanks Mark
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