big frame dilema

Get a custom made bike. I'm 6'4 and 95kg and would only go the custom route as I get the various bits and geometry that I like added to the bike. Reynolds 853 or some of the top Columbus steel frames will handle the weight better,and for longer, or so I have been told by a number of custom bike builders.

I am also considering a Rock Shock road suspension post to make it more comfortable as it weighs almost the same (325g v 250g normal) but makes the trip for the bigger rider more comfortable.

Good hunting.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by shaneo
right.....all you bike salesmen and lightweight riders please take a break and sit at the back of the bunch!!!!....what I want to hear from is that class of rider who is 90kgs and above....and measures 6 foot 3 and above.....
I have been through a couple of cannondale caad frames (3 & 5) and have started looking around for a new frame....think I might try something different.....but what????
I seem to have a few problems finding a frame similar to the 63cm cannondale.......
I know giant and specialised do big frames....but how do they perform for the big fella's???? (ie compact frames - carbon)

please dont bother posting b/s about certain frame makes that dont make large frames....i have been around long enough to know if the frame dont fit

I'm 6'4"+ and 97kgs (lean) and have had a couple of different 'fit-kits' done, including Bioracer.... and not one came out with measurements for a frame bigger than 61cm. ...... A big bike (63, 64cm +) has gotta be made for spiders or freaks in my opinion. Although, whilst I'm tall, I'm quite proportionate?

There's nothing wrong with having a bit of extra seatpost sticking out. A slightly smaller frame with well fitted stem etc (in my opinion) feels a lot more nimble than the big, sparse, traditional geometry frames.

Top tube length is the most important though, and unless you're doing it right and having a custom job done, check the geometries of the manufacturers to see who comes up with the tt(c-c / virtual c-c) that suits best.

I'm waiting on an XXL Guerciotti (virtual seat tube = 61cm) being made at the moment. I chose for the frame with a 4cm sloping tt. Helps keep the aesthetics of the bike in balance, as well as maintaining a rigid formation. TT length was nice, dialed in with a 130mm stem. By the way....... awesome package.

The fully sloping frames of Giants etc just didn't feel right, although from memory, the big Giants had a really long (possibly suitable?) virtual top tube length.

C.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by cpa
I'm 6'4"+ and 97kgs (lean) and have had a couple of different 'fit-kits' done, including Bioracer.... and not one came out with measurements for a frame bigger than 61cm. ...... A big bike (63, 64cm +) has gotta be made for spiders or freaks in my opinion. Although, whilst I'm tall, I'm quite proportionate?

There's nothing wrong with having a bit of extra seatpost sticking out. A slightly smaller frame with well fitted stem etc (in my opinion) feels a lot more nimble than the big, sparse, traditional geometry frames.

Top tube length is the most important though, and unless you're doing it right and having a custom job done, check the geometries of the manufacturers to see who comes up with the tt(c-c / virtual c-c) that suits best.

I'm waiting on an XXL Guerciotti (virtual seat tube = 61cm) being made at the moment. I chose for the frame with a 4cm sloping tt. Helps keep the aesthetics of the bike in balance, as well as maintaining a rigid formation. TT length was nice, dialed in with a 130mm stem. By the way....... awesome package.

The fully sloping frames of Giants etc just didn't feel right, although from memory, the big Giants had a really long (possibly suitable?) virtual top tube length.

C.

your about spot on with my measurements (193cms 95kg ).....On bioracer I came in at 61cm frame size.....I ended up going for a 63cm cannondale...as it was the best off the rack alternative at the time.....I probably dont have the seat post out that far....the bike feels quite good to ride....as it is rigid and responsive (until it cracked!!!)....think I might go the custom size up ....as it is time to refine the process.....the package you are getting built sounds excellent.....as a big guy and obviously a keen rider I would like to hear your thoughts on wheel choice??? racing and/or training

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by shaneo
your about spot on with my measurements (193cms 95kg ).....On bioracer I came in at 61cm frame size.....I ended up going for a 63cm cannondale...as it was the best off the rack alternative at the time.....I probably dont have the seat post out that far....the bike feels quite good to ride....as it is rigid and responsive (until it cracked!!!)....think I might go the custom size up ....as it is time to refine the process.....the package you are getting built sounds excellent.....as a big guy and obviously a keen rider I would like to hear your thoughts on wheel choice??? racing and/or training

Glad to be of help !

Well, the wheel choice I went for was the Campagnolo Zondas.
They're a medium profile rim with the G3 / G4 grouped spoke pattern.

I reached my budget early and was left to contend with an all purpose wheel. I was recommended the Campy Scirocco by the Local state Criterium / 40km Time trial champ (he's abt 6' and probably about 80-85kg, and uses them to commute every day.. says they're bulletproof)..... I chose to go one level higher (Zonda), and got far superior hubs & a few less spokes per wheel. (and went over budget). These are both affordable training / race wheels.

The only test I got on these wheels shocked the [censored] out of me.
They're FAST..and look awesome.... durability will be tested with time.. but I'm assured they'll stand up nicely.

Scirocco / Zondas / Eurus (top of line) apparently aren't affected by side winds like Ksyrium Elites & SSL's. (Tried them too.. but there weren't any side winds - I preferred the Campy's)

I must let you know that I'm not an authority on wheels or frames, but I do research my buys EXTENSIVELY to get as much independent input as possibly (combined with good logic) so I can make a good educated decision... and I haven't been disappointed yet

Hope this helps !

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by cpa
Glad to be of help !

Well, the wheel choice I went for was the Campagnolo Zondas.
They're a medium profile rim with the G3 / G4 grouped spoke pattern.

I reached my budget early and was left to contend with an all purpose wheel. I was recommended the Campy Scirocco by the Local state Criterium / 40km Time trial champ (he's abt 6' and probably about 80-85kg, and uses them to commute every day.. says they're bulletproof)..... I chose to go one level higher (Zonda), and got far superior hubs & a few less spokes per wheel. (and went over budget). These are both affordable training / race wheels.

The only test I got on these wheels shocked the [censored] out of me.
They're FAST..and look awesome.... durability will be tested with time.. but I'm assured they'll stand up nicely.

the campy wheels sound cool....will be interested to see how they go for durability with a larger rider.....I have had a pair of ksyrium ssl's and basically cracked the rim on the back wheel....keep popping spokes all the time (I'm known for being hard on bike gear)....I use a set of CXP30 - 26spoke mavics with dura ace hubs to train on......there not light - but they never budge.......cant say I have heard about the Guerciotti make....are they new on the scene?

Scirocco / Zondas / Eurus (top of line) apparently aren't affected by side winds like Ksyrium Elites & SSL's. (Tried them too.. but there weren't any side winds - I preferred the Campy's)

I must let you know that I'm not an authority on wheels or frames, but I do research my buys EXTENSIVELY to get as much independent input as possibly (combined with good logic) so I can make a good educated decision... and I haven't been disappointed yet

Hope this helps !

they say there is a time and place for everything, and i find that i ride much better on a frame that is at the larger side of what fits my 6'3" build. each rider is more comfortable on different machines, and may even perfer different machines for different rides. let's face it, American love of steep angles and twitchy handling aren't for everyone. if you like a frame that is larger, stick to your guns. no one knows what is best for you except you. my brother, who is also tall, rides a giant. it is soft, forgiving and stable. a good bike to train and ride at most times, but then we tend to hate short criteriums.