Frame choice for larger than average bear

Jrock: In general, stick to steel bikes (and forks) for strength. You could also look at titanium, but of course that is more expensive than steel, all things considered. If you're willing to spend good money for a quality bike that won't break, do some reading on the Rivendell Bicycle Works website. You are looking to optimize strength, fit, and (I would offer) purpose. Rivendell addresses those issues. There are other makers of steel bikes that you might look into: Soma, Surly, Velo Orange to mention a few that won't break the bank. There's a lot written about fit on this forum and others. Not even maker may have a frame that fits you. Good luck, Steve

I'm 6'7" / 220lbs, and used to ride an Allez. I ended up restoring my old Trek touring bike, as well as had a custom steel frame to fit me perfectly. While you might not have an older bike around or the funding for a custom, there are a few cheaper mods you can try for now that could make riding the Allez more bearable:

• Try a longer stem, and/or a stem with a steeper angle. It'll allow you to stretch out a bit and ride at a less aggressive angle which will be better for your back.
  
• Try some 28c tires if you dont have them on. Gatorskins & Challenge tires are both great rides and won't transfer every bump to your lower back. The Allez comes delivered with 23c.
  
• Allez frames and other modern frames are very compact. You might be able to find a sweet deal on a steel frame with proper geometry on craigslist or ebay or the local market. One advantage tall riders have is great deals on used frames--it's a phenomena resulting from there not being a huge market. If you can find a modern frame, you can swap the components from the Allez onto the new frame. I scored a sweet Ciöcc frame recently on craigslist that fits great for just a few hundred dollars.
  
• Visit RIvendell bikes as Steve_A mentioned. It's a fantastic resource.
  

You can have a nice steel frame that you would enjoy and not break, (in addition to at least a good bike fitter).

We make steel frames out of over sized tubing 35mm seat and top tubes, and 42mm down tubes with a BB30 bottom bracket, and custom sizing is not a problem, nor a charge since we hand make them anyway.

They are a bit heavier which is the only downsize, but using more modern geometry, they ride more like a carbon frame of today's design

check out LIEBO bicycles and ask for just one of our stock frames (non-adjust-able). Large frames are tough to but "off the shelf", and dont hold up so well with large heavier riders. The steel is much better money spent

Let me know if you have any questions

D.