Airborne (Van Nicholas) Zeppelin

[busdennis]

could anybody help with the sizing of this frame. the seller states would suit a tall rider of 6"2 but looking at the dimensions, its very similar to my giant defy that fits me great at only 5"11
can any zeppelin owners help?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301850440208?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

thanks dennis

 

[bonsaibilly]

what size is your giant defy?

based on the ebay ad for the Airborne I would agree with their sizing estimation. At 5 11 you must be on either a ML or L Defy. If yo'ure on a L then that Airborne might just be okay but I doubt it. BB​

 

[busdennis]

thanks for the reply, yes the defy is a large and fits me well. will just watch the auction and if it goes cheap may have a punt. thanks again

 

[outlash]

I'd say it possibly could be a little bit big for you. I'd look at a top tube length of 575 - 580 when I'm looking at frame sizes and I'm 6' 3".

 

[ColinJ]

I'd say it possibly could be a little bit big for you. I'd look at a top tube length of 575 - 580 when I'm looking at frame sizes and I'm 6' 3".

It is dependent on more than just height ... I am 6' 1" tall but I am happy to ride bikes with 58-59 cm top tubes. My height is more in my upper body - my legs are not particularly long.

 

[outlash]

My legs aren't overly long either Colin, and TBH the 575-580mm top tube length isn't a racers 'long & low' position.

 

[Venod]

I had one of these 56cm I think, it was a bit too long in the top tube, but fine wth a 90mm stem, I'm 5' 10" with 32" inside leg, a 54cm would have suited me better, I sold it to a friend who is smaller than me and he still rides it. I would say its a touch on the big side for you but still rideable if your happy with that, if you can get it at the right price it may be worth it, I bought it as a frame only, I rode a few different models of Ti before purchase and this was the best ride IMO.

 

[ColinJ]

My legs aren't overly long either Colin, and TBH the 575-580mm top tube length isn't a racers 'long & low' position.

I have flipped the 11 cm stems on my bikes which raises the bars and brings them back a little. I was more interested in the increased height so I might try a 12 cm flipped stem some time.

As for the Airborne ... I remember thinking about getting one years ago. I quite fancied trying Ti, but eventually ended up with my Al Cannondale instead.

 

[Kestevan]

I have flipped the 11 cm stems on my bikes which raises the bars and brings them back a little. I was more interested in the increased height so I might try a 12 cm flipped stem some time.

As for the Airborne ... I remember thinking about getting one years ago. I quite fancied trying Ti, but eventually ended up with my Al Cannondale instead.

Let me know if you want to try a 120mm stem. I have one sitting in my spares box youre more than welcome to try out for a while..

 

[ColinJ]

Let me know if you want to try a 120mm stem. I have one sitting in my spares box youre more than welcome to try out for a while..

Thanks - nice of you to offer. I might take you up on that later in the year. Hopefully we will do at least one forum ride together this year and I could collect it from you then. Either that, or cycle out your way when the weather is better.

I could fit such a stem with my current cabling to see what the new position felt like but I would have to loosen the inners to do so. If the position showed promise, then I would have to fit longer cables to try it out on the road.