Road bike for a tall guy...?

[David Fleming]

Morning All,

I'm looking to upgrade my Specialized Allez Elite that I use for commuting (~20 miles each way through the heart of London), medium-length cycles (40-80 miles) & sportives (100+ miles). Great bike, just fancy upgrading.

I was originally thinking about a straight upgrade to a 61cm Roubaix Elite, but saw on some US forums that Specialized make a 64cm frameset, which sounds like a better fit for me (I'm 6'6" and about 16.5 stone).

The problem with the 64cm frame is that I'd need to go with a custom build as nowhere seems to stock them as complete bikes. I'm a bit concerned that the overall cost of a Roubaix framset, Ultegra-level groupset & a solid wheelset (to take my 'fat ar$e'!) would cost more than an off-the-shelf 61cm bike in addition to being quite a bit more hassle (even though the idea of customizing all the kit is appealing!).

Anybody on here go through anything similar/have any gems of advice?

Many thanks,

Dave

 

[vickster]

Rose or canyon? Ribble or Dolan?

 

[martint235]

Morning All,

I'm looking to upgrade my Specialized Allez Elite that I use for commuting (~20 miles each way through the heart of London), medium-length cycles (40-80 miles) & sportives (100+ miles). Great bike, just fancy upgrading.

I was originally thinking about a straight upgrade to a 61cm Roubaix Elite, but saw on some US forums that Specialized make a 64cm frameset, which sounds like a better fit for me (I'm 6'6" and about 16.5 stone).

The problem with the 64cm frame is that I'd need to go with a custom build as nowhere seems to stock them as complete bikes. I'm a bit concerned that the overall cost of a Roubaix framset, Ultegra-level groupset & a solid wheelset (to take my 'fat ar$e'!) would cost more than an off-the-shelf 61cm bike in addition to being quite a bit more hassle (even though the idea of customizing all the kit is appealing!).

Anybody on here go through anything similar/have any gems of advice?

Many thanks,

Dave

What inside leg do you have? I'm 6'6" with a 38 inch inside leg. I also weigh around 16 stone. Both my current bikes equate to 58cm (the Planet X is a 58 cm, the Giant is just labelled as an XL) so do you really need that much bigger a frame?

 

[BigonaBianchi]

6'4" here . I ride a 61cm Bianchi c2c and a 64cm Dawes Galaxy. The Bianchi is perfectly ok with a 120cm stem and a fair amount of seat post showing. The Dawes is very comfy also 120cm stem but less seat post showing. TBH I think a 62cm is where I should be at but I don't know anybody who makes a 62cm road frame off the peg.

 

[Finnjävel]

I'm about 6'5" with about 38" inseam and ride a 62cm Cube. There's a lot of seatpost showing, and I had some issues getting the saddle enough to the front, but now it seems to fit me, but any taller and I might have problems.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

6'3" 37.5" inside leg - 56cm frame

If in doubt, get measured

 

[Noodley]

The 61cm frame should be fine. I am 6'4" and ride a 58cm Specialized. But go and sit on one and find out.

 

[ohnovino]

I'm 6'8" and ride a 64cm Trek - that seems to be the biggest off-the-shelf frame on the market

 

[David Fleming]

Thanks All!

My inside leg is 36/37"
I already have a 61cm Allez which fits fine, but I think a slightly bigger frame would potentially be more comfortable?
Sitting on/test riding a 64cm frame isn't feasible as no shop in the country has one? Has anyone made that kind of comparison/transition?

I'll look into Bianchi/Cube/Canyon (was pretty blinkered by Specialized as I've had a string of 5 Specialized bikes [mtb/hybrid/road] over the past 10-15 years & have found them to be very reliable...)

Cheers,
Dave

 

[outlash]

I'm 6' 3" and ride a 58cm Cannondale CAAD8, I think you'd be alright with the 61 they do.


Tony.