Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male ...

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7 Replies Last post: Apr 29, 2008 11:49 AM by Brons2

coledc

2 posts since
Jan 2, 2008

Mar 22, 2008 9:07 PM

Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

First of all thanks to all the other threads on choosing a bike. I had a question that I couldn't find an answer too.

I'm looking to do my first sprint triathlon in the fall. I'm 6'7", 230#, 15% body fat, male. I've been told due to my size I should look at a Cannondale or Seven brand.

The goal is to get a road bike that will enable me to participate in triathlons. (This will be my only bike for awhile).

My sizing is 64"/65". I'm told stock bikes do not come in my size and I will need to get a customized bike, which means $$$.

I went to bikesdirect.com and looked at a Motobecane. I wasn't sure if this was a smart buy or not??

Any advice? How much should I spend on my first bike? Is there a good website to help a beginner like me in this buying decision?

Thanks to all the replies in advanced.

Cole

PaulMez

1 posts since
Mar 13, 2008

1. Mar 27, 2008 10:53 AM

in response to: coledc

Re: Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

I'm 6' 5". If you can afford it, go for a custom bike. I tried stock bikes - even the largest made did not fit that well -- and you are taller. (I owned a BIanchi 63cm. There are 64cm out there -- but the real geometry is not any different.) I can ride a stock bike and customize it to fit close what I get in a custom - not sure that you can. But I ended up with just a bit more pain, and a bit less performance - and a year or two from now I bought a custom bike anyway. That's my experience anyway....but something to consider.

Buy the best frame you can fit and afford. I like titanium over carbon - because we're heavier than the typical rider and Ti can take more abuse. Ti --- is terribly expensive however. Go a bit cheaper on components initially, you can upgrade over time as money allows. I choked on the price of my bike initially, but now I have a frame that I'm still happy with.

I ride a Serotta. Seven is a good custom name too -- there are many others as well. Zinn makes a bike for tall folks. He's 6 7 himself I think. He may be more MTB than roadie, but worth a check.

Good luck.

PMM

cdillon2

1 posts since
Mar 19, 2008

2. Mar 29, 2008 12:16 PM

in response to: coledc

Re: Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

Check out zinncycles.com for used bikes built by Lennard Zinn. He's a 6'6" frame builder who specializes in custom built bikes for tall people. I'm 6'6" myself and have a mountain bike built by him that's a great fit.

MotiveForcer

123 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Apr 17, 2008 10:55 AM

in response to: coledc

Re: Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

Okay folks. Tall or not. When sizing a bike make sure you consider the TOP TUBE dimension and even consider giving it priority over the "size" of the bike which is usually the seat tube dimension. Consider that you have an upper and lower body. Two people at a said height may need different frame sizes. So when you test a bike for fit, find out what you are riding and consider also the "reach" of the handle bars and the hoods of the brakes as well. The 10 speed Dura-ace levers are longer than the 8's and 9's and I had to go to a slightly shorter stem for the correct fit. Also, I want to be comfortable riding the tops of the bars and the hoods and the drops. These are all elements that come into play.

Now the original tall guy called himself a beginner. Decide if you are going to be a beginner in a year from now or not. If not then spend your money now and get the real deal. I would still advise a road bike.

EJ Levy

coledc

2 posts since
Jan 2, 2008

4. Apr 17, 2008 11:40 AM

in response to: MotiveForcer

Re: Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

Thanks to everyone who responded.

Great point on the top tube dimensions. I couldn't agree more from the little I know about bikes. That fact kept me from the option of buying any used bikes due to the fear of spending $$$ only to have a bike that didn't fit properly. (Although I couldn't find any used bikes for my size)

After going to three bike shops, posting on three seperate internet forums, and looking on various used bike internet sites. I've decided to go with a Seven road bike (ID8 Ti and Carbon Fiber). Due to my height I'm getting a customized bike and decided to follow the advice of many and get a great frame and upgrade on components over time.

Another major factor in chosing road over tri bike was a place to ride with turning being difficult on a tri bike.

The bike shop I'm using had all the proper equipment to measure me and has a Serotta size cycle to confirm the fit before the road bike is put into production.

Look forward to posting on the forum here. Once again thanks to everyone.

Cole

MotiveForcer

123 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Apr 17, 2008 10:00 PM

in response to: coledc

Re: Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

HI,

Good for you. The only caveat I have for you is that you buy the real deal with the gruppo now if you can. It isn't a helpful upgrade unless you have someone who wants your USED lesser grouppo for a lesser price. Just go with ULTEGRA which is great stuff and call it a day. As things wear out, and they generally don't, then you may be able to go to Dura ace for example but don't buy it with the subsequent intention of putting it in a drawer.

DamonLPoor

9 posts since
Jan 27, 2008

6. Apr 19, 2008 8:21 PM

in response to: MotiveForcer

Re: Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

good choice on going for a custom. I have been on several rides where I have run into Bill Walton and a local builder here in San Diego custom built him a Titanium bike. The builder is Bill Holand and his bikes are top notch and for your height I would definately stay away from carbon.

Brons2

4 posts since
Apr 29, 2008

7. Apr 29, 2008 11:49 AM

in response to: coledc

Re: Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

I am 6'7" also, right at 250. You are smart to get a custom, I have two customs of my own. I once had a 66cm Cannondale that was OK, but it wasn't quite right. There are a few stock 66's out there, such as the Calfee Luna or the Soma Smoothie ES, but it's a crapshoot as to whether they will fit right or not. Custom is really the best for folks like us that fall at the far end of the bell curve.

One thing you will want to be aware of in the buildup of your frame is the wheels. Get traditionally built, 32 or 36 spoke wheels with double butted spokes. I lost count of how many rear wheels I have destroyed over the years. Although I love Campy, you're better off with Shimano as their rear hubs have less offset and build up a stronger wheel.

Also, make sure the handlebars you get have comfortable drops, as a tall person, you will want to use those drops when you encounter a headwind. We are less aerodynamic than shorter riders.

$0.02.

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This Question is Answered

Mar 22, 2008 9:07 PM

Specialized Bike for 6'7" Male

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