General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5") Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2010-08-03 8:16 PM


5

Subject: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
I dropped by the lbs today to look at bikes and to get an idea of what I would need in terms of size. I'm 6'5" and the sales guy said a 62cm would be the correct size. I was planning on picking up a road bike as I am still new to tri's and am not ready to commit to that style of ride or the price for that matter.

I would of been spending $1500 minimum at the lbs, I was hoping it would be a little cheaper. So this is mostly directed at the tall guys. What was your first bike? How did you like the fit and how much should I expect to pay for an entry level roadie? Also if anyone could recommend any online bike shops I would definitely appreciate it, my lbs has their head in the clouds price wise. Always have, ohh well.

Thanks guys.


2010-08-03 8:41 PM
in reply to: #3021992

User image

Extreme Veteran
1996
1000500100100100100252525
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
My first real road bike I bought in '87 and it was a 61, and was probably a bit big for me. Back then I was just shy of 6'3", now a lot shy, with a 32 1/2 inch inseam.

A 62 seems reasonable if your proportions are relatively normal. I would also look at purchasing a second hand bike as good deals are often available with better components than you could get new. Sorry, I can't help with the online retailer advice.    
2010-08-03 8:48 PM
in reply to: #3021992

User image

Champion
5575
5000500252525
Butler
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")

I am 6'7" and my first road bike was a 64cm and it seemed to fit.  My current tri bike isa 61 and seems okay too.  Bikes are really different by manufacture so saying a 62 is what you need could come back to bite you.

I got both of my bikes from bikesdirect.com for well under $1K.

2010-08-03 9:24 PM
in reply to: #3021992

User image

Member
63
2525
Natrona Heights, PA
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
I am 6'5" and got a 2 year old Schwinn Fastback Comp off of ebay about 6 years ago for $400.  It was in great shape with full 105 components.  It's still my bike today.

It's a compact XL frame which is supposed to be I believe a 62cm equivalent.  Agree with others that if the $1500 does not fit in your budget to look for something in that range used.  Short supply but lean demand.  If you can find one you have a decent chance to get a good price.
2010-08-03 9:43 PM
in reply to: #3021992

New user
110
100
Troy, MI
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
I'm not tall, (only 5' somethin") but I found a good site for tri bikes with aero bars. (which are usually expensive) And the best part is they all UNDER $700! (except for one). I'm also thinking of getting one of these as my first tri bike.

Here's the website: http://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/tri-bikes.html?gclid=CPvon6bLnqMCFREeDQod9ghQlg


Edited by Sketch 2010-08-03 9:44 PM
2010-08-03 11:42 PM
in reply to: #3022132

User image

Regular
167
1002525
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
If you get a professional fitting, you can write down exactly what you need. What bike did they recommend and what size was it? Now look at that geometry, go to other bike websites and look up their geometry and get anything that matches what they gave you.

Check out the middle picture in the top row and the one below that. http://www.serotta.com/sizing-fit/ What I did is the following:
  1. Went to a store that had one of those fit bikes.
  2. rode this fit bike while they tweaked it for an hour. (everything is adjustable)
  3. paid the guy around $100-150 for his time and the paper that had all the drawings of length etc.
  4. Look for bikes that could do what i learned I could do.
It was worth the money, IMO. Most bike stores will credit your the money for the fit if you end up buying your bike from them.


2010-08-04 12:42 AM
in reply to: #3021992

User image

Member
77
252525
High Desert Heaven, Oregon
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
I'm 6'5" and own a Trek 1000, 60cm.  I bought it new for $550 (6 years ago) at a LBS.  Sora components, aluminum frame and fork.  Other than replacing the stock wheel set (the spokes were breaking), I haven't really changed anything.  Still riding it today.  The fitting I receieved was a seat post adjustment and a twist down of the handle bars (I imagine due to the very low end price that they were not willing to do a lot of fitting). 

I'm pretty adamant about being a better cyclist than the bike I'm riding before I trade up.  So far, this bike has given me some great workouts and has been through a couple of races and one triathalon.  I don't think you need to spend a lot of money to have a decent bike... but it does take alot to get the nicer components and carbon.  Just depends on your philosophy (and bank account)!

Good Luck
2010-08-04 8:34 AM
in reply to: #3021992

User image

Veteran
189
100252525
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
I am 6-4 and my first bike was a 60" Marin road bike.  Just traded it in for a used 58" QR and it fits great.  Come to find out my road bike might have been a little big.  (I have a long torso and a 33" inseam)  I agree you need to make sure you fit on the bike that you are selecting just saying you need a 62 can be dangerous with the variations in the manufacturers.  My Marin was $750 - 800 new from LBS. 

You can get a very nice road bike for $1,500 but you do not need to spend that much to see if you are going to like the sport.  I say look at bikesdirect.com or Craigslist if you are ok with used.  that is how I found my "new to me" QR.
2010-08-04 8:56 AM
in reply to: #3021992

User image

Veteran
235
10010025
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")

I am 6'6" and bought a 63cm cannondale caad9 5.  Got a great fitting done and am very happy with the bike.  I find that many LBS don't carry a wide selection of 60cm+ bikes.  Many by me have none at all.  YOu may have to order it.  If you can, get pre fit measurements and have someone who knows what they are doing match it against several bikes.  The other bikes I looked at were the Trek 2.1 and 1.5.  Entry level bikes will be anywhere from $800-1000 but a nice price point is $1500.

Some other thoughts:

1. Get a bike fit. For guys our size I think it is  very important. 
2. Try and get 105 compenents.  You want this to be a long term purchase.
3. Although it is tempting, stay away from an internet bike.  I had to have some adjustments done on my bike and had no idea what I was doing.  My shop took care of evrything for free and gave me some quick lessons on adjustments.
4.  Buy from a shop/owner you trust.  I found some shops to be more like car dealers.  You want to have a good relationship with the LBS.

2015-07-30 6:23 PM
in reply to: #3021992

User image

Veteran
263
1001002525
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
Whatever you do try it first make sure you are very comfortable on the bike. Not all bikes feel the same even when putatively the same size.
2015-07-31 7:20 AM
in reply to: kranked

User image

Member
1748
100050010010025
Exton, PA
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
There is no standard on bike size!

So when the LBS says a 62 that may be true for the brand/model of bike he is trying to sell to you.

If you get a bike that is the wrong size you will not be comfortable, and regret it. Take your time getting this first one and make sure it fits. Different brands fit in different ways as well, so if you fitting yourself you have to look at all the dimension.

I've used this calculator in the past and it got me real close to the bike dimensions I needed.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store/catalog/fitCalculatorBike.j...

If you buy something online and then need it fit your lbs will charge you for service and any parts that need to be swapped out.


2015-07-31 8:03 AM
in reply to: neuronet


5

Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
I'm 6'6 tall....little taller in the torso......my bike was from bikesdirect.com......Gravity Avenue B road bike in 58cm I believe.....Fit was ok....bike was so so.....I upgraded this year to a Felt B14 tri bike in 61 cm with a professional fiting...LOVE THE BIKE.... for what its worth I wish I would have done that from the start....

Matt
2015-07-31 8:09 AM
in reply to: kranked

User image

Extreme Veteran
1986
1000500100100100100252525
Cypress, TX
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")

I'd highly recommend going to see a reputable bike fitter and see if any stock bikes fall within your personal fit parameters.  If so, great.  If not, you're the reason custom frame makers like Guru or Serotta exist.

2015-07-31 9:52 AM
in reply to: neuronet


44
25
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
+1 on the bike fit. I'm 6'6" and after a fitting I ended up getting a 61cm Cervelo and it's perfect.
2015-07-31 10:12 AM
in reply to: GMAN 19030

User image

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")

Originally posted by GMAN 19030

If not, you're the reason custom frame makers like Guru or Serotta exist.

Just for the record, Serotta doesn't exist as a running builder currently. Though there are MANY others, likely one or two local to the OP.

2015-07-31 11:14 AM
in reply to: GMAN 19030

User image


1300
1000100100100
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
You are 2 for 2 on zombie threads today. Mike is 1 for 2.


2015-07-31 11:23 AM
in reply to: Goggles Pizzano

User image

Member
1748
100050010010025
Exton, PA
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano

You are 2 for 2 on zombie threads today. Mike is 1 for 2.


Good news is, we are both on the podium
2015-07-31 11:38 AM
in reply to: mike761

User image


1300
1000100100100
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
Originally posted by mike761
Originally posted by Goggles PizzanoYou are 2 for 2 on zombie threads today. Mike is 1 for 2.
Good news is, we are both on the podium
Medals are in the mail. You should expect to see them in about 5 - 10 years.
2015-07-31 1:03 PM
in reply to: neuronet

User image


36
25
Subject: RE: New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5")
This necro thread almost caught me too ... LOL



(Indy.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Indy.jpg (9KB - 8 downloads)
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New to tri's, bike advice for tall guy (6'5") Rss Feed