What aero frame options are out there for a tall rider (6’4 or 193cm)? I know softride has some options but what else is availble? Or should a tall guy stay away from 650 wheels?
Dave from VA
You should stay away from 650s.
Why?
I am also curious to know why a tall rider should stay away from 650 wheels. I am 6’4" and have been riding 650 bikes for the past 7 years. I have a Cervelo P2 and a custom built titanium tri bike. I am extremely comfartable on both bikes and have never had any handling issues. The only downside might be the fact that finding a 650 in a larger size could be difficult, but from a performance side I say go for it.
"Why? "
Because a tall guy with 650’s looks like one of those circus bikes. All you need is the clown and the bear!
It would be a bit less aero because of the tall head tube, handling would be bit compromised, but not important except in road racing, but other than that, no real reason.
I’m 6’ 5’’ and ride a Cannondale Multisport 2000. It’s the only thing I’ve ever ridden so I don’t know what a 700 bike would feel like. I still ride pretty fast on my 650. If I had known then what I know now, I would probably have purchased a 700 bike. Mainly because of the “circus clown” effect:) It does look a bit weird to see someone so tall with such small wheels.
I am close to your height and ride a KM40. You still might be able to find new ones still on the shelf or check out the new Airfoil Pro.
A better question is why would someone who is 6’4" seek out a bike with 650 wheels. You should be able to get as steep and as low as you like with 700’s. Also, with the bigger wheels you will be able to increase the wheelbase and the front/center of the bike, making it handle better. You could do the same with 650 wheels, but I would imagine it would be difficult to get the rear wheel tucked in close to the seat tube without some sort of faring.
I think I just read somewhere that a compact road frame lowers the center of gravity for bigger framed people, so wouldn’t 650 do the same? Not sure why handling would be compromised.
.
On 650c bikes they usually compensate for the smaller wheels by decreasing the BB drop, which raises the rider up and raises the COG. If they didn’t, you would find yourself catching a pedal in sharp turns.
I don’t think that compact frames lower the COG much, either. The body is in the same position on a compact frame as it is on a standard frame. Sure, your tubes are lower, which I suppose could lower the COG a bit, but I doubt you would notice it.