I’m 6’8 and riding the largest frame I could find in my price range when I bought it last year (63cm Leader 735TT). I love the bike, but I’ve always felt a little cramped.
I measured myself based on Competitive Cyclist’s sizing and found that they recommend a 62-64cm top tube for me. That’s about 4-6cm longer than most of the larger frames I can find out there (including mine), yet that’s about how far I’ve felt I need to extend in order to feel comfortable. I’m pretty sure the calculator is spot on.
Btw, I’m a ~25 mph 20M TT rider and like to ride pretty steep (close to 78) and usually at the front of the seat when going hard.
So what are my options? Are there any bikes that might work for a person with a freakishly long torso and arms, or would I have to go custom?
If I do go custom, do companies like Guro or Elite even make frames that size, or are we talking about complete custom shops? Anyone out there have experience with this? I’m curious to see how much faster I could get on a bike that actually fits me!
The Saber appears to come in a 61cm seat tube. I need a 62-64cm top tube, which is still 3-5cm longer than the stock 61cm frame. Any idea what price range the custom frames run? I’d contact them directly about it, but it appears you have to work through a dealer to have a custom frame built.
Ves builds complete custom bikes, and for someone your size, he would probably recommend the Ocotillo with the carbon rear end. He is an expert when it comes to fitting tri bikes, and will certainly get you squared away.
Call Paul Sadoff at Rock lobster. For around a grand to $1200 he can make you an Easton aero frame with any demensions you like. He is the bestest for the lessest builder in America. And quick too. The blue aero track frame on his website is mine.
I looked into custom litespeeds ~10 years ago, and back then, it wasn’t too bad if you just wanted a custom top tube. But I went full custom (Waterford) so i went a different route. Give your local dealer a call.
I’m 6’6" and got a Roark about a year ago. It is the best bike I have ever been on! I’m the opposite of you. I’m mostly legs. The bike has about a 65-66cm seat tube with a 59.5cm tope tube. The best thing about Roark is that all they do is custom. The bikes are built one at a time. They really look at every aspect of your riding style, body type, likes/dislikes in other bikes you had and can build something for “you”. My bike fits great and rides smooth yet firm. Its got plenty of get up and go when I mash on the pedals and I’m about 270lbs. Definately worth a phone call.
Thanks for the posts, everyone! I’ve been checking some prices and certainly have a few options out there, as long as my wife will let me spend the necessary $$$.
By the way, I just read my post and it appears that I stated that I’m a 25mph 20 meter TT rider. That’s with a rolling start, of course
