I’m 6’3" and I can’t imagine anything will beat The Black Bibs Tall for price/fit/quality. Inseam is maybe a tiny bit longer on me than I would prefer but it’s worth it for not feeling like the straps are yanking down and chafing.
I’d say it’s definitely worth giving the Desoto T1 a try. I swam in a Xterra Vengence Pro and then an old B70 reaction, and while the B70 fit much better than the Xterra, the T1 blows them both out of the water. Absolutely zero restriction in the shoulders when reaching above. There’s enough overlap in the bibjohn and pullover that even being 2 inches taller than me you shouldn’t have issues. I run a size 4 pullover and a size 5 bibjohn @ 6’3" ~170lbs. Emilio will absolutely work with you on finding the correct size and their return policy is great, definitely worth at least seeing how you like it.
I’ve never had much of a problem with tri suits. I find they all stretch enough to not affect my motion, but once again, at 6’5" I could believe that starts to matter. I’ve tried Zoot, Wattie, and now Velotec and they’ve all been comfortable and good quality.
Just for reference, can you say what size you wear for the Velotec suit? I’m considering a new suit, but would really like to avoid dealing with shipping returns internationally if it doesn’t fit.
For everyone else, I can report on how the following things fit at 6’4" and 180-185ish, “T. Rex” build i.e. vestigial arms that only exist to connect my hands to the rest of my body.
Tall sizes:
Aerotech unpadded fleece tights, size medium tall: Use these as running tights, wonderful fit. These would be perfect if they had a small zip pocket for keys, but I’m often wearing a jacket with pockets at the same time.Aerotech bibs, medium tall: excellent.
Aerotech thermal windstopper tights, size large tall: These really fit more like trim warmup pants. Great for warming up, pre/post workout, or for really cold days.Cima Coppi centerline jacket, large: They don’t advertise it heavily on the site, but you can ask for extra length in the body and sleeves, which I did (+ 2" for each). This is a loose/casual fit, and frankly the styling and fit is such that I use it a lot as a normal light jacket in casual life, too. For a cycling-only piece, I might go down to a medium.Minus 33 wool mid layer, medium tall: excellent, great layering for cold days or as a standalone for merely chilly weather.Nike long sleeve shirts, medium tall: should have gotten more of these sooner.Nike Phenom elite pants, large tall: comfortable fit, I may try the medium tall next time, as the waist is looser than I’d like.
Roka back zip sleeveless suit in medium tall: excellent fit, pain to get zipped up without help.
Normal sizes:
Pearl Izumi Octane race suit, size L: length is excellent, but wrinkles at the hip when on the bike and sleeves are downright loose. Would work much better if I had another 10 pounds of arm muscles.Pearl Izumi Amfib Tights, size L: perfect.Gore Shakedry R7 trail jacket, size Medium: I got this after they redid the sizing this winter and moved everything down after complaints about them fitting too small. Six months ago, it would have been a Large. Best raingear ever, made a long day at 40F in the rain downright pleasant. It’s not quite as nice for pulling double duty on the bike because of the arm cut, but I can’t justify another spendy rain jacket yet.Voler race cut jerseys/bibs/skinsuits, size L: team gear for the cycling club, generally fine.Castelli, jackets and tights in size L: also good, but wish the sleeves/legs were an inch or two longer.
