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hoyman
Member
Posts: 1
hoyman
Post Tall/Heavy Rider
on: June 17, 2010, 22:06

Hello

I was just wondering if a Taller/Heavier rider could get some feedback on what i should look for when purchasing a new bike. I am 6foot5, weigh about 240lbs and have long arms. I know most bikes come in S,M,L,XL. I have been looking in stores here and there and i find that some salesman say i should go with L and other think XL. Ive sat on the bikes in store and its hard to tell how comfortable these road bikes will be for me until i take it out for a few miles. I don’t want to regret a buy weeks or months down the road. Any buying tips for a bigger rider.

Thanks

Hoy

rtjmartin
Member
Posts: 2
rtjmartin
Post Re: Tall/Heavy Rider
on: June 18, 2010, 11:37

XL for sure.  I’m 6′ and I fit a L sized frame just about perfect. I’ve gone through 4 bikes now and looked at a few more and they have always been 56cm - 58cm which should be an L sized frame.

Find yourself a good bike shop where you feel comfortable at and where you get a good vibe from the staff. I would be hesitant going back to any place that thinks you would fit a L sized bike. Also look for a local bike shop that has a good fitting system. I can’t stress enough how important a properly sized and fitted bike is. Regardless of your price point, if they aren’t prepared to book at least an hour to size and fit you, I consider going somewhere else.

Hope this helps you a bit. Have fun on your new bike.

brodiebuddy
Member
Posts: 1
brodiebuddy
Post Re: Tall/Heavy Rider
on: June 18, 2010, 21:20

Sizing a bike can be a big challenge. Also getting to feel what a bike feels like is tough to do from spec sheets.

Are you in the Toronto area?

Check out http://www.vitess.com

They are a new bike manufacturer and they let you take out bikes for test rides (often for several days) and you can swap out wheels and stems to test them out too. They have various sizes. It would give you an idea of the size bike and wheels that are best for you. They measure you prior to fitting a test bike for you and if you buy one of their bikes they have a professional fitting done.

I am NOT affiliated with them in any way other than I tested one of their bikes for three days on my various rides (weekend groups and weekday training). This really helped me make a decision on a new bike. It took all the guess work out.

They may also have a showroom in Montreal.

Keep us posted

discojarvis
Member
Posts: 1
discojarvis
Post Re: Tall/Heavy Rider
on: June 24, 2010, 15:15

Yeah I would say at 6′5″ you have got to think differently than other riders.

I’m 6′4 and when I try and buy anything they go into the back and look for whatever they might have to come close to fitting me. . . The good thing is with a road bike it is worth the time and investment to get one that will fit you well. It should last you years and a LOT of miles! So I wouldn’t count on the few miles style ride either as the other guys say.

I have purchased a lot of bikes, a bunch of used and a few brand new… and I never new what it would feel like to be riding a bike that fit until I got one measured that way. it was not a walk in, test and buy style. But I ended up getting a 64cm frame custom fitted from a performance bike shop listed above.

In most cases you are going to make a significant investment anyways, I’d vouch for going into Vitess and getting a little personal touch rather than a L/XL which… even at it’s best is not likely to match a 6′5er!

peace and fast riding

I am an Olympic athlete gone cycling junkie who’s had diabetes for over 15 years and loves to share information with other diabetics or less experienced exercisers through a non profit called “Connected in Motion” based out of Toronto!

suburbanwarrior
Member
Posts: 1
suburbanwarrior
Post Re: Tall/Heavy Rider
on: June 28, 2010, 19:14

Hello,

It looks like Vitess is really starting to make waves. I keep seeing the name pop up everywhere I go. I met Julien (the owner of Vitess) at the Toronto Bike Show at the Better Living Centre early this year and was really amazed by his innovative business model. I couldn’t resist checking out his Toronto showroom. Instead of a bike store full of salesmen trying to sell you accessories you get to interact with the owner and designer of the bike. He did not try to sell me anything except the passion of riding. We talked for about a half hour about bikes and riding and I think he was building a profile in his head about what best suits my riding style.  He did a quick fit and put me on a carbon black ultegra spec demo bike. I took it out for at least 50km through Etobicoke, Mississauga and Oakville before coming back…

Now, I don’t have much to compare it to. I just switched from mountain to road 3 years ago. I’ve got a still pretty awesome Specialized Roubaix Comp and I used to think it didn’t get much better. I was mistaken! Where do I begin? The Vitess definitely looks more “racey” while still having a semi-upright comfortable riding position. The ride is very compliant, as smooth as the purpose built smooth-running Roubaix. But where I was really shocked was how this bike SNAPS when you sprint. Its really light and really efficient, and the Ultegra group set is very smooth and quick for the money.

In summary, the Vitess bikes offer elegant styling and a really pleasurable spirited ride. Considering the cost of other big-box brands at this spec level, it’s a bargain. You have absolutely nothing to lose by booking a test ride and having some fun. You will be glad you did. I don’t own a Vitess yet, but I am trying to sell my bike right now to raise the funds.

I was reminded of this forum post after reading an article in the Toronto Star business section online: http://www.thestar.com/article/827990–vitess-offers-luxury-bikes-at-a-price

Good luck, hope you find something that fits you.

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