Help and advice appreciated… I am 6'9" and a little over 20stone and looking for the 'ideal bike'. Currently have a 23" Kona but it feels a little small and it looks like the wheels are off a child's bike.

I've read that the Niner's come up quite big but their geometry bumpf suggests only up to 6'6" for the XLs. However, I've also read that a few folks have had to downsize – so maybe they will fit?

I only really do recreational riding but want to get a decent bike that won't bend easily. Should I get a hardtail (SIR9) or a full-suss (RIP9)? I guess my current logic is that if I find the right size then a 'do-it-all' bike might be better – but does that mean a full-suss? I'm also unsure whether I'm too heavy for a full-suss.

Just as I was getting close to settling on one of the Niners I've also seen that Ventana do 29ers up to a 25" frame.

Thoughts and suggestions much appreciated.

Ventana do a big bike. I have a XXL Turner Sultan which is great for me and I'm 2" shorter than you.

If you are down Bristol way at all you'd be welcome to try it for size. Zinncycles.com in the USA REALLY understands tall people.

The SIR will be too flexy

The RIP wont (have owned both bikes)

Have you considered any other 29er frames/bikes apart from Ventana/Niner?

Lenz and Turner make FS XXL's (sasquatch) and are both very strong, and fun bikes. Niner's can be a little steep in their HTA's for UK riding, although recreational riding would probably be fine

I think you would be looking at a custom HT if you wanted to go that route

Thanks TooTall/Bonesetter…

Had never heard of Turner before so have just done some perusing of the web. Turner Sultan looks good and gets good reviews but their listed UK supplier isn't listing any Turner bikes!

What's the best route for getting hold of one (thanks for your ride offer TooTall – might take you up on that) and how much (ball-park) should I bank on spending on a build?

Cheers

For either of those options new, expect little back on £2.5 – 3.5K

6'7" here with 39/40" inside leg. A measly 16 stone though. 😉

Have a 22" Salsa Big Mama full suss and a 23" Specialized Rockhopper (both 29ers). The Spesh is a lovely bike and was only £750 (before my upgrades) and fits very well although it is very hard to find very big bikes in the UK. There is a spesh in the 23" size on ebay at the moment but it is underspecced and overpriced (i guess it's a sellers market!). Salsa is a very big bike but may be a tad flimsy at your weight?

At your weight if you really wanted a full suss i'd look at the Ventana but i'd suggest you'd be better off with a hardtail unless you are doing a lot of off road cycling.

I'm just south of Brum if you wanted to try either of mine for size.

EDIT – worth giving Chevin Cycles a ring to see if they can source any Gary Fishers in the 23" size – the owner is tall and they are one of the best shops in the country for 29ers.

Excuse me being a little green here…

Niner's can be a little steep in their HTA's for UK riding

What's that all about then?

Thanks Mr Tall. I tried to get hold of a Rockhopper 29er last year but they ran out PDQ! Offer of test sit/ride is brilliant. How do we arrange convenient time (forum/email)?

What sort of price do you think the one on ebay is really worth – perhaps I can strike a deal to get me on a proper sized bike quickly whilst I save the dosh for a Sultan/Ventana 🙂

TallBloke, i've PM'd you re a test ride.

SC Tallboy in XXL ?

Yes, didn't think about MrTall's Big Mama (or Spesh) last night.

Can't go wrong with those, easier and cheaper to get too

sir9's are a very flexy ride. great frame and fits in the "do it all" category but possibly not for you.

i rode my ventana into work this morning…………on the road…..doh
but one thing for sure is that ventana's are not flexy at all.
stiffer than TON'S stiff thing on viagra………. 😉
and to the OP,i weigh the same as you and you can come and ride my el capitan anytime you want mate.

If you're interested, I am only 6'3 and a bit and I ride a 22" Salsa Mamasita. For me it is a perfect fit so I can't see it fitting someone your height.

Cannondale do some big bikes, either XXL or Jumbo IIRC. IK have a 63cm road bike from them that is too big.

Fantastic – swamped with offers, which is brilliant when you can't see a proper-sized bike at a dealers.

I think I'll be taking up offers from TooTall (Turner Sultan); MrTall (Rockhopper) and Ton (El Capitan). I've also called Chevin about an XXL Rumblefish. Who'd have thought I'd end up with a choice!!

Thanks everyone for fantastic advice; I just need to plot my way around the country now!

Cheers

Ooooohhh…. Rumblefish…. 😛

TooTall – if your offer still stands I'd really like to take you up on it. Any chance of some contact details (my email is on my profile)
Cheers

You got mail.