Forum menu
Have got a friend who's contemplating mountain biking, but thinks there aren't suitable bikes for him - he's 6'7" and weighs about 20 stone (about 125 kg).
Any advice? I'd suggested something XL with 29" wheels - any more knowledgeable people out there?
cheers
6ft 7ins (35inside leg) here and I've only ridden 26ers (I'd like to try a 29er though).
XL Giant and Santa Cruz both fit fine. All about the top tube length for me.
6'7" here as well, riding a variety of 29ers. Only 15.5st though.
29ers 'should' be a better fit for him but they are not everybodies cup of tea. I'd say it's his weight that is the bigger issue than his height. Budget is also an important factor?
My mates who's around 6'3" and 18st rides a 19" Trek Rumblefish which comes in a 21.5" and it's a pretty burly bike. Wortha look if the budget stretches?
Had an XL Giant Trance which i did not like at all, felt incredibly perched on it. My 29ers were a revelation in fit for me, just feel so much better than any of my 26" bikes did.
XL Blur LT Alloy should do the job - likewise XL Orange 5, or L/XL Gary Fisher Roscoe. On a smaller budget, try 2009/10 Voodoo Canzo in L. If hardtail, Kona Hoss or Marin Rocky Ridge, or one of the Coves or a Santa Chameleon.
I'm 3 inches short of that but about the same weight. Weight wise, just accept that weight weenies component choice is not sensible and when people say "go for x instead of y because you can save a few grams", thank them and go for y instead.
My bikes have had decent mid range components with no problems. I have tended to go for beefier rims and accepted that I may have to pay out for replacement springs for coil forks ( which all seem to come set up for 7 stone weaklings) or run air forks at the upper end of their ranges. Size wise I am usually on a 19-20 inch frame.
I'd add to the above list Specialized who seem to do a whole crossection of their stuff in big frames from the Hardrock and rockhopper in 23inch to the Camber 29er in xxl. Should be something there to suit at most prices.
dont worry about weight, im 21 stone, (ish)
never had a problem.
choose one that fits and go for it is my advice.
It depends whether he wants to spend money, wants to ride hard downhill, wants to mostly go along. He has more choices the more he wants to spend.
Initially, not FS (and certainly not what dekadense is suggesting - a L for a bloke that big?) I'd guess. Most any of the bigger companies will be able to do something to fit and most don't have a weight limit. Have a look over on mtbr.com where there is a good 'big and tall' section on the forum. They have guys on bikes who dwarf your mate in height and weight.
It's unlikely that he'll break a frame due to weight, but worth thinking about whose warrantees are strongest - which would be another tick in the Spesh box.
many thanks to all for the advice - most useful; some there I'd not thought of. Cheers!
Ventana make a full range of frames to fit big riders.
Just don't go carbon as they normally have weight limits on them.
He doesnt want an XL Cannondale (non Carbon)F1000 Caffeine, I have one sitting in the garage doing not a lot