Cycling Newbie

LightningBolt

I'm looking to take up cycling and was wondering if anybody could recommend what sort of frame I'd need for cycling on the road. I'm 6"4 and and 17.5stone so finding a good bike is important I think. Since I'm starting out I think it would be best to get a cheap 2nd hand bike although I'm thinking they might be in short supply for my size?

Thanks for recommendations

blorg

You are quite big all right, I would imagine you would be looking at a 60cm frame although you might squeeze onto a 58cm. I ride 58cm myself at 6ft but Raam is 6ft3 and also rides the same size.

boniver

I would be thinking 60cm for sure. I also think you might need to steer clear of the compact frames (this is dropped bar racing or flat bar racing frames I'm referring to) as even their XL size is only 58.5 and although their guidance charts (Giant and Spesh) will say that this will suit a rider up to 6' 6" you will have to use a lot of seat pillar to get the correct positioning. So maybe a conventional Trek or similar might be better?

A more important question is what kind of bike to go for and that really depends on what kind of cycling you see yourself doing. If it's predominantly leisure cycling for fitness I'd go for a Hybrid, something with a straight bar, a Giant CRS 2.5 would be good and has decent deep rims for some extra strength or a Trek 7.3FX would be another good one. If you have ambitions to compete in a triathlon or anything you'll end up wanting something with narrower wheels anyway.

Aquos76

Some people actually like to have a lot of seat post shown, I am just over 6'2 and I ride a 58 slopping on a specialized

blorg

boniver wrote: »

I would be thinking 60cm for sure. I also think you might need to steer clear of the compact frames (this is dropped bar racing or flat bar racing frames I'm referring to) as even their XL size is only 58.5 and although their guidance charts (Giant and Spesh) will say that this will suit a rider up to 6' 6" you will have to use a lot of seat pillar to get the correct positioning. So maybe a conventional Trek or similar might be better?

You have to ignore the actual seat tube measurement on a compact, as I say I take 58cm in bikes that are measured that way but only "L" in Giant and certainly wouldn't want any bigger. Certainly wouldn't rule out compact frames but there is no point comparing actual seat tube lengths standard vs compact.

LightningBolt

Thanks for the suggestions, I'd only be looking to do 3-4 30k spins a week, I start work in Oct in the Docklands so would ideally like to cycle to work from Clondalkin if possible. What price range should I be looking at second hand? About €400-€500? Or higher?

blorg

LightningBolt wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions, I'd only be looking to do 3-4 30k spins a week, I start work in Oct in the Docklands so would ideally like to cycle to work from Clondalkin if possible. What price range should I be looking at second hand? About €400-€500? Or higher?

You should get something decent for around that price range second-hand, may be an issue with getting a 60cm frame though as it is not very common. I am selling my tourer at the moment, looking for €475 (flexible.) 58cm but I can put a 130mm stem on. Would be good for casual spins and commuting (comes with rack and mudguards.)

LightningBolt

blorg wrote: »

You should get something decent for around that price range second-hand, may be an issue with getting a 60cm frame though as it is not very common. I am selling my tourer at the moment, looking for €475 (flexible.) 58cm but I can put a 130mm stem on. Would be good for casual spins and commuting (comes with rack and mudguards.)

I'll get back on to you in the next few weeks (end of may more likely), I've exams coming up so won't be committing to anything before then. Just looking to get some ideas and keep an eye out!