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Wanted - big MTB for commuting for a big cyclist

  • 12-07-2009 08:09AM
    #1
    SerialComplaint
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,644 ✭✭✭


    Hi folks

    It's the usual 'help me pick a new bike' thread, with some variations. It looks like my employer is getting the finger out, so I'll be able to order my new bike under the 'bike to work' scheme soon. My requirements are as follows;

    - Shortish commute of about 5k, sometimes doubled to 10k if time permits
    - Main objective of cycling is to keep my weight down, so I'm not that bothered about super-light bikes
    - I have a couple of short sections of my commute over grass, including one down a fairly steep grassy bank. This route keeps me away from traffic and speed bumps, which is good for me and good for traffic.
    - Ease of maintenance - I'm not good at giving my bike TLC. It is lucky to get some 3-in-1 oil every month or so, and a wash every 3 months or so. I need something that is not too temperamental or sensitive.
    - Size - I'm 6'3" and about 16 stone, so I need a big bike. My current bike is a Giant Boulder XL size (which I think is 58 cm or 23" frame size). I've always felt a bit 'squished' on this bike, and I sometimes get pains in my hands or wrists after a cycle.

    I want a big frame - my last bike was a Dawes Galaxy touring bike with a 25 1/4" frame, which was very comfortable for me.

    Is anyone aware of any models of MTB with larger than average frames? I'd be happy to customise by adding mudguards and carrier etc to make it usable for commuting.

    Thanks in advance for all advice.


Comments

  • #2
    BostonB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,056 ✭✭✭✭BostonB


    There a few big guys in my office. One of them as a Specialized Globe frame size 61.


  • #3
    Morgan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,481 ✭✭✭Morgan


    6'3" isn't particularly tall - most manufacturers will have a bike to accommodate riders of that height (either L or XL). The bike can also be adjusted to suit you (e.g. changing stem and seatpost) and ensure you're comfortable.

    Are you restricted in where you can get the bike or can you shop anywhere?


  • #4
    kona
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,525 ✭✭✭kona


    Carrera , Trek, Giant and I think specialized do too. Id imagine they would all have to be ordered in for you so you may have to wait a while. As said 6"3 isnt big in bikes:)


  • #5
    SerialComplaint
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,644 ✭✭✭SerialComplaint


    Morgan wrote: »
    6'3" isn't particularly tall - most manufacturers will have a bike to accommodate riders of that height (either L or XL). The bike can also be adjusted to suit you (e.g. changing stem and seatpost) and ensure you're comfortable.

    Are you restricted in where you can get the bike or can you shop anywhere?

    Thanks for the feedback. I expect that we'll be able to choose any shop from the OPW list, which seems to be effectively every bike shop in the country.
    kona wrote: »
    Carrera , Trek, Giant and I think specialized do too. Id imagine they would all have to be ordered in for you so you may have to wait a while. As said 6"3 isnt big in bikes:)
    THanks. I'd really like to try before I buy. Any suggestions for best shops to try something out would be welcome.


  • #6
    kona
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,525 ✭✭✭kona


    SerialComplaint wrote: »
    Thanks for the feedback. I expect that we'll be able to choose any shop from the OPW list, which seems to be effectively every bike shop in the country.

    THanks. I'd really like to try before I buy. Any suggestions for best shops to try something out would be welcome.

    Cyclogical
    Cycle ways
    Halfords(bit of a lucky dip as to what store you get and advice you get, but they should let you get the size of a 22")


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  • #7
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,246 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    A singlespeed cyclocross bike would be more suitable than a geared mountain bike for the use you describe, IMO.

    If you're only going to clean it once every 3 months, you should avoid derailleurs.


  • #8
    SerialComplaint
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,644 ✭✭✭SerialComplaint


    Just on the off-chance that anyone else is having the same problem as me, I thought I'd give some follow-up here. It looks like Trek's largest MTBs in my price range would be something like the 4300. According to http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4300disc/ the 24" frame has a top tube length of 61.3cm, just one cm more than the 22.5" frame. I wasn't comfortable on the 22.5" one that I tried out, as it just didn't feel right on the heels of my hands. The extra one cm would be welcome, but I don't think it is enough.

    By contrast, something like the Specialised Hardrock 24" (see http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22093) has a TT length of 66.5cm, which sounds like I could really stretch it out a bit. The guys at Cycle Inn told me a couple of weeks back that the largest Specialised I would get was a 22", but I'm going to chase them again to see about the 24". I really want to try before I buy, but I'm guessing that they won't be too keen on this for a size that isn't normally stocked.


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