Hard Tail Hard Found for Tall Guy

RockHipHopper

I'm looking to buy either a decent Hard Tail or a full suspension and have researched em all and know what I like but am very limited because of my height. I'm 6'8" and have had a 23" Rockhopper for a good spell till a low ballard and my campervan decided to bring our relationship to an end. I loved the versatility of the hopper as it met all my commuting and trail needs. So now that I must replace it, I'm lookin to upgrade. However, all bikes within my price range €1,500 or so, seem to only have 21" frames. With the Rockhoppers they only do 23" up to the RH Comp. I'd like to get the RH pro but again, only available up to 21". So my questions are:

1. Would I be able to alter some components (stem/bars) of a 21" to suit my height? Would it be feasible?
2. I've also considered getting a full suspension bike but don't want to bob all the way to work. Should I stick to the hard tail or will the lock-out on the rear suspension provide a decent road ride?
3. I've seen that some bikes are given an XL sizing but I haven't been able to work out the inches equivalent. Anyone know if it's in the region of 23"?

t0mm

1) Try looking at 29" wheel bikes. Most MTBs have 26" wheels, but now-a-days 29" are increasing in popularity, especially with taller riders.

2)Hardtail for life.

3) You'll have to check them. Some companies have 18" as a large, others as a medium, there is not real standard. Best to check the manufacturers website or email/call the shop.

Trek EX8

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/BMC_Trailfox_TF02/5360042386/
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31453
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31030
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30535
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=31465
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Black_Forest_Pro_2009/5360037558/
Heres a few links for ya try these but its hard to get a 26in wheeled mountainbike in such a big frame size especially a good one. Looks like 20-22 is biggest if you get lucky. Most rear suspension now will have a lock out or pro pedal or both so no need to worry about rear bob. I have a Trek EX8 and use pro pedal most of the time and its great. You can also slide your saddle right back and get a longer stem which wouldnt cost much.
But if you want to do some serious off-roading I'd say go for the full susser. I wouldnt go back to a hardtail now after buying the Trek. But it all depends on what kind of riding you want to do.

RockHipHopper

Thanks for advice lads. Some good lookin' bikes there Trek. Dunno if 29"s are a runner. Have a decent set of 26" mavic wheels with slicks for road duty - would they work ok with bike designed for 29"?

SerialComplaint

I'm on a similar quest, though I'm a few inches shorter and a few € poorer in budget than you. Still, you might find something useful on this thread.

CheGuedara

+1 on sticking with a hard tail - you'll get better bang for your buck in this price range that way.

I know that Black Forest linked by TREK EX8 is coming in at 22in, an inch smaller than what you're aiming for but maybe worth considering.

I've a friend with the 08 version (called the Killer Bee) and it is a very nice machine; light, decent fork and wicked brakes (read as gently pull lever or face major air time - you could do a lot worse for the money, will be a very competent bike and you'd have a nice bit of change in your pocket from e1500 too.