Cycling UK Forum

Don't know if these would be wide enough, but Exustar Stelvio shoes come in size EU 37, 38, 39 etc, see

http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/graphics/exus ... 0thumb.jpg

I have the opposite problem, large and wide (13/14 G or H), and have found the Specialized Sonoma wide enough and very comfortable, it comes in size 36 upwards, see elsewhere on the Bikeplus website at www.bikeplus.co.uk

Regards
Mike

Thanks all, for your replies. I've found out that Tubus do a couple of bracket kits specifically to help with this sort of problem, I didn't realise such kits existed, but now I may give them a try.

Thanks james01 and CJ, I agree wholeheartedly with what you say. Apols if I inadvertently gave the impression I am a 'racer', regret I'm not and never likely to be.

The bike is a 1992 22.5 " Diamondback Topanga (ie an old mtb, in the biggest size it came in, I'm 6'6") that I've already tweaked for very comfortable and low speed on-road use (extended stem, bar ends, very upright position etc.) I used to use it for commuting. I guess it's just my big feet getting in the way again. Thank you for your comments though.

James01 - I appreciate the stability issue, but what kind of extension were you thinking of? The rack is fitted to a threaded rack mounting, as you mentioned.
Thanks.

Sorry, forgot to add link

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-CoPi ... ad-293.htm

one of the photos on that page is of the rack.

Yes, that's correct, this seat comes with a Blackburn EX1 rack.

I have purchased a Co-Pilot Limo child seat for my bike, but on trying it out the other day I've found that with my lad installed, my heels clip his toes on every revolution of the pedals. Admittedly, I do have big feet (size 13), but I've rotated the rack 'backwards' as far as is reasonable to give as much clearance as possible, but to no avail. As changing the bike (or lengthening the chainstays!) is not possible, does anyone know of any brackets or somesuch items that will allow the rack to be mounted further to the rear, thus giving the extra couple of cms clearance that I need? The top brackets that mount the rack to the seatstays have a fair bit of length spare so should be ok, the problem lies at the lower rack mounting point - it's this mounting that I'd like to move rearwards somehow. Grateful for any suggestions, thank you.

Thanks Gaz, problem is bontrager do two bars both labelled Race Riser, one at $19.99 size 25.4 and the other at $39.99 size 31.8 mm. It's just that I don't know which is on the 7.6Fx. I've emailed Trek, with luck they'll reply. Thanks.

Can anyone tell me the handlebar diameter on a 2009 Trek 7.6 FX, please, and is it uniform throughout the length of the bar - ie no difference at the stem compared to the the ends of the bars? Many thanks.

The split fender idea wasn't mine - I saw it on the River City Bicycles website about 5 years ago !

Hi Woody - see http://www.flickr.com/photos/icicle19/

Sure, if you're not in a hurry I'll try and take a few snaps this weekend (note I don't yet have the Trek). Will pm you when I've got them.

I'm 6'6" and weigh 18 stone, and have modified my steel early 90s mtn bike (frame size 22 1/2") for the commuting/touring road in much the same way as you have done with your present tourer ie long seatpost, quill stem extender, 175 mm cranks. Riding position is similar to yours, tho my bars are perhaps lower, level with the seat. Overall, very comfy. Also very comfy is my Roberts road bike (25" frame) with extra long steering column courtesy of Argos in Bristol (9cm of spacers! - looks like a Thorn!) to bring the drop bars level with the seat. Re leg length, I don't know if I've got particulary long legs. In trousers I take a 35" inside leg length, but my saddle height (measured along seat tube from bb to top of seat) on both bikes is 32 1/2". And I'm currently awaiting a 25" Trek 7.6 FX to take over commuting duties from the mtn bike.

Re strength and breakages, the only problems I've had have been with wheels on the mtn bike, so I ride hand-built Sun Rhyno Lites, 36 spoke, plain gauge spokes 3 cross. The Trek will have original wheels replaced by Mavic A719s on Deore hubs, again 36 spoke, plain gauge spokes 3 cross. If 36s prove no good, then I'll move to a 40 hole hub, but I don't think I'll need to.

The point I'm getting to - eventually I know (sorry!) - is if you really can't go custom, then you might still find something suitable with a bit of modification to a standard, albeit L or XL, off the shelf bike. I'm sure the Farrhadmanufaktur would fit, but it is heavy, reminds me of the old Thorn Nomad (I think?) with the extra tube on the frame.

But if you can go custom, don't hesitate, it will be the best money you've ever spent on a cycling 'product'. It would be worth ringing Paul Hewitt to discuss - I mention this because I rang a few weeks ago to discuss the possibility of a Cheviot tourer (via the Cycle to Work scheme), and was told that at 6'6" I might well be too tall for the biggest frame they do, I recall the guy I spoke to said the biggest rider they'd done a Cheviot for was 6'4". But rickangus above got a great frame from them, so clearly the gen I was given cannot be wholly accurate, maybe it only applies to the Cheviot frame, and others PH does are available in bigger sizes? Best of luck!

Hi - have searched but failed to find the website of DRC who make rims (eg ST19). Does anyone have a link, or know where I can find info (ERD etc) and the full range of rims (and other cycling products?) DRC manufacture ? Thanks.

Replacement Rixen and Kaul parts are easily found via Google.

e.g. Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative does some spares, Simpsons Cycles also do the lower tab/hook thingy. St John Street Cycles are good for all sorts of spares and bits and bobs, tho postage and packing is steep! Spa cycles may be worth a phone call, as they are touring specialists.

Thank you all. I think it's coming down to a choice between my lbs and one of the Trek 7.x FX series - though I have concerns about the wheels ability to cope with my weight- and the Specialised Cirrus range from a shop elsewhere. I will need the largest frame in either case, so I doubt there is any possibility of a test ride, as I'm finding that shops (understandably) don't have the XL frames in their demo fleets.

I really appreciate the advice, thank you.