Fast Winter Commuter/Tourer for a Tall Man

[roubaixtuesday]

I'm 6'4", about 35" inside leg and need to replace my winter bike of 23 years vintage (frame failure)

I'd basically like the fastest, lightest machine possible that can take mudguards plus a rack and would stand up to some very occasional summer light touring, though the main use will be a daily winter commute.

As I don't anticipate replacing this very often, if ever again, I'd be prepared to spend a reasonable sum.

I've looked at:
- Tifosi GranFondo CK7
- Dolan Prefissio
- Van Nicholas Yukon

and other similar bikes.

But none of these come in a frame size beyond 60cm, which is I think a bit too small (62 would probably be ideal)

The only frameset I can find I think would be good is the Kinesis Racelight, which has a 63cm nominal frame.

I ride a Specialised Roubaix 61cm as my summer bike, which is OK for fit (with a long stem and seat all the way back).

Any thoughts on other options?

thanks!

[Brucey]

Spa cycles Ti Tourer also comes in 60cm frame size (the Audax model doesn't). The standard spec isn't that lightweight, but the tourer can be built up to be a light bike, the frame is only a little heavier than an audax one.

Really whether a '60cm frame' fits you isn't down to the seat tube length, it is all the other stuff.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/smsimg/uploads/touringgeometry.jpg

shows the frame geometry of the Spa Touring model.

Normally the easiest way to get a light frame in a large size (that is also stiff enough for someone strong, and at a reasonable cost) is to build it in aluminium. The problem is that such frames are not always very durable, and you can end up with a needlessly short wheelbase and other daft features that don't help much.

One suggestion is that you could order a custom made Ti frame. Burls will do one, or you can order one direct from China. in theory a Ti frame will be very weather resistant. You just have to keep up with making sure that everything inserted into the frame is retreated with anti-seize on a regular basis.

cheers

[iandriver]

The Kinesis do a 5t in 63cm cyclocross. Disc brakes for winter use, light as you wish to build it, clearance for bigger tyres. Heel clearance may be an issue.

Have you checked out the big American brands?

[keyboardmonkey]

The only frameset I can find I think would be good is the Kinesis Racelight, which has a 63cm nominal frame.

I started to draft a reply then saw the above. Having the 51cm (2010) Kinesis Racelight T2 frame I can't comment on any potential problems associated with an aluminium frame as large as the 63cm model, but of all my bikes if I had to choose just one to keep it would be this. Good luck with your search.

[keyboardmonkey]

The Kinesis do a 5t in 63cm cyclocross. Disc brakes for winter use, light as you wish to build it, clearance for bigger tyres. Heel clearance may be an issue...

Apparently Kinesis are releasing a 4S disc version in the autumn, too.

[iandriver]

I've got a 63cm 4s, don't tell me that!

Also got 63cm pro5 and a 62cm disc trucker.

Ride the trucker the most because of commuting, but both the Kinesis make me smile from ear to ear. The pro cx with voyager hypers on is amazing fun on road and bridleway.

My 4s has mudguards and a tubus fly rack. Great all rounder, but heel clearance is tight for panniers. Ortleib cities small panniers are ok.

[PH]

I ride a Specialised Roubaix 61cm as my summer bike, which is OK for fit (with a long stem and seat all the way back).

If the saddle is in the right position for you over the pedals then how far back you need it will depend on seat tube angle rather than frame size. Be careful not to end up with a larger frame with a steeper seat tube.

[roubaixtuesday]

Thanks for replies everyone.

Re. geometry,  agree re not just seat tube, that was just my attempt to simplify.  I think probably the most important single measurement is the effective top tube length.  The  Kinesis is the largest of all these in that measure, though 1cm shorter than the Roubaix.

On custom,  Van Nicholas quoted £600 above standard price for a 62cm Yukon build.  So I'll give that a miss!  Fustratingly they are apparently including a 62cm in their range next year. On the bright side, I can afford a week away next year with the money saved

Sounds like the Kinesis is a good option. Ian, good point on heel clearance with my size 13s.

If I go ahead I'll probably get it built with 105 11 speed 50/34, 11-32.

[531colin]

Spa cycles Ti Tourer also comes in 60cm frame size (the Audax model doesn't). The standard spec isn't that lightweight, but the tourer can be built up to be a light bike, the frame is only a little heavier than an audax one.

Really whether a '60cm frame' fits you isn't down to the seat tube length, it is all the other stuff.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/smsimg/uploads/touringgeometry.jpg......................

There is also a 59cm Roughstuff bike (a tourer with big clearances) which is bigger than the 60 tourer, in that the front end is higher and the top tube, front centre, and chainstays longer. 71 deg seat angle. edit ETT 630, as you ask.....
There was a demo. bike in the shop, can't remember if its still there.

[colin54]

Perhaps an off the wall solution, but would this be near your size ? New 24'' Lee Cooper with rear rack mounts, handsome .

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Reynolds-531- ... 35eef8eae4

Described as 24'' and 25'' frame in the same ad confusingly

[stewartpratt]

Trek Crossrip has a 60.9cm top tube in the largest size, that's about as big as they come without going for the big Amercan tourers like the Trucker.

[mig]

my "fastest, lightest" bike is used on summer days (remember those?!) but it doesn't have good qualities for its main use being a "winter commuter." i'm not sure that the two things are well suited to one another - especially in a large size of frame.
hope that you find something though!

[pete75]

Ribble winter/audax and CR1 go up to 64cm frame size and will take a rack for light touring. A friend who is 6' 7" uses a 64cm winter and finds it plenty big enough. His son who is similar in size has used it for a Reivers way - C2C round trip with non camping touring load without problems. Ribble give a wide choice of groupsets from Shimano, Sram and Campag along with choice of wheels,saddle, tyres , bar width, stem length etc - something you don't get with most other bike suppliers. Both come with mudguards.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/road- ... ALL&bike=1

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/road- ... ALL&bike=1

[Brucey]

that is a good spot!

cheers

[roubaixtuesday]

pete75,

thanks - that's at least an option to think about, and they look fantastic value. I knew there must be more than one maker out there for taller folk.

mig,

yeah, I realise it's impossible, but I reckon I'll enjoy the winter commute a lot more on something lighter and stiffer than my heavy old 531 tourer.