Currently I am seriously looking for an extra bike which should fit in right in between my road and mountainbike. There is a whole scale of awesome bikes in this segment GT Grade, Niner RLT, Kona, etc etc but none seem to have a frame for my size (198cm) as I can't find a frame size over 62cm or with stack or reach values that fit. Roughtly around 403 to 417mm (reach) and 640 to 650mm (stack). So far the current bike would fit me with a 64cm frame Specialized Diverge Elite DSW Canyon Inflite AL 9.0 GT Grade Carbon Ultegra Rose Pro Cross Anybody has another fitting suggestion?
Yikes Bram! Your'e off the chart lol I'm towards the other end of the spectrum so i can't be much help. I know some manufacturers do a 64 but i suspect a better bet would be a 63 with spacers and a longer stem. I think getting an exact match out of the box will be a tall order. As for the tyres, I think you'll be hard pushed to find any gravel/CX bike that will take wider than a 35. If I was in a situation that requires anything bigger i'd be getting out the MTB lol Might be worth taking a look at ROSE (or give them a call). They will let you customize components before purchase. They really know their bikes and are very helpful. Will keep my eyes peeled!
Have considered the Surley Cross Check or Straggler ? For gravel road, bike packing and all rounder etc I'd chose a steel framed bike every time. Going by your previous likes i presume you like a more modern look but Surly have been doing the big tyre / road layout mix well before the hype train started. Both are available as framesets so you can spec for your altitude and build. http://surlybikes.com/bikes/straggler/geometry http://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check/geometry
That Celeste green w/blacked-out components looks really nice. The Crosscheck is great. They've been around forever, great cost/quality ratio, at least here in the States. I know several folks who ride them. I love my Surly LHT. Nothing fancy, but a good solid build that would have been fine for a transcontinental ride straight out of the box.
I got very close to buying an LHT a few years back but got offered a NOS George Longstaff frameset so i had that instead. Then my mate very nearly bought a 26" wheel LHT frameset but got offered a George Longstaff rough stuff tourer prototype at a lovely price
Thanks Jim, yes I have considered so many bikes in the last months and I keep coming back to the Canyon Inflite every time. Since Canyon has their inventory on sale during the xmas I fear I am going for it once the Inflite is on offer. Yes, its not a 100% gravel bike but it will do for me. But the surly, together with a few others, looks stunning as well <3 All those choices haha
It's getting a bit absurd now in bicycleland. I can't be the only tall guy in this world can I? It's almost impossible to find a normal roadbike in 2XL / 64cm. The only company that offers it consistently throughout it's entire range is Canyon. Rose has some 64cm frames, Specialized has only one Diverge in 64cm and Trek the same with one or two models. Giant, Merida and all the others don't go over 62cm. This is getting silly now lol
Have you thought about a custom built frame? It would clean out your bank account but make a great project to document on the forum
I'd second that, i had a couple of custom UK built Enigma frames built back in 2007. Back then you could not get relaxed geometry frames off the shelf as easily as you can now, and back then I had flexibility issues. They cost a lot but they last a lot longer. Had one titanium frame and one butted steel frame. Both really nice. Both also had lifetime warranties. I only got rid of the titanium one as I had far too many bikes, my Dad now rides the steel one still going strong. Anyway its a common problem when you are at the extreme end of the scale. Imagine how hard it is to find a bike if you are 7ft (2.1m) tall! Your only option is custom then.
I think I am going to have a look this year for a nice custom steel frame. Some great bikes here https://blackmtncycles.com/
Never heard of them. Looks really nice! If you're considering a US custom frame, I've always been a fan of Gunnar. http://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/hyper-x/ It's Richard Schwinn's Waterford Cycles welded frame division. Good quality. They've been around forever. Sold quite a few when I worked in a bike shop. http://gunnarbikes.com/site/lifestyles/on-the-gravel/
Awesome. I think a custom frame will be perfect for you Bram. Keep us informed on any progress. Can't wait to see how it all comes together!
