opinions on tri bike for tall person - Triathlon Week

12-05-2004, 07:23 AM

I'm thinking of finally retiring my trusty 12 year old trek 2200
(carbon tubes, AL lugs) for a new bike next year. I mostly race
triathlons, competing in races of all distances over the past 15
years. I've been looking at tri specific bikes but have noticed that
most of these bikes are designed for people much shorter than I (max
usually 60 cm). I'm 6'5" with a 36 inseam. My trek is a 62 cm but I
have always used a mtb seatpost as the stock post could not be
adjusted high enough. I be interested in know what other tall men are
riding in terms of tri bikes. I'm also considering another road bike
(Trek 5500 series) and using it as a combo tri/road bike as my
experience with my current bike has been good.
Thanks for your comments
Dave

12-05-2004, 09:00 AM

Hi Dave,

I too, am 6'5" with a 36" inseam. I used to have a 65cm Diamondback
Centurion and wanted to upgrade to a better bike. We have a really good
local Trek dealer and I checked out their bikes. I was a little nervous
getting a Trek because their biggest frame was 62 cm.

Well, I got a 62 cm Trek 5200 and couldn't be happier. My LBS got me a
300mm seat post and put on a longer stem and I fit just fine on it. The
ride is unlike anything I've experienced on a road bike; the carbon fiber
tubes really dampen the road vibration. It's light and fast and fun to
ride. I can't attest to the bike's aerodynamics, but it sure is fun to
ride!

good luck,
Bob

"Dave" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:4e5222b5.0412050623.72e894ea@posting.google.c om...
> I'm thinking of finally retiring my trusty 12 year old trek 2200
> (carbon tubes, AL lugs) for a new bike next year. I mostly race
> triathlons, competing in races of all distances over the past 15
> years. I've been looking at tri specific bikes but have noticed that
> most of these bikes are designed for people much shorter than I (max
> usually 60 cm). I'm 6'5" with a 36 inseam. My trek is a 62 cm but I
> have always used a mtb seatpost as the stock post could not be
> adjusted high enough. I be interested in know what other tall men are
> riding in terms of tri bikes. I'm also considering another road bike
> (Trek 5500 series) and using it as a combo tri/road bike as my
> experience with my current bike has been good.
> Thanks for your comments
> Dave

12-06-2004, 08:09 AM

One of my athletes is a former rower and 6'5". We just set him up on an
Elite T-Class in the largest stock size. This is a pure Tri/TT bike
with a lot of drop to aerobar. To have a more comfort oriented position
you'd have to go to a custom frame, which Elite does, but it just takes
longer.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Coach Steve
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]