I'm 6'6 and need a mountain bike?

Question

So I have some questions...

I'd like to buy a 29'er that will take whatever I throw at it (city-wise, that is: curbs, broken pavement).

So far, the cheapest I've found is a Cannondale that goes for $1000, even; others like Konas and Giants go for $1300 and up (though even the dealer recommended against the $4800 racer from jesus).

The same places that I've checked offer equally high-quality bikes with 26" wheels; but for much lower prices ($500-$800).

Would an XL (about 22") frame compensate for the smaller wheels, or do I need a frame that large (or larger) in addition to the 29'ers?

Again, I'm 6'6 (198cm), about 190lbs (86.5kg), and will be commuting at least 10 miles a day on moderately well-kept to shame-on-the-city'ly unkempt roads.

Answer 1

You may want to look at a hybrid bike, they will take the abuse of a mountain bike but are a lot more comfortable.  Knobby tires are a pain in the butt on pavement.

Answer 2

You'll do fine on a 26" bike. Look at a GT they tend to feel a little bigger due to the triple triangle frame. You may also look at getting longer cranks. 180mm vs the standard 175mm or 170mm.

Answer 3

dude if your getting a 29er go with Gary fisher   Fisher bikes .com  

Answer 4

You shouldn't need extra-large wheels, unless you just want them.  You can get a large frame and further adapt the bike by putting seatpost and stem extensions on if need be.

If you're looking to buy a new bike, find your local bike shop and talk to them!  The size of the bike isn't the only factor to consider and its much better to go have a look at things before you make a decision.  Its like buying a new car - you wouldn't do that without a test drive, would you?  

As for the mountain bike thing, I'd really suggest getting a touring bike.  I find that dropped handlebars are wonderful if there's a strong headwind, but I live in a really windy place so that might be more important for me than it is for you.  The knobbly tires on the mountain bike will make it a bit harder to cycle than something with smooth tires, so if you do go for a mountain bike I'd also suggest putting smoother tires on it for commuting, unless your commute involves going off road.  My boyfriend also swears by the disc brakes on his mountain bike, but I'm a bit more cautious cycling in town so I don't need them as much...they add a bit to the price of the bike, but if you're going to be cycling at higher speeds they're handy to have when idiot drivers abound.  

Good luck!

Answer 5

look for them on ebay.com. i bet you can gt a h**l of a deal 20-30% discount

bikingthings

Answer 6

For most manufacturers, frame size is independent of wheel size.  In other words, a medium is usually built to fit a person up to about 5-10 whether it has 26" or 29" wheels.  Likewise, a large usually fits people from about 5-10 to 6-2, or so.  You are going to need an XL for sure.

Regardless of the wheel size you need to be sure your bike shop is willing to work with you to get the bike fit properly.  The bike may need a longer seatpost or possibly a setback seatpost and a longer handlebar stem.  

Also, be careful they don't attempt to sell you a bike on which the steering tube has been cut too short.  If the steering tube is cut too short, they won't be able to put enough spacers under the handlebar stem to lift it high enough to reach comfortably.  (You can safely put about an inch, or so, of spacers underneath the stem.)  If you need the handlebars higher, they'll need to get you a riser stem.

The bike shop should be willing to swap these items for free.  Be prepared to pay if you want exotic materials, though.

At the present time, most people looking for a 29" bike are somewhat more experienced riders who want somewhat better components.  Thus, the entry level end of 29" products have better components and cost more than entry level 26" bikes.

If you are riding on city streets you might also want the bike shop to put slick tires on your bike.  Knobbies create lots of rolling resistance on pavement.

Hope this helps.