Tall Guy Bike

[skiandmtb]

My neighbor wants to get back into mountain biking He's 6'4" (maybe bigger) and has had neck problems. His price range is about $1200, but I may be able to talk him into $1.5K. With his neck problems, we're thinking full suspension. What do you big guys think? (Or not so big but knowledgeable guys and gals.)

We'll test ride a few, but wondering what bikes to focus on or make sure we don't miss. Thanks.
LJ

[CRAIG2]

Neck problems are going to be more a result of poor bike fit than lack of suspension. That said (and believe me, I know allllll about back and neck pains), something with front suspension will take some of the jarring off of the shoulders and neck and will make riding more enjoyable. I have both a hardtail and full suspension bike, and with the exception of gnarlier places like Gambrill, I notice no more significant discomfort on one bike over the other.

Oh, and if you don't know me, I'm 6' 4", too... LOL

Just my 2 cents...

Craig

[g_barr]

...has had neck problems. With his neck problems, we're thinking full suspension.

Craig is absolutely right about FRONT suspension.

My recommendation is to look for a frame, stem and handle bar combination that will allow your neighbor to sit more upright. The frame should have room to lower the seat if necessary. A shorter stem and riser bars will help raise the shoulders and straighten the neck. Deciding between HT and FS may be based on what type of neck problems he has - joint, pinched nerves, range-of-motion, muscle weakness...

I have spinal arthritis and ride a HT. My range-of-motion is okay. I have most neck discomfort after riding crouched (causing muscle pain) or being shaken a lot (causing bone pain). Since I'm riding more and more difficult trails, I wish I spent more than my original budget to get the similarly equipped FS.

The bottom line is what kind of riding will he be doing (C&O towpath vs. Fountainhead/Patapsco) and what he can really afford.

[old_bashturd]

He's tall.
Go for something with 29 inch wheels.

[skiandmtb]

Thanks, anybody know of a 29er full suspension for $1200?

[brian_brox]

I'm 6' 4" and I decided to stick with 26 inch wheels for my recent FS purchase and am happy about it. He's welcome to demo my BMC fourstroke (23" frame).

[random-adam]

Honestly, a 29er hardtail rides like a 26" with 2"-3" of travel - it certainly takes a lot of the edge off of a trail. I'd suggest going that route; you can get a much nicer HT for a grand and change... squishy 29ers, due to the still semi-niche market of the thing, would start at maybe $1800 or so. I know -- I bought the least expensive frame-only 29er I could find and frame by itself was still $1099 (an Astrix Monk). Knowing what I do now, I should've gone hardtail instead.

6'3" and the XLs tend to fit me well, by the way.

[random-adam]

ps, didn't notice you were in Silver Spring -- I live downtown and would be happy to let him at least ride mine around a parking lot. I weigh 155, and my wheels are on the "what was he thinking?" side of stupid light, so I wouldn't feel comfortable risking someone's safety on 'em if they weighed much more than I do.

[DaveG]

Honestly, a 29er hardtail rides like a 26" with 2"-3" of travel - it certainly takes a lot of the edge off of a trail.


I tell you, my rigid 29er beats the living crap out of me compared to my 26" HT w/ a front shock. It's not even close. It does roll over stuff better but it's certainly not like suspension in my book. More like running larger tires w/ a bit less pressure....


Dave

[random-adam]

I should've been clearer. I was referring to a 29er with front suspension. "Hardtail" wasn't specific enough. It's amazing what 80mm of squish up front will do when coupled with wheels like a steamroller. :D

The only time I was grateful for my 4" front/4" rear travel was once at Gambrill. The rest of the time, full-suspension on a 29er to me feels like wasted pedaling efficiency and an extra three or four pounds I don't need, even on steep descents at Wakefield or Fountainhead.

[DaveG]

I should've been clearer. I was referring to a 29er with front suspension. "Hardtail" wasn't specific enough. It's amazing what 80mm of squish up front will do when coupled with wheels like a steamroller. :D

The only time I was grateful for my 4" front/4" rear travel was once at Gambrill. The rest of the time, full-suspension on a 29er to me feels like wasted pedaling efficiency and an extra three or four pounds I don't need, even on steep descents at Wakefield or Fountainhead.

Reading comprehension on my side. Yeah, a HT 29er w/ a Reba up front would be perfect for a lot of trails around here. My friend w/ a Blacksheep 29er has been riding that almost exclusively @ the 'shed instead of his 5-spot. It's a bit much for really long (30+ mile) rides up there, but it's manageable.


Of course my Sultan is the best bike ever...... :)

Dave

[Brizn]

If I hear once more about your Sultan or Jvanbrecht's SX trail (that was for sale, then wasn't, then is again- with no fixed selling price) I'm gonna puke!

[brunswick]

I'm 6'2" and I ride a Salsa Dos-Niner with 20.5" frame, Reba up front. These have a wee little rear shock that gives about an inch of squish and really takes the edge off of rough trails. I got mine very slightly used on mtbr for $1200. I suggest your neighbor have a look at one.

[CRAIG2]

If I hear once more about your Sultan or Jvanbrecht's SX trail (that was for sale, then wasn't, then is again- with no fixed selling price) I'm gonna puke!

ha! :D

Oh, yeah, GT sucks. :p

[Brizn]

ha! :D

Oh, yeah, GT sucks. :pMaybe so- but I'm not talkin GT with every breath, now am I ? FS29 = the electric kool-aid acid test. :D See signature!

[eloach]

I'm 6'2" and I ride a Salsa Dos-Niner with 20.5" frame, Reba up front. These have a wee little rear shock that gives about an inch of squish and really takes the edge off of rough trails. I got mine very slightly used on mtbr for $1200. I suggest your neighbor have a look at one.

This might be a good bet depending on his weight. This is a very nice frame if you are under 220. Unfortunately, it's hard to find used and goes for $890 or so new. If he is not too heavy he could try a 21" GF Paragon which is nice for $1500, but might break if he is heavy.

A Surly steel 29er frame with a REBA would come in closer to the price range you are talking about and also carry a heavy rider. Since he would be building it up he could try some Alt bars for the neck thing and also get a proper fit at a shop in terms of stem length and such.

I can't see anyone 6'4" buying a 26er these days, but then again, there's that world champ guy that rides for Kona... :)

[DaveG]

If I hear once more about your Sultan or Jvanbrecht's SX trail (that was for sale, then wasn't, then is again- with no fixed selling price) I'm gonna puke!


Did I mention that it's the best bike ever? I'm allowed to talk about it; I actually ride it ;)

[Zinger]

I'm 6'6", 240lbs and I ride a 2007 Kona Hoss. It's a 22-inch hardtail with 26-inch wheels.

I looked at a LOT of bikes this spring looking for one that fit me and settled on this one pretty quickly. Frame doesn't flex. Lots of room in the cockpit, i don't feel like my elbows are gonna hit my knees. No neck or upper back issues.

Can't speak to advantages of a 29er vs 26er. But the Hoss rolls freely -- the least little decline has me off the power and on the brakes to keep from trampling the rider ahead.

ed