So I'm 197cm and ride a 2020 Trance 2 27.5, and whenever I see pictures of me I feel like I'm riding a BMX bike.
When riding it it doesn't feel too bad, but it's probably because it's all I know. Are there companies that make larger bikes that aren't insanely expensive, or will going to a 29" make that much of a difference in riding?
by Mithster18
24 Comments
I’m same size and ride a 29”. It is glorious. My bike is long and big and super stable. Couldn’t imagine going smaller now.
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29er will help a bit.
Specialized makes some larger frames in XXL. I’m about your height and their XXL is bordering on too big (but I find all XL too small). A friend of mine is even taller and rides one.
Other than that I built my own custom titanium bikes.
Stumpjumper s6
202cm here and was in the same boat as you for a long time before I finally found a XXL 29er on marketplace that I could afford. Night and day difference compared to the old 27.5 I used to have. The best thing about modern MTB geo for taller riders is that bikes have gotten longer and longer with steeper seat angles, you just feel way more centred and “in” the bike when descending and you are over the pedals when climbing.
I’d suggest looking at some base level Trek Fuel or Specialized Stumpjumpers in XXL size.
I’m 188cm. Went from a trance 27er size L to a YT Capra mullet size XL
I feel I gained control, stability, comfort and lost playfulness.
The bigger, longer bike has my preference but i deeply regret selling the Giant. Having a smaller bike was great for learning trials oriented skills (not that I’m any good at that).
I’m 198cm. Going to 29″ on an XXL was a huge improvement.
You need a bigger in order to be more stable during the descent.
You are so tall that you can go way too far in the front or in the back.
A proper XL or XXL bike would make you stay more in the center
YT makes several XXL models.
I am 6’4″ with a 35″ inseam. The biggest bike I ride is a XL 2024 Norco Fluid 29er 505cm reach. It still looks small on me.
I also have an xl 2016 Rocky Mountain Madien 27.5 Reach is 446 cm
I also have a 29er Hardtail my brother welded up for me It is 490cm reach
and I have a 26″ dirt jumper.
When you are over 6′ bikes will look small unless you get a 29er with a 515 reach and a 24inch seat tube.
in the end just ride a bike that feels good and have fun.
https://preview.redd.it/4exedaolguae1.jpeg?width=1178&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67dc19c1410066031c1ff6c9d92c2031d9bc15de
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The XXLs from Transition and Santa Cruz are the best I’ve encountered, especially the latest models which have finally figured out the steeper seat tube angles though the previous generations are still pretty good and are all on sale.
I’m 193cm and like about a 515mm reach give or take and prefer taller bars as well cause most frames will increase reach but not stack. At your height I’d shoot for around 520mm reach and 100% 29 inch wheels. Specialized s6 or an xxl from Santa Cruz or canyon.
I’m also 197cm ish (195-198cm depending on posture/how I sleep/exercise etc) and Canyon XL frames fit me perfectly fine. You don’t look super cramped on that bike but it does seem like it is a tad small.
I’m 6’2 and rode an L canyon 29er for years (because smaller frame is more nimble etc bla bla) then bought an Amflow in XL and I wish I had gone XL years ago. Far more efficient and better posture.
I’m 193, ride a trance x 29, feels great
I’m 6’7″/200cm and I ride Commencal Meta tr. 519mm reach feels just fine for me!
I’m 193cm/6’4” and ride an XXL Santa Cruz Hightower. 29” is the way to go. I also ride an XL Polygon t7e, perfect fitting bike.
203.2cm/ 6’8”
I have a 2011 trek cobia in XXL. Trek has a few models with XXL frames. Canyon also makes bikes and the XL size of theirs will fit me.
Yes and yes. The right size frame and 29er wheels will make a huge difference. I am 1.96m and Cube XL, Canyon XL and YT size XXL fit me very well. All my bikes are full 29ers – dudes our size don’t touch the rear wheel with our bums on downhills, our legs are too long, we sit too high for that. No sense in Mullet bikes for us.
> larger bikes that aren’t insanely expensive
Budget?
A well designed modern geo XXL (*with a long chainstay, which most bikes don’t have) would feel like cheating on fast/steep descents compared to your current bike.
29 isn’t the biggest difference in the world by itself but at your height there is basically no reason not to get the wagon wheels.
I’m 6’1 and I ride a medium salsa blackthorn. Had a large but medium feels better to me. I also ride a bmx mostly and only ride mtb 4-6 a month. Whatever feels good for the type of riding you do
YT Bikes have XXL for reasonable prices (I ride a XXL Jeffsy 29er). They have very good sales a few times a year as well.
imagine what you would look like riding a 20″ bmx 😀
Some folks prefer a smaller tighter cockpit. On my road bike that’s my jam (have a medium 2019 Canyon Ultimate CF8). I am 6’1, 212lbs, normal reach and legs, and despite my better judgment I just grabbed an XL Canyon Spectral 125 and do not regret it at all. It has the 510mm reach, which I’ve curtailed significantly by replacing the clunky stock stem/spacer set up with Deity/Cane Creek items and a new hi rise carbon bar. On climbs it’s ideal, little to no bob, and downhill I almost feel like I’m on my old Revel Rail 29, smooth and silky.