Cycling Tips For Bigger Riders | How To Make The Most Of Your Size On The Bike

Cyclists come in all different shapes and sizes. Heavyweight champions, Conor Dunne & Magnus Bäckstedt, come in at the larger end of the spectrum, and have years of experience in the pro peloton using their height and weight to their advantage. In this video, Conor and Magnus share some pro tips on how you can make the most out of being a bigger bike rider.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

Do you have any questions for Conor or Magnus? (They're 2.04m and 1.94m respectively, before you ask). Still have a question? Leave it in the comments below!

[@hugobci]

I am also 1.94m tall and 95kg. Most bikes has advice of weight limit to 100kg. I never had problem with frame not holding properly my weight, but I am concern with these weight limits adviced by manufacturers. Do you and other tall rider had problems with weights limits, frame cracking, deny of warranty, etc?

[@Eis_]

It was usually thought that smaller riders have a higher Power-Weight ratio, does being tall and heavy affect you that much especially on climbs?

[@scottbert9556]

Thanks so much for this very helpful focus. I'm 6-2, 180 pounds and I was wondering if there were injuries more common to taller cyclists, such as a cranky back (chronic problem for me) and what you do to minimize issues like that (stretches, heat)? And are there any ways of reducing or preventing back issues? Also, with my gigantic Martian sized head, I have a miserable time finding a properly fitting helmet. What helmet(s) would you recommend?

[@ornoth]

Preferred crank lengths please?

[@smb06]

As someone 6'6" (~1.98m) how do you find cycling kits that actually fit properly and aren't too short?

[@TheMoroe1]

Came for advice, stayed for a chill interview

[@whatwelearned]

Backstedt: 500+ watts for 20 minutes *shrugs* Me: 500+ watts for 20 seconds *has cardiac incident*

[@whodispuresouls7758]

😂😂😆👍🏾

[@jonfairway8235]

so true !!

[@johnandrews3568]

yeah but a taller rider needs a higher wattage output to overcome size/drag. It's relative.

[@IHJR]

@@johnandrews3568 but w/kg is less relevant on flat ground and weight is an advantage downhill. On flat ground raw watts and aerodynamics are what matter most hence magnus was a strong TT and sprinter.

[@johnandrews3568]

@@IHJR I know. I'm 198cm tall and 82kg.

[@the4scotts]

I now understand my problem. Listening to Magnus and his weight to height ratio I’m about 8 inches short for my weight. I’m not over weight just under height!

[@Mike0]

Keep working at it & you'll get there. I measure my height with helmet and cleats on, sure helps

[@JamesDownes]

😂👏

[@Erhan_H]

Better do some stretches. Every inch counts..

[@jasonmiller5801]

When I started cycling I was at 136kg. I was lucky that the bike would even hold my weight. But through a proper diet and cycling I was able to drop my weight to 75kg. This caused me to embrace a new passion with cycling and living a healthy lifestyle I've been able to maintain for over two years now.

[@1dree1]

wow, that's insane, man :) congrats!

[@Simon_is_not_sure]

Damm, that's great

[@abedfo88]

That's mind blowing.

[@AgravepasmonK]

king

[@somnumna2606]

Well done Jason. I know where you at as I have similar numbers.

[@galenkehler]

Perfect timing, I just recently became a tall rider in 1991.

[@gcn]

Hahaha!

[@hollownexus9316]

@@-ahmadtv2832 ???

[@chapshobai]

Let me be the first to congratulate you on achieving your desire!

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

It's sooooooo refreshing to hear some speak my bicycle language of a tall person. At 6'6" I can identify with everything Conor and Magnus said. Thanks for having Conor as a presentor and let's get Magnus on the team too!

[@ogiedee5289]

Dirty Sixer - Tiny.

[@andyblades8946]

1.93m and 90kg here. Magnus was always my favourite rider, for obvious reasons. Always seems like a nice guy in interviews, and one hell of a rider.

[@OFFSHOREDOUG]

Seen Magnus and his daughter in another video. What a family. Total class and supreme athletes.

[@Sanemancured]

Magnus seems like a lovely guy. I really enjoyed that.

[@gcn]

He's brilliant, isn't he?

[@mattshipstone9361]

Well worth watching just for that really. A nice chat with a lovely bloke. I'd happily listen to him chatting about anything. Gardening? Cake baking?

[@FlatSpinMan]

@@mattshipstone9361 Exactly. Sounds at ease.

[@andrewkelk8414]

A friend of mine raced on a team managed by Magnus, and he said he was a really great bloke. So it's not just for the camera.

[@douglaspate9314]

@@gcn He is! And his daughters! And his wife! ...all totally cool dudes!!!

[@adiedove6272]

At 1,97 and 102kg, I found this extremely interesting. Great to see that we all have similar experiences. Thanks for inspiring insight 👏👏👏👏🤲🙏💪💥👍

[@gcn]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video, Adie! Thanks for the support!

[@elmerrichardson6413]

I"m 6'5, 255lb and 61 yrs old. I love this video, I clicked right away. Let's just say, when I'm out on the trails or on a group ride, everybody loves to be on my wheel!😀

[@SabianDB02]

i tell em...tip the jar

[@jakethesnake1976]

Who let Ollie wonder into shot at the end 😁

[@1dree1]

Hahahaha xD

[@jontylewis7301]

Hah, saw this comment before I saw the end, made it that much better genuinely expecting him lurking about

[@Hill_Walker]

I think that's a sneak peak of the next GCN guest presenter, who will be showing us how to ride like they will in circ du soleil.

[@albullit]

It’s not the riding that I find tricky as a taller rider, it’s tights that don’t leave me with cold ankles.

[@martynbalmont2896]

With a 35” inside leg, that’s the reason I went for winter bib shorts and leg warmers as separates.

[@merckxy54]

And sleeves too short on the arms!!!

[@Silvermanav]

How annoying is that really ? I shop 3xl and most tights can't even get past 90cm in inseam. PLEASE CASTELLI FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAKE TALL SIZING !

[@marklowther3019]

I use àle bib tights, I have a 35" inside leg and the xxl fits perfect

[@rennradriese5770]

Definitely! You have to come up with weird combinations of pieces of clothing. I use pulse warmer to bridge the gaps on the arms and legs 😅🤣

[@CyclingthePeaks]

Great video and useful content. I’m 190 cm and together with a few friends who are all my height we met Connor in Israel when he was racing with Israel Cycling Academy. We all felt so short compared to him. We have a great pic too 😁

[@terbennett]

Magnus Backstedt is a beast in the saddle. He is the model Clydesdale. Many don't know or think about it, but a larger rider can be very competitive, but we dish out more power to do it. He was the inspiration for the Felt F1 Sprint back when he raced for Slipstream-Chipotle and my understanding is he was also a big reason Zipp made the 404 Clydesdale (later called 404 Maxx) back in the day. Total powerhouse! Conor was the right person for this interview and he did an excellent job. Kudos for a job well done!

[@malathj2043]

with 196cm tall and 120kg weight, me a tall rider with a lot of fat with average speed about 26 km seeing other taller pro riders like conor and magnus is really inspiring :)

[@avatar962]

youre doing great! I´m 187 and 104kg. I´m averaging 32 km/h

[@EagleLogic]

193 cm tall and 113 kg weight with average speed of 27 km (on a good day). I have ~20 more kg to lose, but love the pub too much. These videos are certainly motivating!

[@stanwatson2904]

This video really enlightened me. I'm 6'3" and about 240 lbs (108kg), and in the 7 years I've been riding I kept thinking I must lose weight to be at all effective. Hearing Magnus talk about the hills as damage control is music to my ears. I love the hills and the challenge they bring, but they don't like the girth I bring to the bike, so it forces me to practice patience, a virtue I've not always enjoyed. But if I practice patience on the hills I know I'll have plenty in the tank on the rest of the route to put up the power that separates me from the lighter riders. The other point Magnus made that I identified with, the cadence going up a hill. Mashing is OK, often it does work better, though it seems counterintuitive. Some days mashing just feels better. Other days when the legs aren't as fresh, a higher cadence is a nice change, but there is no one way for a big body to get it done. Thanks Magnus. Great information you shared with us here.

[@turboseize]

115kgs at 1.9 meters here. On flat terrain, I can close up to and even pass groups riding nice modern stuff while I am on the very same decades old steel bike (heavy-duty "water pipe" Gara tubeset...) that I built as a teenager. I have even occasionaly managed to keep up with said groups while riding a 90s 26" mountain bike (with ultra heavy and not very smooth Schwalbe Marathon MTB tyres). Power is fun. But let there be the slightest grade uphill, and even anorexic girls on holland bikes fly past me. I guess that's just how it is... Wind can't hurt me, but gravity is my nemesis.

[@jasonmcgrody9472]

So important on the weight point at the end. Don't starve yourself to meet some arbitrary weight if it impairs your performance or your enjoyment on the bike.

[@thesuperfunkomatic]

Thanks for this excellent interview. As someone who is 'big' on a bike (6'1" and 210), it's nice to hear that 'spin it to win it' may not be the best strategy for our bodies. Those power numbers are insance!

[@JohnPaulYT]

Next video - Interview with the guy overtaking Magnus and Conor at 10:12 about how to ride with an EPIC beard!

[@prestachuck2867]

#notaero #excessiveheat #messyeater LOL

[@thinksimon]

That was Ollie in disguise...

[@JohnPaulYT]

@@thinksimon Ollie will do anything to drop Conor

[@thebladonator]

Yes I want to know more about him - how tall is he?

[@endurancesweat]

Magnus Backstedt has such great advice to offer us. And love his race commentary. I'd argue that Magnus and Jose Been are GCN+'s best race commentary pair.

[@kwolfe3140]

I second that. I have really enjoyed the races where those two are the commentators.

[@ethanrobertson8921]

I’m 6’5” and 225 and always struggle on the climbs (but love the descents). I thought maybe I was just a rubbish rider so it’s nice to know it’s a common problem amongst those of us on the taller side of the spectrum.

[@Hardcaslte]

I never had aspirations of being a climber at 6'3" 200 lbs. For one, I don't want to look like I'm anorexic if I drop down to 160-170 lbs. And two, I'd rather be larger and bulkier with power and have fun dropping watt bombs than having an edge on a climb. When I started riding I was coming out of power lifting in the gym, so I was 225lbs too. I kind of wish I knew about training as much as I do now because I'm sure I lost some of my sprint power from doing so many Zwift seated workouts that are so focused on FTP. I don't use Zwift for my planned workouts anymore, and I still have a decent sprint, but I kind of wonder what I'd be doing if I kept focusing on that raw power while also building my FTP and endurance. Like Magnus said though, if you're tall then don't focus on being a climber because it won't happen. If you ever managed to get down to 160 lbs or less like the shorter riders you'll lose power and probably look like you have an eating disorder.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@Hardcaslte 6'1", 190 and a cat 1(former 320lb shot putter). I was a great time trialist but climbing was my second favorite thing to do despite only being good at it for my size. Smaller people regularly dropped watt bombs on me after sucking my wheel🙃 That said, a huge number of great climbers have athletes anorexia. It's just what it takes for many people to be good at what they love. There are great climbers my height that are 140lbs and not 160lbs.

[@aberdeenal3234]

The kid wandering in at 14:25 to nick a coveted GCN water bottle after being denied with a poor caption last week!

[@sirces9]

I’m 6’3” and this was a welcome addition to listen to what tall pro riders experience as a rider. Too often we are discriminated against our height and weight in the commercialization of what is considered the “perfect rider.”

[@nat_masquerade231]

This is really interesting. Can you make a video aimed a heavier riders (that doesn't focus on losing the weight which isn't a sustainable goal for many). Would love some tips on enjoying the sport and pitfalls to avoid. Like many in the comments, I learned the hard way that I needed a rear wheel with more spokes!

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

Yes! This would be really lovely!

[@Gullivers75]

Keep the tall rider stuff coming GCN. Loving Conor. He has such a genuine manner about him

[@tonks1968]

Magnus, what a nice chap! Really interesting

[@chrisg7254]

So very happy to see this episode. Thanks, Conor and Magnus for sowing that tall/larger riders are out there. I myself am 6'4, and 116kg and enjoy the sport and riding. It is truly tough to find the right fit and size for larger riders. I'm on a trek alpha SL1000 60cm frame and haven't switched over to carbon yet. Keep up the great work GCN and Conor

[@johnandrews3568]

Magnus is a great presenter and should be talked in to doing presenting for GCN. I stand at 198 and 82kg. When climbing, I've always used my body as leverage over the steep bits, throwing my bike from side to side to help overcome gravity. Descending has always been fun because I love speed and like Magnus, seem to be naturally slippery. Very few people can keep up with me on a fast, twisty descent. As for drafting... I run a -20 degree stem and have the deepest drops Fizik makes. On the drops I have no issue finding drafts.

[@incidentshappen]

0:25 - the Paris-Roubaix trophy is literally a cobblestone. Win a race, get a rock. How cool is that?!

[@rowdml]

10:05 when the recreational cyclist buries himself to pass two former pros -who don't even notice or react.

[@fluffy13bondjames92]

@MRGRUMPY53 “soft pedal” “25kph” oof

[@layton3503]

I think that was Si in disguise

[@petebarton5534]

That he passed the car on the inside, where the driver would not expect him to be should be commented on though. That is dangerous riding.

[@pembrokeshiredan]

@@petebarton5534 yes, it's pretty suicidal. I'm struggling to think of an occasion where I've seen a cyclist do anything that stupid.

[@toutingthomas]

@@pembrokeshiredan you need to watch lucus brunelle's channel!

[@jasonfenech5347]

Thank you to share your struggles and tips with us community. It really helped me a lot.

[@lukaskaciasvili9351]

10:09 - that guy though! 😅

[@mastafixa]

What a savage 😂

[@dewainjohnson24]

Glad I’m not the only one who saw that. I woulda stop the interview to catch him and pass him back lol

[@Bittman89]

Totally hilarious! Has no idea who he just passed!

[@jarobkid]

Bet he was well chuffed with himself

[@MustardKetchupMayo]

I have never related more to a video than this! I am 6’7” and 265 pounds. Whenever I ride in a group I can never keep up on the climb but can always push hard on the flats or descents. For me, the biggest thing I have come to appreciate is a hand built wheelset made for sturdiness. I crack the factory wheels like there is no tomorrow, so I had a wheel builder make a set for me and it has changed my experience completely! Good luck to all the big and tall folks out there wanting to ride bikes!

[@rocknrollrebel84]

I'm 6'7 and 255lbs, I'm looking for some wheels at the minute who makes yours?

[@MustardKetchupMayo]

@@rocknrollrebel84 unfortunately the guy who made my wheels passed away this year. His name was John Jones based in Santa Barbara CA

[@jason200912]

The reason you can't keep up is because you need a bigger cassette especially for your size and weight. Don't try to mimic the pros, even they get stuck on hills, one even had to walk up the hill due to choosing small a cassette.

[@toddbrady7502]

That was one of your best videos. Honest, fun conversation. Please keep it up and thank you.

[@BruceDouglass]

😄 I really enjoyed this video, as a 6’4” 100 kg rider myself. I ride a custom titanium frame from Seven Cycles and it might not look at cool as carbon frame, it works well for me. It has an impressive looking 34 cm front tube and has the distinction of being taller than every bike rack at every triathlon I ever raced at, so it has to “lean over” a bit when I rack the bike. Still, the frame is comfortable when I’ve raced as long as 24 hours or even 900 miles. It’s great to hear from the Big Pros. Thanks!

[@larisonjohnson]

Conor! Great video, such a genuine discussion between a couple of class riders. And finally, that head tube isn’t the first thing I notice! 😅

[@johns3106]

It is so nice to hear from all my "big boned" brothers out there! At 6'5" and 215lbs., I usually feel like a freak at the races, and am often not taken as a "serious" rider due to my size. But, I sure wish there were opportunities to race a flat, technical race (like Magnus' Roubaix)...it seems like every race I've ever done has a significant amount of climbing, which severely limits my chances of success!

[@noahmiller91]

Brilliant video from a 6'3 rider. Conor you are smashing out the great content!

[@chrisallgood4761]

Great piece! Nice to hear what’s possible as a larger rider and that obsessing over reducing weight is perhaps not the be all and end all.

[@ShadowzKiller]

Although my height of 185cm is not necessarily tall for some viewers, but it was tall when I raced in Japan. I also learned that laying down the power to make others suffer when you are in front is the only way to get revenge when you can't slip stream. I also learned that short climbs with steep gradients such as 10% were also the best types of hills to attack.

[@Missedapex]

Magnus Backstedt is a joy to listen to when he's providing commentary (and all his insight) for the Pro Bicycle Road Races I now can watch on GCN (USA).

[@FlatSpinMan]

Great watch. I’ve really liked both of Magnus’ videos. He comes across super well. I can’t believe his numbers - both his power ones and his physique ones. 95kg race weight! I love it.

[@36moto]

I love it that the guy overtook you two mid vid. If only he knew... perhaps he did, I love the interviews with top cyclists.... this was full of great insight with no bull.

[@98GuitarTECH]

LOVE the tall rider videos. At 194 I struggle so much to find information on frame sizing and brands just stick you in this infinite range of 190-210 when every other size covers 4-6cm. Would like to hear some more detail on power and cadence for the bigger riders too as I always find myself sitting at lower rpm than my teammates

[@DeLaCroix1211]

Great video, really enjoyed the chat and chemistry between the two!

[@bobcampbell2074]

At 6'4" I rode at 275 lbs for a few years. This last year I focused on my diet and have dropped to 240. It's made cycling so much easier. I was always disappointed that cycling didn't shed weight for me. This interview was inspiring in terms of learning about the strengths of being a big rider.

[@Gijzzzzzzzzz]

This is awesome! Great advice.

[@christhorne7565]

Any tips for extra fat riders? Asking for a friend 👀

[@taufikabidin412]

Stronger wheels, stronger frame

[@stoempert]

I'm gonna state the obvious but losing some of that fat must be the no 1 tip. Will do wonders for your cycling performance and general health. Also make sure you can still efficiently cycle in the drops. If the belly is preventing you from getting in the drops or breathing correctly when in the drops see if spacers can help.

[@prestachuck2867]

Ride more, and eat less, but do not starve yourself either when riding or not riding. Just make certain that you only consume the calories that you actually need, and make certain that your food sources are all healthy. I have an unhealthy addiction to milkshakes, and for nearly a decade, there was an ice cream shop next door to my workplace. Even though I was riding a lot of hilly miles all year round, I gained twenty pounds. It’s been two years since my last BR shake, and I’m still trying to get back to my normal weight.

[@joeldothie9016]

I’m 6’3” and actually do alright on the climbs. It’s the aero that kills me! I seem to sail past people on climbs then as soon as it is flat those people will sail back past me. And headwinds are a killer!

[@shazbarlas7799]

Excellent interview. Thanks Connor and team.

[@clinthoneycutt4246]

Really enjoyed that video. Seems like a great guy. Very insightful. Thanks !

[@billybrotherton5777]

Such a good video, thanks guys. Two giants (in more ways than one) sharing some really helpful tips. The fact that I’m 6’4’’ and 95kg made the content about as pertinent as possible! Been running 100+ PSI on my 28 rear and 25 front tyres for fear of my weight causing a pop, but will be dropping to 95 PSI from here on in. Super helpful and glad to know there’s still a chance for me to turn pro 😂!

[@damegan123]

Hey I have very similar proportions to you (96kg/6"1), and I've been debating if I should buy a roadbike. The thing is, I'm really self concious about pinching or punctures happening a lot to the wheels due to my weight. In your experience, how often do you get a flat while riding if you ride in mostly flat tarmac with some slight rough patches?

[@brennocarlozaninigiansante5308]

Magnus is always awesome in the interviews and videos! You should have more videos with him!!! Do a challenge with him and his daughters against hank, connor and olly (who'll get dropped)

[@stellarpod]

As a 6'4" rider, weighing north of 240 lbs. I found this segment extremely interesting. Thoroughly enjoyed it. As always, thanks much for sharing. Steve

[@KissTheGreat]

Nice to hear that he also breaks rear wheels! I’m also 6’4 and I’m 110kg, had to get a 32 spoke wheel for the back because the spokes kept popping 😂

[@OFFSHOREDOUG]

Im the same weight. Bontrager seem to be the ones who build wheels for us heavier riders.

[@KissTheGreat]

@@OFFSHOREDOUG perhaps but slightly outside my price range sadly. My new 32 spoke wheel seems to be managing just fine now though!

[@aussierules3436]

6’3 106 kg and can’t stop destroying mtb rims

[@KissTheGreat]

@@aussierules3436 I imagine those go through a lot more punishment than mine do though, if you're using them for actual mountain biking!

[@OFFSHOREDOUG]

@@KissTheGreat even their cheaper wheels are good for 120kg.

[@MarketParkIt]

I recommend GCN do a weekly episode, just like this, taking a ride with ex-Pro's and let them talk about their experiences and insights from racing, or anything else they like to talk about related to cycling.

[@geoffwhite3664]

What a great interview! I wish we had heard more from Magnus during his racing career. Nice job, Connor. ftr, I'm 1.90cm 100kg, never bike raced but 12x an ironman finisher.

[@billcodey1430]

Thanks Magnus and Conor. This was a great - even inspiring - vid.

[@01banksjon]

Super interesting interview love the chill vibe Conner is such a natural 👌

[@tobycolin6271]

More Marcus please a man that can bring some balance to the new tech is good old tech is bad debate. 95 psi in his tyres, not sure about discs, wonders why pro bikes are so heavy. A voice for the common rider. My favourite presenter by far.

[@gj8313]

Great video on GCN as always👍🚲.

[@deanabt]

Thanks so very much Conner & Magnus. 6'5" /187lb crit racer here - so many brilliant tips for those of us rolling tall!! Sprint from speed, yes!!

[@ianwilson4460]

Great interview as a tall cyclist myself at 6 "6 inch and 89kg it nice to know that you have the technical problems of bike fitting and that they can be overcome , do you think that bike makers do enough to cater for tall riders ?

[@freemdog9728]

Very enjoyable video. Hopefully, there'll be more of these interview/chats with ex-pros. Conor did a great job too.

[@endatheworld]

'I still managed to hurt them' - Wow, Maggy is a cold hearted assassin on the bike! Don't be fooled by his easy smile and friendly nature..

[@joeylepore]

I'm 6'3", 190lbs. I crawl up climbs, Fly down the descents! WORST THING ABOUT BEING A "GIRAFFE" - Trying to find kits that fit!!!

[@kevkenrockz]

What kit brand do you use?

[@joeylepore]

@@kevkenrockz I like Pearl Izumi. I've tried, Castelli, and Rapha, but can't find any that fit me properly.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

@@joeylepore I'm your height (and, *ahem* heavier), Pearl Izumi is great I agree. I've had good experiences with Endura too.

[@dutchman8758]

What bike size do you go for? I'm looking at getting a road bike (first one) I'm 6'4 and similar weight

[@tallpaulhunter]

Have a look at Stolen Goat. I'm 193cm (6' 4"), 94kg (207lbs), athletic build, and their bodyline and orkaan jerseys fit perfectly. Good length in the body.

[@bivani]

Thank you GCN for all these amazing videos. Great interview ride, for a 183 cm 90 kgs guy that I am, it was quite inspiring.

[@hans-martinmensch374]

Being 194cm and between 92 and 95kg (depending on which end of the season) myself, I obviously liked this video. For me the hardest part was finding a bike that fits me. After I got that I stopped thinking about my height or weight (I can't change it anyway). I simply pretend being light as a feather and keep on pushing (surely not the wattage of Magnus). BTW I have a third handycap which is my age (I won't tell you about that one...). Actually that would be another good story for a GCN video: how to do efficient training beyond 50 something. Thanks for the inspiring vid - Conor, you are my hero from the beginning of watching GCN. Keep going!

[@BikeSeatPhilosopher]

That was the best GCN video to date!!!

[@kwolfe3140]

Really enjoyable video. Two personable guys talking bikes. More like this please GCN.

[@vincentduhamel7037]

Man, this interview is much better than most interviews where people just sit of their asses and can't even manage to get it going.

[@jimhansen5395]

What a legend! Him and Jensie are my all time favorite cyclists!

[@bjarkebonke1903]

As a 195cm(6'5") Cat 1/2 rider, I try to get more shelter when drafting by getting my saddle as low as possible. Running longer cranks and setting my saddle back has lowered my saddle to ground height by 3 cm. Also practicing getting low at the front as well ;)

[@morosis82]

198cm and around 100kg in race shape, I get up the hills fast enough and bomb down the other side! I have a similar thing, lots of power for a short time. Good chat!

[@cameronlesley2428]

I really found this video made me feel good about my size, I’m 6 3” and 120klg. I do enjoy climbs . Great at sprint8ng and definitely enjoy 80klm+ down hil runs

[@justinobrien2755]

Brilliant video. Really great to focus on us big men for a change!

[@marklowther3019]

Nice feature! As another 6ft4incher its nice to have some facts from taller pro's

[@AndreiNeacsu]

186 cm and 108 kg, so I live my life with memories of the past when I was 87 kg, climbing mountains and doing round trips of up to 200 km. The good old days... I was never fast and always a bad climber, but could cycle all day long at ~25-27 km/h (cyclocross bike with flat bars and non-aero rod bike) with 5-10 minute breaks for snacking and drinking every hour or so. This video makes me fell less bad about myself now and definitely better about the past.

[@PIERCINGSbyCODY]

I'm 6'4 and weigh 345 (156kg) and have been cycling just over 2 years, big thanks to GCN for always putting out killer content for everyone!

[@pe565080]

I’m the same weight and height that you were. How did you find a bike that supported your weight?

[@PIERCINGSbyCODY]

@pe565080 big gravel bikes will be your best friend ❤️

[@pe565080]

@@PIERCINGSbyCODY Do you mean fat tyre bikes? That’s what I’ve been advised.

[@gabrielsabourin2529]

Most relatable GCN video ever, thanks Magnus.

[@jacobandmaggieable]

As others have mentioned, the hardest thing is getting long sleeves or tights that fit right. Gravity is my friend (going down)

[@22fret]

That was really interesting indeed. I am one of those tall and heavy riders (1,96m @ 100 kgs, almost 48 yrs) and it's good to hear that we struggle with the same enemies. I'm not good in the mountains but I used to be quite a decent sprinter. Bike size is important, too. I found my workhorse in 2007: a Cannondale CAAD5 (63 cm) that did not require any modification to fit perfectly. To this day it is completely stock, apart from the wheels, that I have just today replaced by a set of DT Swiss PR 1600 Spline. They can take a system weight of 130 kgs, so exactly what I need to feel secure. I run Schwalbe Pro One (tube type) 23mm because I can ride them at 9 bars. They can take 10 but it's good to know I don't need it. I rode Conti GP4000s some time ago and their max. pressure was 8.5 (same with the new 5000), but I always feared tyre damage when I came close to 9. Wider tyres are a bit difficult in that frame because back end and fork are quite narrow. 25 would perhaps be OK, but 28, not sure about that. I used to bend rear wheels, too and with a wide tyre you risk a wheel not being able to turn anymore. However, thanks very much for that video and a big shoutout to Magnus Maximus. Man, what a nice bloke. Cheers from Germany...

[@lechprotean]

4:01 only in the UK are the drivers so chill about you having a two by chat like that. Kudos

[@rodneyhutchins1216]

Was great to catch up with Magnus, was a very interesting and enjoyable interview, I hope you had and enjoyed your coffee.

[@galenkehler]

Interesting to hear Magnus talk about the difficulty learning to use disc brakes after a lengthy career on rim brakes. I started out in MTB on some of the earliest Hayes disc brakes and never had any issues transitioning from rim to disc on the road , but hadn't considered that people might have that difficulty if they never learned the skill. Like old people learning to use smart phones.

[@bigchrismm]

Thanks for the interesting chat, being 6ft 10. 93kg race weight interesting to hear the numbers chat and another good tall video Conor

[@amolpakhare5548]

I liked that their conversation happened while they were riding side by side. 👍🏾

[@shawnwalsh910]

The comment about climbing for taller riders is bang on... I used to ride a 39T-25t on steep climbs at a lower cadence and went faster than my current 36T-30t at a higher cadence... Gear inches rule the day I guess and power! Gotta gear down and power up I suppose...

[@aamirnagaria2189]

I am not tall, but big (muscle mass) so I was always getting discouraged. But after watching this video, I felt that even heavier riders have a scope to make it big!!!!

[@fergusdenoon1255]

There's a great old video on KZbin of a worlds strongest man competition where Geoff Capes is racing on a bike, absolutely no aero, absolutely loads of power.

[@obdacz]

Try some Zwift racing. Because the categories are capped by w/kg, heavier riders (with bigger absolute power) are at advantage in D, C or even B categories.

[@gazzervw]

great vid. im 95 kg , 6-3 to 6-4 tall .53 years old my ftp is as good as 300. up hill i love but just arent built for it. down hill and flat im pretty pleased with. im not very aero , have big shoulders but mostly i havent found size to be a downfall. i dont think im ever gonna knock out 500 watts for 20 mins or hit the dizzy heights of 2000 plus.(1400 max) but i just enjoy cycling so much,best sport ive done

[@randallino3364]

This was great video close to my heart as I am the large size at 80k and 190cm, "medicating damage on the inclines" the only inclines I did enjoy were high up on the banks of velodrome.😎

[@shaunroach7829]

Great tips, great conversation =another great video!!! 👍👍👍

[@brianendicott7778]

What a nice bloke. Made we feel good about being 96kg!!!

[@BR-qw5tb]

Good video guys, it would have been good to talk about his approach to cycling now. He’s probably a bit heavier now than he was when racing.

[@lukewalker1051]

Superb interview. Very informative. Both extreme gentlemen. A pleasure. I am only 6'1" and 185 lbs and still learned a bit that can apply to my lowly amateur status. I am an American but for some reason relate so well to Europeans. Must be my ancestory.

[@camibolanos]

Loved the video. I am 6'4 (194cm) like Magnus and weight just under 200 pounds (90 KG). I have tried to do more climbing and at first, it is a bit weird to see so many people passing you, but also you see that most cyclist, at least around my city ,Montreal, are about 60 kg max with a 50 cm frame. The biggest tip would be to just pace yourself definitely, cause like magnus i found that a lower rpm helped me out way more than spinning to climbi

[@rosson1983]

As a 6’2” rider who weighs between 95-100kg this video was excellent. I’ve always struggled with aspects that smaller, lighter riders find easy. I’ve just bought a Wattbike after 6 months off to get my fitness back and am starting at an FTP of ~220W. Hope I can build that up over the next few weeks. Let’s have more of these videos.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Hematocrit and VO2 max are huge limiting factors for anyone but worse if you're heavy and going uphill

[@richardbelisle3957]

im 6 '4 about 200lbs and suffer from severe scoliosis. its really inspireing to hear that there or other riders out there like me.