Mountain Bike Set Up Tips For Taller Riders | GMBN Guide To Bike Set Up

[@10stoneobones86]

Doddy, this is the best tall rider video that has ever been made. Thank you.

[@graemecrichton5858]

It was a tall order!!

[@AndyHill]

6ft 2' here... listening to Doddy was almost like ticking off a checklist for me lol Big wheels (I have a Bird AM9) = check Saddle forwards = check Low gears = check Repeated trees to the face = check

[@JimEckhardt]

For me too... 6'2" riding an older, secondhand, 26", Large bike... Total checklist tick-off. I have spent tons of time trying to adjust the geometry to fit me better. It has helped, for sure... But I still feel like a giant elephant riding a tricycle around a circus ring! Well done Doddy - all the info I have been looking for and assimilating over the last year, in one short vid!

[@th_js]

Check ☑

[@richardhaselwood9478]

187cm here... Upgrading to an XL 29 (hard tail) from my (very) old (about 1995), I think L, possibly even M/L 26" was a revelation. Being comfortable on the bike, and all the updates of 20 something years of MTB development is night and day.

[@UltimateMTB]

6ft4 / 193cm here, I was feeling the same way. Everything doddy mentioned has happened to me!

[@garybrown9719]

Yes i uae a 28 oval

[@donaldlahoda8693]

6'5" and my signature sound when ripping through the local Appalachian mountains is that of the smaller low lying limbs clacking against the top of my brain bucket.

[@BTcyclist]

If this isn't relatable as a fellow 6'5 rider i don't know what is 🤣

[@lengthylad]

Snap. Both of these comments hahahaha

[@ThisIsMego]

@@lengthylad I was actually considering taking a knife to the bushes on one of my home trails because the branches once almost took my brain bucket off my head

[@todduke-yonge5032]

6'9" and on a Trek Fuel EX8 XXL (with a few tweaks), been riding for 25+ years and learned a lot from that! At my height I'm often sent down a trail first to clear it of not only low-flying branches, but much worse, spider webs... Great video Doddy, keep it up, might have some amusing bits for your retro section!!!

[@BTcyclist]

6'5 200+ lbs rider here this is super helpful for tall people riding through discomfort! Giving up the light/fast rolling tires for something with a beefy sidewall made one of the biggest confidence inspiring changes for me. Well worth the climbing penalty.

[@danieldeponte2631]

We tall dudes really appreciate this. Ty so much.

[@bruceblair4316]

A perfect video that has answered so many of my questions! Now to find a video for heavier riders as well (above 250 lbs, 17.8 stone, 113.4 kg)

[@ziggyzenith4273]

Have you found one? I a. Buying a MTBthis week and I dont know what sizes get . I am built like a box and having trouble figuring it out. 5 10 tall 29 inch inseam a d I weigt 350lbs

[@righteousone8454]

As a person who is 6'5" (196 cm), I put on a 10.5 inch BMX bars on my mountain bike, and couldn't be happier. I don't drive rocky terrain, but I like riding comfortably wherever. I also added a cruise bike large seat, and that's all a tall man needed. No more hunching over and damaging my spine. Anyone who is tall knows that we need to make our back stronger, most tall guys have back issues. Last thing you want is bending like a pretzel all ride

[@CostaFlocas]

Doddy, I owe you huge for this. I must make, like, 10 backups of this, should anything happen to youtube! ;-)

[@MichaelDreksler]

+1 from me

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

I am a short Asian cyclist, but when I see any video advocating for folks to get bikes their fit and size, I click Like. Simply saves time, money and you (from body pain), in the long run. 😁

[@aaronwaderides7209]

Man I’ve Struggled with my whole life the last five years I’ve really started to change different ways to fit my bike . Thank you Doddy you Earned my respect and I Subscribed

[@lukemallinson9766]

198cm here! Finally some useful information for me! Thank you

[@gmbntech]

You're welcome!

[@Big2Planker]

Great video for taller riders. I’m 200cm and purchased a YT Jeffsy Pro Carbon this year in XXL. It has the highest level components in the lineup (I even upgraded to SRAM AXS), is super slack in the front with great balance fore/aft. After coming from a Cube Stereo it is night and day on confidence and comfort. Because it’s longer, manuals and wheelies are more of a challenge, but the climbing and descending is much better. The reason I mention the YT is that in the quick splash of additional bikes it wasn’t mentioned. However, it is a phenomenal value for the money and is a brilliant geometry for taller riders. Cheers.

[@ahnunf]

Hey, I have a question. I'm currently riding a Cube Stereo 150 in XL, which is also my first Bike of the newer generation so I haven't got much experience on different bikes. What do you think makes the difference between the Stereo and your YT Jeffsy in terms of confidence and comfort? Does the longer reach of 25mm and lower Stack/seattube length etc. actually make that big of a difference? Also, did you alter your Cube bike in any way to fit you better? Would be interested in the problems/solutions you ran into with the Cube. Cheers and have fun with the new Jeffsy, looks great!

[@Big2Planker]

ahnunf Hey mate. So, the Cube I had was a 2015 version with the offset rear linkage. It caused MASSIVE BB challenges and I was burning through BB’s about every six months. I don’t think that (at that point) they really knew how to build a carbon MTB bike at all. Additionally, I could never get it as sure footed as I wanted as it was just too short of a wheel base. It was so frustrating that I too a year plus off of MTB altogether and just focused on the road. After missing rides with my mates, I figured I would just go “all in” for the Jeffsy. It’s likely the last serious MTB I’ll ever buy as I’m a roadie first, but like the benefits of multi-discipline riding. The geo is more slack than the Cube and I’ve had zero issues with the comfort. The bike is really quite stellar descending AND climbing which is surprising. For a XXL, I’m very happy with the overall performance of it.

[@atlbike1251]

Thank You Doddy! As a 6'6" rider it is so good to hear advice that will actually help ME. Specially since I am starting the long search for a new bike. Now if we could only get the trail builders down here to trim the branches a little higher.

[@freeatlast1810]

Did you ever find a bike? I'm 6ft 6inches tall too. I just bought a Whyte 629 V3. Very long. But I'm adding a 40mm rise bar. Hoping that solves any niggles.

[@ProPanda204]

Fellow 6'6" guy here. I'm looking for my first mountain bike but it's tough when we're this tall. What did you go with?

[@atlbike1251]

I now have a Trek Fuel EX. As well as my old faithful hardtail Trek Procaliber. I had to change the setup on each to make them work for me. Shorter, taller stem with small riser bars on the Procaliber. Hi rise Diety bars on the Fuel.

[@JakeGarbett]

Yessss!! I’m 6ft 2” with long legs/arms and size 13 feet. This video is perfect for little tips, thanks Doddy👊🏼

[@andrec.136]

The same as me.

[@jameshowe2074]

I’ve been mountain biking for a long time.... At 6ft 2” I am loving the modern geo and 29er - finally able to ride a bike that fits. Couldn’t agree more about sitting in the bike rather than on top. The increased stability has totally changed how I ride. Great video.

[@coryslater1282]

What size frame you ride. ?

[@jameshowe2074]

@@coryslater1282 XL

[@thomasfox6391]

Took me months of dedicated self-bikefit to find out what worker for me on my road bike. Frame and groupset are the only original parts left. Now ive started messing with my mtb. This video has come out at the perfect time.

[@ryanbrandt6589]

6'4" here, just picked up the Santa Cruz Hightower xxl with Kona wah wah pedals. I can't believe how well the bike fits coming off a Kona Process 26er from 2013!! Great video!

[@neighbourhoodhero]

This video has confirmed all the issues I have/had with mountain bikes, being a 6'7" giant finding a bike that feels great has always been an utter pain in the arse/back, also finding a bike that doesn't feel like I'm riding a stool. Great video got this saved

[@Superteastain]

About time we had some support for us tall fellas. Good work Doddy!

[@levethane]

6'4 and 105kg, 29ers are the best thing to happen to mtbs for tall riders, ever. 26ers are just big BMXs to me now.

[@DM-hw4cr]

Yep

[@jeremiah-lo-mein]

6’4” 220 lbs my XL Signature Commencal Tr 29 is a dream! Doddy is absolutely correct! That Nukeproof was on my list as well!

[@ytkb8401]

197cm and riding a YT capra 29 Ltd in XXL, swapped bars for a 50mm rise, most comfortable bike iv ridden and owned to date.

[@cegalleta]

Biggest change for me have been proper pedals (wider q-factor and platform) and proper slack frame (even though I do mostly xc-trail). It transformed rides from scary to enjoyable to feel secure in the pedals and centered in the bike. The numbness in handling that a slacker bike has can be compensated by a shorter stem in my experience.

[@chrisdavey9509]

I’m 6’5” and 95kg. Now riding a Privateer 161 with 515 reach, wheel base is 1340. Super steep seat tube, climbs like a dream. It is a bit hefty but I go for comfort over weight any day being a lanky bugger! Also ride a Pole Tavial with 530 reach. Tall folk have never had it so good and it’s only going to get better!

[@ivan.rusanov]

Same height, same weight. Currently riding a 2017 Transition Patrol with even older parts transferred from my previous bike. XL frame has 483 reach and it very few bikes were longer back in the day. But it is too short for me, so the Privateer 161 and Norco Sight are on the top of my list. I definitely need a 29er. So you say the steep angle on the 161 is not weird? I am torn between it and something a little more conventional, but still steep enough like the new Sight. Also like the size-specific geometry they have.

[@chrisdavey9509]

@@ivan.rusanov Hi Ivan. The Sight looks great with a great spec. Though the complete Privateer Build comes with RockShox Ultimate front a rear which is great for the money. They are both about the same weight too. I was worried about the seat tube angle too, but I think it is the best climbing bike I have ever had. The front wheel stays down on ridiculously steep stuff! The privateer is a good 2cm longer in the wheelbase too, good for us tall folk. I bought the frame-set and run a 50mm stem. Built the whole bike for £2800. This is her here: www.pinkbike.com/photo/18826126/ - My previous full suss was and Enduro 29.

[@ivan.rusanov]

@@chrisdavey9509 Sweet ride! Thinking of getting the raw-finished frameset as well, although have to wait until the fall, since the second batch is on pre-order. Want to build it with Manitou Mezzer, though. Running a Mattoc atm and quite happy with it. I don't really like the parts on the A3 Sight (fits my budget), the Privateer is much higher value for the money. If I want the same shock and form on the Norco I have to pay much more. Will have to check some parts prices and see what I can come up with. If I can get a complete decent bike for around 2800 euro it would be good - that's quite a stretch, but I might be able to get some discounted/second-hand parts. I think the seat angle would be fine for me, since I have long legs and arms, and the seated position should be better than on the Norco. When going down I will still have the same reach. Thanks for your answer!

[@ivan.rusanov]

Nah, just realized 2800 euro (around £2500 pounds) is impossible, especially with a good brand new fork.

[@chrisdavey9509]

Ivan Rusanov I bought a lot of my parts in the festive sales. Brakes from eBay (used once). I think £2500 Would be a challenge! Great bike, you would love it!

[@quadraproptic]

As a 6'6 rider this is the best fit clinic video i've seen for MTB anywhere. The E-bike saddle recommendation is great, Love your work Doddy.

[@HAILborgir]

Due to this video I ordered short stem with 30° rise, bigger saddle and bigger flats. Thank you a lot! Cheers from 197,5cm rider from Finland!!

[@gmbntech]

Great to hear we can help out, hope it works out, let us know!

[@prestond]

6'6", 290lbs here. We need more content like this! Not just on GMBN but everywhere. It's so hard to find concise, specific information for big riders. I have a XXL Santa Cruz Tallboy that I've been riding for two years now and I'm slowly getting it dialed through trial and error. I'm going to adjust my saddle a bit to see if that makes me more comfortable on the climbs. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@garrywhelan9211]

Problem is we're a minority. There's so little profit in us because there's not enough of us!

[@xxconman86xx]

6ft 10' here and this video has pointed me in the right direction for everything... currently have a Merdia TFS500D Big Nine (2012) and it has served me well for thousands of miles. more recently I have been looking to replace it the holder I get the less comfortable it feels. cracking job !!!

[@nydavidfolch]

6'10" riders likes the DIrtySixer usually... 😛

[@DJAguitars]

Great vid. 6ft6 and just gone from an old Bullit to a 29er XL Vitus Sommet. The difference is night and day... modern enduro bikes are great for us tall folk

[@garrywhelan9211]

Doddy. Guerilla Gravity bikes are now smaller than they were since moving from alu to carbon frame manufacturing. I'm a 6'7" Brit now in the USA riding one of the alu frames. Glad I got one before they shrank the size. You mentioned longer spindles to widen pedal stance. I did this following a fit for a road bike. They noticed my knees were moving up and out instead of just up. This is due to us tall types often having wider hips and therefore needing a wider Q factor. Things we never think about!

[@inthedogghouse86]

Any other short riders watching this just for pure enjoyment. Doddy your the man

[@Vikturus2k6]

6’7” 230lb rider. 27.5 just felt small. Building custom trek roscoe. 29er with fox factory 150mm

[@eykonabike6196]

As a 6'6" 255 lb rider I can totally relate to this whole video and its confirmed most of the things I've done to date on my bike. The biggest tip i've found for climbing steep switchbacks when its tough to keep weight on both wheels is I lower my dropper 20-30mm and stand up going around the corners, using the saddle against the inside of my thighs to balance almost track standing as I make it around the corner.

[@joshcruise1768]

I am 6’6” and 260 and am struggling to find a bike. What bike are you riding if you don’t mind me asking?

[@eykonabike6196]

Josh Cruise I ride a Devinci Django trail bike and a Devinci Spartan enduro bike. Personally I’ve never felt a XL frame bike has ever been too small for me as long as it’s a 29er.

[@joshcruise1768]

Thanks for the advice I’ve been out of bikes for a long time the only times I’ve road trails in the last ten years have been on my old dirt jumper from when I was a kid so I’m not used to trail bikes only used to my 26” with big ole ape hanger bars totally different feeling

[@mikedinnis9926]

I wish this was made two years ago as it answers so many of the questions I had about buying a bike. I'm tempted to sell my current steed to fund s more appropriate bike. I'm nearly exactly the same height, weight, ape index as Doddy so this advice is invaluable to me as I don't have years of riding experience behind me and access to the variety of kit. Thanks Doddy.

[@jimbob5b200]

Being a taller rider I've had to experiment with "stuff" and your video has made me realise that it's not just me "so to speak" thank you and keep on ''tech-ing'' we need it !

[@danwerkman]

Can't thank you enough for this information....spent my whole life riding best option sizes.... always to small always been an issue... Just ordered a modern geometry bike , in the correct size...only you will probably understand my excitement. I can't wait .

[@GoodcatMr]

6'9" here and appreciating the video! Reassures me of my decision buying a Santa Cruz Tallboy in XXL

[@billbarusche9345]

How’s the fit? I’m 6’8 and a XXL specialized hard tail felt small

[@GoodcatMr]

@@billbarusche9345 Specialized typically build quite short bikes. Check the geometry specs, a Specialized XXL is more like n L or XL for Santa Cruz or maybe even Trek bikes. The Tallboy fits quite nice, I do not even have to use a long stem because the reach is so long.

[@ryankennard6626]

I’ve actually had my pack pull me off the bike!I carry a small pair of sheathed, folding loppers just to save the next tall guy. So glad to have this info. This is extremely helpful for tall folks. At 194cm with slightly longer inseam and reach, I ended up with modern geo XL (Hightower) and practically laying on the bars to keep the front from tap dancing up a climb. Even though things with modern bikes seem to fit much better, back pain, control in the cockpit, and feeling touchy on climbs and in the air are real struggles. I never considered chainstay length, pedal spindles, and many other items you mentioned. Thank you.

[@yelcobo]

Finding a big second hand mountain bike when being a tall rider is very difficult...

[@michaeljennings7261]

It is, I've been looking for a while now

[@DreamingTree-vo9lj]

But when you find one there is less competition and thus a slightly better price

[@stuartsampson1956]

I found my XXL Hightower in no time at all. Got a great price too.

[@ksm1985]

Holy throwback Thursday I remember doddy from mbuk late 90's??? Early 2000's??

[@Baureo]

I'm 183cm with 88,5cm of inseam length, which allows me to run a dropper post with a whooping 208mm of travel on my size L SC Hightower (and yes the collar sits flush against the top of the seat tube).

[@JonPrevost]

6'4" 200lb (90kg) rider here. Cannondale Bad Habit 1 with tubeless 3" 650B and a dropper post. I hear you on the rear chain stay length, the Cannondale is 3mm longer than the Nukeproof but the seat tube angle is slacker putting the seat further back. To compensate, the wheelbase is 70mm shorter. I love the bike. The only change I'm thinking of trying is a zero mm "stem". Currently, when riding flats, my old back gets uncomfortable and I can really feel the pressure on the palms. I compensate and grab the middle of the bar. I was going to try swept bars or more rise (or both) but I think the zero length stem will make the bike "feel" longer. The hand position will be further back from the front tire contact point making it appear as if it's sticking out further. This could keep the confidence on the down-hills. I don't ride a lot of jumps anymore and just like hitting single track as fast as possible. Thoughts?

[@lewiscliffe434]

Being 6"6 this is helpful 👍

[@Airmapper1]

Great advice. Wish this video would have been done a few years back when I was struggling with a lot of this. I learned bits and pieces scattered about, but this video covers everything and it's all spot on. Most of the tips mentioned I've already done and now I feel my bike is just about perfect. Started riding on an XL frame, 27.5" wheel, and grew to hate that bike and hated riding. Now I ride a XXL bike on 29" and love it. Awesome resource for tall riders, I hope new tall riders find this quickly and skip all the miles of being uncomfortable on an unsuitable bike.

[@racamon]

192cm tall guy here. Strangely enough, I am sufftering from upper back and neck pain when I ride a bike more than 30km. I thought I though of everything considering my size. Bike size, seat height, wide handlebars with horns, even. From this video, I figured I have to move the seat a bit in front, and now is much better. Just that one little thing. Thanks Doddy!

[@traxfactory9667]

Spot on Doddy!, at 6'4" (230lbs) and riding since the late 80's I've shared your pain! So true about the chain ring choice. I run a ehh-hem Garbaruk 26T oval (with Eagle), for getting up our steep sustained climbs. Smaller lighter riders just don't get that. Big people tend to sweat more also with is why I developed the Sweat Buster, love to send you some samples.

[@TheSanDiegoSteve]

Thanks man. Some good tips in there. I’d like to see some riding tips for us tall guys - especially cornering. At 6’6” and 280lbs ( that’s going down 😉slowly but steadily ) there aren’t many videos about riding technique out there. Thanks again for doing this video. Much appreciated.

[@pault2417]

Perfect timing. 6'4" and my 20 year old Specialized just doesn't fit anymore. Getting back into riding and I really notice it with old school Geo.

[@Tomwoodfitness]

As a 6ft 8 guy new to mountain bike, I thank you 🙏

[@bentaylor4886]

I am 6'6" on a Reactor 290 factory XL This bike really seems to work well for a big boy......might still look at getting some riser bars! Thanks for the amazing video.

[@d2cdl]

Have a look at the DMR Defy stem. It will give you 20mm rise straight away.

[@shemshem9998]

I’m not as huge as doddy but still notice myself, forwards saddle, in my case 790mm bars, high rise, moving more forwards, my cranks feel way to short 165mm, my dropper post is way to small it’s only 125 and I can fit a 200-180 dropper, discomfort in my shoes, lower back pain, extreme pedal Bob, and more. This is like a godsend of information

[@billbarusche9345]

I’m a lanky 6’8 and owned a XXL hardtail 29er for years. It worked but I felt cramped on climbs and top heavy downhill. I’ve recently switched to 36 inch wheels and there’s no looking back

[@basicwrc]

As a 6.7 feet person myself I love the video, I've become big fan of yours and whole GMBN videos. Keep up the good work!!!

[@holzwurm_hd7029]

I know exactly what you're going through. I always have the problem that my Road bike wheelies while starting from a stop even if im leaning to the front.

[@waynephilbert]

I had to find this all out the hard way. Definitely agree with the STA, rear centre, fat grips and riser bars. And a custom tune on the shock works wonders. Great video!

[@th_js]

Great video Doddy, I'm about 190cm and totally agree with every statement said here. I now have a Pole Stamina 180 and climbing other bikes feels terrible now, since I'm howering over the rear-axle.

[@mtbboy1993]

congrats on the new bike. did you build your self or complete build?

[@senv2312]

Interesting video. I definitely need to make some changes to my bike. Shorter stem, wider handlebar, move saddle forwards. Hopefully it will help to get rid of the pain in my shoulders and wrists.

[@tehsimo]

203cm rider Geometron g1 xxl 29 DH fork Longest one up dropper 50mm stem 36mm rise bars Chunky ODI rogue grips Crank bros stamp large 2fo shoes TLD Moto shorts

[@sapinva]

Yes, One Up makes a 210 mm dropper :) It's the dream. Could actually go to 225 if they made one and don't think of myself as tall.

[@andrec.136]

6:39 I totally agree. I have the Norco fluid FS2 in an XL with 29ers and it looks awesome. I changed the pedals to the Crank Brothers stamps in large as I have a wide size 13 foot. I am 6'2

[@brbBRAZZERS]

Wow thanks being 5’1 this really helped me a lot

[@LongPeter]

Yep. My brothers and I are all Doddy-sized. One of them has worn right through an All Mountain Style frame protection sticker on his Stumpjumper’s chain stay and is down to bare metal. For me, going from a 26” XC bike to a 29” Trail bike has made a world of difference. Still a little lower back pain so perhaps I need more bar rise.

[@brandondillon4846]

Just now watching this video. Thanks Doddy!! This was a huge help. I'm almost 6' 5" (~193cm) and I just ordered 30mm rise bars to help. My next bike I will definitely be looking for that longer reach and chainstay. This made me realize my bike (Marin Hawk Hill XL) probably isn't the best frame for me.

[@alexmckenzie6240]

Hey Doddy great video at 209cm I ride my Merida eone sixty 900 2020 only 480 reach and 440 chainstay but with a 90 mm headstem and 40 raised Renthal Bars I’ve seemed to make it work nothing fits me in life and with size 17 shoes I’m running stamp 7 pedals I loved the Video I can relate to all the issues lower back pain ect I also wear writs wraps ect Thanks for that video maybe I could of found a bigger frame but for my budget that’s what I came up with and I love it

[@nydavidfolch]

Have a look at what DirtySixer is doing... Big 36" wheels!

[@IonutVladIordache]

Hi Doddy, I would pay a lot today for somebody to give me the tips you told in this video 5-7 years ago. I had all kind of pain on my arms, legs, neck and now on the lower back. I agree with you 110%, longer bikes are amazing, but I really love 27.5 wheels. They make the bike more agile for me, being tall sometimes means you're a bit on the stiff side, not on the elastic side regarding the body elasticity.

[@johnnietillotson3465]

Thanks Doddy for this video. Years ago when I started riding mountain bikes, 26" were the only options. I never felt comfortable on any bike until I purchased my first 29" HT in 2006, Gary Fisher Paragon. Good bike at that time. I feel the longer, lower and slacker geometry of the modern 29" bikes benefits the taller riders the most. I'm sure this wasn't the reason the bike industry started producing bike geometries like this, as a taller rider, at 6'4" I'm glad they do.

[@saimen1024]

Doddy! Just wow! 190cm (or 6ft2) tall, 91cm length of my legs. Long arms... When you mentioned the front wheel is going up on uphills and how much you have to do to push it down... wow! That's just my every ride experience! I only thought that this was happening, because of a poorer bike skill, that I own. But checking now some reach stats based on your dimensions, and yes, we are very much alike, I kind of dropped some bike choices into the waste as I saw that their reach didn't even come close to what I need! So, yeeeeess! Thank you! Thank you very much!

[@Kampy_]

Great info here for us taller riders... 6’4”/192cm here and still trying to dial in the setup on my new XXL YT.

[@walterreyes7664]

Very good advise..I suffer from lower back pain...I ride 27.5 wheel I might consider 29 inch wheel..thanx for video✌✌✌👍👍👍..peace .

Took me 2 years to get the fit right on my xl size canyon strive 27.5". Shorter stem and seat pushed to forwards made a night and day difference. Next one on the list is upgrading from 150mm seatpost to something bigger.

[@Thekeg30]

This came at just the right time!! 6' 4" and bought a new seat gusset seats I thought it would help, tried it and had some serious pain! These tips will really help, I have a hardtail so rear shocks dont affect me but everything else will be worth trying. Thanks Doddy!!

[@davidking3699]

At 200cm tall myself, I know the world can be a difficult fit for tall people some times... Thanks for the great video, it is always a challenge to find a bike that fits properly...

[@timmyboy525]

But all the little granny's that ask for help reaching stuff in shops is worth it for the old timey bantz you shall receive! Or is that just me who gets that?

[@brendank4274]

Yeah I get it too.

[@michelepirovano4135]

Thank you Doddy! Tall riders united!!

[@nwimpney]

I think that's all pretty spot-on. My only nitpick would be the bit about the BB being lower than the axles on a 29" It doesn't actually matter where the axles are. any of the forces that matter are in relation to the contact patches, and the axles don't make a difference. I think the actual cause of the effect that you're talking about is probably a side-effect, in that the 29" wheels kind of force the designer to make a longer wheelbase, especially in the back end. Where many designs are still trying for the shortest chainstays they can, a bigger wheel forces them to be slighly longer, and that will help. Even if they're not trying to squeeze them, what "looks right" is probably longer, and leads to keep your weight more between the contact patches.

[@danielayala4122]

If possible could you do a vid discussing the specs that are best for us tall and heavier riders. It's been awhile since I've had a bike and have been looking to get one. If possible I would greatly appreciate you're words of advice ☺️🙏

[@JDs_RandomHandle]

6'3" and 300lbs, I think that's about 135kg and like 190-192 cm. I have broken 4 axles just riding to a trail and one day when I decided to take my MTB to work. I don't own a street bike so big tire on pavement. Thank you for the help hopefully I'll be getting back into it full swing after years of college, I have time now lol.

[@thewatcher2222]

Great video, I’m glad somebody has finally addressed the problem of hand size vs grips. I’ve spent decades bemoaning the lack of grips for riders with larger hands, even though nearly everything else is size specific these days. Changing to thicker grips has changed my riding experience, and I don’t end up with sore knuckles anymore.

[@Willdrknght]

I love my crankbros large stamps , made a huge difference with outside foot pain and recently buying a 38mm rise bar definitely helped with getting neck soreness . Great video again doddy , it’s your guidance I’ve gone buy to fix these issues 👍🏻 legend .

[@burton926]

A quick word of wisdom: check the geometry numbers between the largest sizes from multiple brands. Brand A's XXL is not always bigger than Brand B's XL. Sometimes the XXL just means they split up the same range of sizes into more options.

[@scottt1412]

I'm 6'4". You noted a 38mm on what I assume is a 35mm clamp on that beautiful stern. I'm on an XXL Jeffsy and I tried that combo and honestly it wasn't tall enough, I had to move to a 31.8 stern to find a bar that went even higher to 50mm.. Crazy that I did all that and my bar sits more than an inch below my saddle. Really wish manufacturers would not cut the steerers so drastically. Give taller folks an extra inch or more of steerer from the factory, cut it later if needed. Also wish we can get some higher rise 35mm clamp bars. Great video.

[@oldshreddies2080]

At 177cm, I don't fall into the tall rider category, but I have long legs for my height so it has made it really hard to find a good frame size and geometry for my shape. Medium and large frames were always prescribed for me but I always ended up way over the back tire. I'm now on a 480 mm reach frame and have many spacers under the stem. I can totally relate to tall rider issues and love the modern geometry bikes.

[@benediktdiermayr9409]

Thank you sooo much i can relate to everything you say i am 6ft5 and i am 14yrs old so i will still grow a little bit untill now i hat a size l bike and always suffered from back and neck pain and i had the feeling holding my weight in the middle of my bike i am soo happy that i am not alone with these problems thank you so much for the tips great video mate!!!

[@AdamJayPe]

Thanks Doddy, I’m 6’6” and very thankful for the advice - think I can make a few adjustments to my riding position! 👍

[@toooldfortwowheels2048]

I'm only 6'2" and only now am I finding bikes that I feel a really fit me. I'm on am XL Cotic RocketMax with a read of 515mm. It's the dream and is sooo stable.

[@MtbStoat]

Thank-you, mate, much appreciated. I have a buddy here in the States who thinks he might be tall, he's 6'2 (not sure what that is in French money). So, I'm a regular size at 5'10 and have a Pivot Trail 429 which suits me well (in fact any medium or regular bike works). He just bought an XL (Pivot 429) and he can't make it work. On paper it should because it ticks the boxes you cover. But he wants to put a long stem on it. I've advised against that for the reasons you give but there it is. We're semi-retired xcountry racers (I'm doing the 6-day Breck Epic on mine next month). So we don't ride flat pedals even though we should. So sadly I think he is in trouble...

[@iainearth7208]

Running a Cotic rocket max XL @6'3 and great tips on the saddle which I havnt tried...cheers Doddy👊🏻

[@brucetrobridge2989]

That was fantastic! I’m 6-6 and in the market for a new bike. At my size I often feel I end up settling and just making it work so this is extremely helpful. I frequently was your videos on maintenance. I’ll probably watch this again and take some notes. I’ll also check out that Nukeproof. Thanks!

[@stuartwoodburn2653]

This was useful I not a tall rider but have some problem with comfort. I ride flat I also have ridden clip less to and the foot pain is happening with my Fiveten free ride shoes but my impact and free rider VXI are OK. Clips are fine too, with my flat peddle I often move my feet around especially the right. I have flat feet and think I need bigger peddle as I just got some old Kona peddle and they are so comfortable. So if you are having foot pain and have flat feet a larger peddle my help.

[@drago987]

I’m 6’7, 230lbs...decided to preorder the XXL 2021 Trek Roscoe 7. Hope it fits well and doesn’t require much modifications. It comes with 27.5 wheels but can take 29ers...guess that’ll be my major tall person upgrade if necessary.

[@peterwatson9047]

So many good tips, some I had never thought about particularly seat angle, rear shock function when seated climbing, and avoiding using a bag on your back! Definitely some things to consider for my next bike whenever that may be possible.

[@johnherbert5919]

Great vid mate. I bought a Kona Remote Ctrl (2019) 510 reach, 485 chain stays, 1327 wheelbase. at 196cm this bike, being sized right for me, has changed my whole riding experience. Yes its a E Bike but size is size and my previous E bike a Merida was just too short.

[@jamiecaffrey13]

Awesome! Thank you for doing this video especially for us tall riders, I loved it

[@freeatlast1810]

Great video. Thanks very much. I just bought a Whyte 629 V3 Hardtail. I'm adding a 40mm rise bar and hoping that's enough (for now). I'm 6ft 6inches tall

[@truantray]

Yep...the bike industry does not give a toss about taller riders because they represent only a few percent of sales. I find most XL frames headtubes are too short. 29" are essential, but I find a mullet 29/27.5 is optimal. One point missed: taller riders weigh more, yet most brands spec the same brake rotors from S to XL. A simple switch to 200mm rotors makes a huge difference.

[@burton926]

thank you so much for explaining some of the more intricate aspects of geometry for tall riders. Talking about the heavy torque position + shock tune vs antisquat was eye-opening. BB height vs wheel size was so logical, but I'd never considered it. 198cm on a short day and I've been struggling with bike fit my whole life. Thought my Pivot Switchblade was the answer for my trail riding needs, but the short chainstays and slack ACTUAL seat tube angle are leading to some of the side effects you mention when climbing. Time to go geometry hunting again! To that end, adding an addendum about virtual seat tube angle vs actual seat tube angle is a must. For those with seatposts extended into the heavens, the virtual seat tube angle is almost meaningless. The Pivot Switchblade mentioned above is advertised with a not-so-steep 74 degree seat tube angle. A plum bob puts my Switchblade ASTA around 69 degrees and my VSTA around 71 degrees. YIKES

[@gr8fulride]

Thanks Doddy. Beautiful bike! Riding Santa Cruz hightower lt XXL. Lot of pedal strikes, but faster than on my 27.5 XL + bike which has 170mm cranks. It's fast too, and fun! but feels like more work to climb on those shorter cranks .. I've been using riser bars for a better seated and standing position. Not sure if it helps or hinders on tech or jumps

[@TTalksVA]

i want to see a video with you guys going for the WIDEST bar instead of the smallest one

[@TheGingerStig]

This is a fantastic video for tall riders! Thank you so much. I'm slightly bigger than you are, Doddy, so this is great to hear, especially with buying my new bike to fit me better on trails.

[@jamesgalbraith5011]

Very useful Doddy. I’m 6’4 , a little over 100kgs and ride a Whyte 529 (XL) I think I need to move my saddle forward, put a spacer under my bars and get longer cranks 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@davidjacques2090]

Great vid Doddy, Im 1,92m around 90kg and riding an old Specialized Camber XL 2011 26" wheels, excelent all around Bike. But you convinced me to pass to 29", soon enough! Back pain, can be serious no doubt. So ajusted your Bike to your tall body and not the inverse. Have fun !! Vamospormas