Road Bike Set Up Tips For Taller Riders

[@gcntech]

If you're a taller rider, what are your top bike set up tips?

[@madmonkeycycling9098]

Flanders Classics CEO Thomas Vandenspiegel is 2m16, he's riding a custom 71 size ridley frame. Should do a meetup (when we're allowed again)

[@tomhenderix9234]

Specialized Roubaix for me due to comfort and to avoid back issues due to my weight and size, I'm 1m94 and I ride a size 61cm frame. Compact handlebars rock, as do the longer spindle pedals. I double wrap my bar tape so my large hands are a bit more comfortable. Best advice I can give is to go to a good local bike shop or bike fitter and get fitted properly. Best money I ever spent.

[@jimbolb250]

Layback seat post

[@jamesfarquhar3964]

I’m 17 and 201.5cm. I ride a 61cm frame and I find moving the seat back can give a bit more reach and length for your feet

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

At 6'6" Endurance bikes work well for me. My Trek Domane SL 62cm frame is great. I bought velocity chukker wheels with extra spokes to support my weight of 280 lbs. Most of what Connor had to say was spot on from my experience. Thanks so much for addressing taller riders! Connor is a great addition to the GCN Team!

[@karmadorjeDean]

I'm 6'5" 200 lbs. The best video ever!! We're not big....they're just small

[@JensMHA]

Those numbers are hobbit numbers! ;-)

[@anonymoose00]

No, you're just to big, but go to swiss they're all big there, you'll fit in

[@jacques4414]

I'm 6foot4 and 238ibs, and yea, i argee with you

[@blakehutchins6897]

I'm 6ft8 but I'm only 16 years old my dad is 6ft9 my mom is 6ft4

[@jacques4414]

@@blakehutchins6897 Damn bro

[@MrJava1593]

What I like about him is his humbleness! He's a very good presenter, keep up the good work!

[@conordunne219]

Thank you!!

[@AreaCode865]

JavasBest the best athletes are often humble

[@nydavidfolch]

@@conordunne219 great video! If you need more insight on tall people's bikes, ask me, I'm the founder of DirtySixer bikes, 36" weeks and have most NBA players on my bikes. ;-)

[@bananasstuff3344]

@@nydavidfolch wow! Really? That's incredible. May I ask what were the biggest problems with the bigger wheels?

[@nydavidfolch]

@@bananasstuff3344 no idea what problem you're referring to... it's mostly advantages for us tall to ride on 36" wheels... :-)

[@connorsholtis7225]

My name is also Connor (Two N's), I'm also 6'9", and I also have a size 15 (~49) shoe. I feel like this video was made specially for me. Appreciate the tips Conor!

[@satviksatvik1143]

How did you increase height

[@briantruck2284]

Big men

[@briantruck2284]

@@satviksatvik1143 😂 find a tall woman to make tall children

[@satviksatvik1143]

@@briantruck2284 noob

[@satviksatvik1143]

Don't make comments on anyone first see yourself and then tell to others. You Fool! 😂

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

Thanks for giving tall riders some love! At 6'6" I have had a bunch of challenges. I am so glad GCN has Connor on the channel now so I can get his point of view from a tall cyclist's perspective. Great job GCN!

[@conordunne219]

ah thanks so much. I'll keep trying to fly the flag for us taller riders!!!

[@darronj7918]

What size frame do you ride?

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

@@darronj7918 a 62 endurance bike frame. Specifically a Trek Domane.

[@darronj7918]

@@ChristopherSterwerf Thank you im getting into cycling & have this old Schwinn 64cm bike & want to upgrade.. but geez these are bikes are expensive

[@darronj7918]

@@ChristopherSterwerf oh yea im also 6'6

[@wsnx_]

yes, finally a video for the tallies, 2.03m here with a Canyon in 3XL. 💪🏾

[@aurelien4386]

Same here, 2m02 with ULTIMATE 3XL !

[@jifdave]

Also on a canyon at 203cm. 95cm saddle height, Still on an 2014 AL model. What weight are you guys?

[@wsnx_]

@@jifdave sorry for late reply, 107kg here only muscles ofc 😆

[@jacques4414]

Lol, 1m92 108kg and xxl Trek Slash

[@brndnryn]

I want a 3XL. It’s discontinued tho. And difficult to get used here in Asia! Which model frame? Ultimate? Endurace?

[@abedfo88]

didn't realise you were a real "two metre Peter" cool.

[@elmerrichardson6413]

At 6'5 and 60yrs old, this video was a pleasure to see. Thank you, my friend for supporting us tall cyclists.

[@kawazaki23]

DO people not shrink when they are 60yrs old not to see you managed to retain your 6'5 frame I am 25 I am only scrappy 1,87 cm

[@kawazaki23]

Update I grew again I am now 188cm in morning and shrink 3.5cm during the day I am on average 6'1 during the day,,,before I was 6;1 in morning and 6"0 during the day I cannot wait when I GET TO THAT 195CM :-) I am 25 year and still growing baby yeah its not impossible folks if your plates are still open..

[@elmerrichardson6413]

@@kawazaki23 No shrinkage yet, but I would have liked to stop growing at 6-6'1 just to have smaller foot size around 13. I wear 14-15 size shoes. Not very many cycling shoes in those sizes and I could ride a smaller bike.

[@mannythegoat4463]

@@kawazaki23 wow I'm 6'4 17 years old, I don't think I'll be taller in years

[@jacques4414]

I'm 6'4 15 years old and I don't think i Ld taller

[@museves]

Tall ppl problems: Hard to find 2nd hand bike, and hard to sell their bike off

[@maple4567]

Short people problems, cant find 2nd hand bikes in size 48...

[@ivarbrouwer197]

I often see the big sizes in the end of year sales of the bigger brands (normal sized bikes usually sell out quicker, to my disdain, as I’m very average in length)

[@TheCouchCommando]

But you can get unpopualr size on deep discount :D

[@Saledburnette]

@@maple4567 Check the kids range, even cheaper there ;)

[@urskapunkt9185]

Tall ppl advantage: Our bikes are quite unlikely to be stolen since not many people could even get on them

[@deanabt]

Oh my! At long last a proper and well-produced tall-person video from a pro, thank you Conner! I'm 6'5" and developed many of the same adjustments/tricks. A few more: I do mostly criteriums and added sprint shifters - but had to remove them because my hands are too big and I kept hitting the sprint shifters while, yes, sprinting, no matter where I moved the shifters on the bar. Bad random shifts with 50m to go = sprint shifters gone. Also, regarding hand discomfort - I've found the Specialized Aerofly II bars with the flat top really comfortable - a wide grip on the tops. Lastly, a proper fit will make sure your knee is correctly over the crank - I slammed my seat too far back for years, but with a good fitter pressed the seat way-forward and raised the saddle - more comfort and thrillingly more power :-) Thanks again!

[@Zefferum]

I’m 195cm tall and also size 48 shoe, I’ve been struggling with knees out riding and heel hitting the frame. I’m thrilled to have some useful advice.

[@conordunne219]

Thanks, glad you found this useful!!

[@adamsteineke4661]

I just switched to those longer axle pedals from Shimano, I think you need to go Ultegra level to have the option.

[@tomscott4644]

I wear size 50 and am always hitting the frame with my heels. Need to try the longer axles.

[@robertgillon6213]

@@conordunne219 with the longer axle pedal, can this be done via an extension kit or purely from the pedal manufacturer?

[@HavardBerger]

@@robertgillon6213 depends on how much extension you need. Pedal axle extenders go down to 16mm, titanium. Good for fatbike with boots, but maybe too long for road bike. Sadly long Ultegra is the only option. Dura-Ace has a shorter version that could be combined with extender, giving +13mm.

[@charlificity]

I’m 195cm (6’5”) and luckily manage to squeeze in at the top end of standard range bikes and clothing. I am however about 110kg (sort of like a rugby player) which does annoy me for climbing, but this just makes sprinting more fun!

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

I feel your pain!

[@jurijbilandziczajec5469]

Same here :D

[@178kiop]

As long you get up there 💪😅 i climbed alphe d'Huez when i was 130kg is started my diet right away 😂

[@siitan83]

so you are right between overweight and obese.

[@The1trueDave]

@@siitan83 BMI doesn't tell the whole story, especially for taller/ more athletic people. Jonah Lomu was 1.95 and 120kg and I've heard he could shift a bit. Don't know how he was on a bike mind :-)

[@BruceDouglass]

I’m 6’4”, 100kg, 65, and I share your pain. I ended up with a custom titanium Seven Cycles bike with a 34cm head tube and it solved all my back pain problems. I do ultra distance, like 24 hr and 500 mile races, so comfort matters a lot. Because of hip flexibility, I ride with 165mm cranks. Thanks for the great video.

[@Twrx8]

6'5" rider here! Love and appreciate the content! Seriously, everything is more difficult for us in the cycling world. The penalty of not only weighing more than everyone because of our size, but to have our bikes weigh more as well because of their size always stings. All the sweeter to put the hurt onto the normal sized people! Cheers!

[@evansc66]

Thanks for the video, great insights. I’m 199cm, 93kg, and currently riding a Kinesis 63cm Titanium Gran Fondo v3 with Ultegra R8000 Di2 @ 175cm cranks and 28mm tires. Also using an Aluminium Kinesis 63cm ATR for commuting. Can definitely vouch for the wider Shimano Pedals (4mm extra length made a huge difference). Yet to double wrap my bars, but will give it a shot. Just changed to a compact from a sub-compact. Now living in Brisbane/Australia, so finding the hills a little easier! Cheers! Re clothing - finding Rapha’s Classic & Brevet lines gives better length in the torso, always feel like my mid-riff is showing!

[@ckanimationss]

Hello please I am 6”2 also and with size 15… an African living in Poland 🇵🇱 Can you help me with a bike too 😢as I need it for health reasons ( my legs seems weak if I don’t ride a bike for long, I had a bike earlier but it is damaged and now I don’t have any again) So please if you can help 😢

[@kflamm]

Thanks, as a larger rider, 2m and 115kg, it was great to view a video that “talked to me”. I am riding a 64cm Storck Aernario that my LBS assembled for me with a compact gear set. My right heel keeps striking my chain stay and I had been considering upgrading to the +4 Shimano pedals.

[@conordunne219]

Definitely consider the pedals, the +4mm was a game changer for me!

[@kflamm]

@@conordunne219 Pedals are ordered!!

[@rowan4908]

Im 15, 6foot5 and size 13 feet and love cycling! I hope to do some racing this year or next year!

[@kskdtr]

i love how frames for people 1.50m tall and frames for 2m tall use the same wheels

[@joneinarmattiasvisser6113]

Interesting point actually. But I Emma Pooley has ridden bikes that were designed around 650b wheels. For teams, it is easier because of everyone has the same size basically.

[@JS-tb9hu]

If a 2m tall guy had larger wheels he would have to be on a compact or sub compact for the same roll-out and gear ratios

[@graphics_dev5918]

Imagine how much more expensive wheels would be...

[@fernandomiranda765]

39" wheels

[@RicoLee830104]

JEMVisser Emma is riding 650c on road bikes and 650B on gravel bikes if I can recall correctly

[@Gullivers75]

Conor is a great addition to the presenter line up. He has a certain humbleness about him that gives his videos real integrity. Please keep him!

[@thomascasey2533]

So nice too hear from so Manny other tall folks that ride bikes now I dont feel so much like a freek.

[@kasnebuus]

The single best cycling related video KZbin has seen. 203cm here, racing mountain bikes competitively, all those tips were bang on! For riders looking for bigger size bikes here in Europe - Canyon, Cube , Focus are few I would recommend. Got my Cube 23' cross country hardtail, fits like a glove.

[@mloken]

I'm the same height, and 10 kg heavier than Conor - and (like many) have learned some of these lessons the hard way. for wheels, I spent my money on a really high quality alloy set, instead of a "middle of the range" carbon set. Best decision I've made when setting up my bike; all of the flex disappeared.

[@LM-dk6vb]

6 ft 2 person here. All of a sudden i feel small now. Thx GCN

[@sarthakmujumdar3880]

Almost we are same .. Iam 6ft 1.6 inch

[@t.c.9838]

6ft 3 here. Same thing. Interesting thing is bike shops always put me on 62 cm frames, same same as Conors. This year I decided to go with a 58cm and it verifies what this video insinuates: we ain’t that tall guys. The 58 is a new cycling experience for me. Freedom. What size do you ride?

[@jbratt]

@@t.c.9838 yep I’m 6’2” and ride a 58. The head tubes get huge otherwise. I end up with a 14cm stem. If the stem is shorter I get back problems due to the compressing of my spine.

[@marks3620]

That head tube is nearly as long as my top tube

[@SeaJayBelfast]

Mate, I'm a fraction smaller than you at 203cm, 105kg. Can't tell you how helpful this vid is. It's great you sorted yourself a bike that doesn't look like it's got 26" wheels on, like most tall bikes.

[@gcntech]

Glad the video helped! Thanks for the support.

[@ketjuariittaa]

I have double wraped my handlebar , 1st leyer with used innertube. Thats free and more flex

[@daveclow74]

I’m part of a team that designs custom frames. For taller riders a custom frame can be very beneficial. I ride a custom frame and for me it had to look beautiful as well as fit perfectly. I use a -6 degree stem and 35mm headset spacers to avoid the need for an even more gigantic head tube.

[@davidthomas9079]

I`m 6`4" and have hands like shovels. I`ve also thought of doubling up on the bar tape....great idea.

[@spb4900]

I'm the same ... I've doubled up on the bar tape...👍 Alot better

[@davidthomas9079]

Looks like i'm going to have to try it.

[@bteiv676]

lmao

[@stiffjalopy4189]

Think about your bar shape, too. I'm surprised Conor likes compact--they feel tiny to me. I went with ENVE standard instead of compact and find them way more comfy.

[@jbratt]

Double up your tape and you will never go back. One tip is, on the first layer start and end the tape a little short of the ends. That way on the second layer the ends have a nice taper and cleaner look.

[@benshepherd6398]

I've been waiting years for this video! Thanks GCN and Conor for making it for all us tall riders. At 6'9" and size 14 shoe just getting into riding over the last few years, it's been hard to find tall people tips. Keep these videos coming. Maybe more on what manufacturers and vendors do custom orders and what that equates to in price. Tips for the amateur riders who can't afford customs everything and work arounds would be helpful too. Thanks again!

[@gcntech]

Thanks for watching, Ben! Glad you enjoyed the video. Nice ideas for future videos!

[@MrJjoohhaann]

I'm 200cm and before I always rode a too small frame. But that gave me good flexibility! So now that I have a nice 61 size frame it's so comfortable!

[@Gullivers75]

Thank you Conor and GCN for this video. I have spent hours searching for tips like these and have never heard of at least 3 of them (longer spindles - of course!). This is really really helpful as I'm trying to find the right bike for the right money and it isn't easy at 198 6'6''. And thanks to all those of you who have added other good tips here in the comments - really really helpful and reassuring that i'm not the only one with these issues. Cheers all.

[@conordunne219]

Hey John, Really happy you found this video useful - thanks for the kind words! Enjoy the riding. Conor

[@adamsteineke4661]

6'1" here, just moved to Shimano pedals with the +4mm axle. Very happy with that and my 48 shoes! I actually moved to 165 cranks due to hip flexion and arthritis issues.

[@AmahlAmahlAmahl]

We sound similar. I'm 6'3 and wear a 49 in Bont shoes. +4mm axle with pedal washers, same crank length also...

[@JamesBennett360]

I am a 6'4 rider myself. I just discovered the Shimano ultegra pedals with the plus 4 mm. They are a game-changer

[@rogersimmons8788]

Thanks Conner, At last, advice for us normal size people! (mind you, I'm 6'4 and you make me feel like a shortarse)

[@jangallas]

Finally a decent sized man! Thanks for shining a light on tall guy problems. The struggle is real! 😅

[@WageSlavery]

I appreciate the time invested in this video, as well as hitting just about every angle of being a taller rider. Well done mate 👌🏽

[@gcntech]

Thanks very much! Really pleased you enjoyed it!

[@WhatsInAName222]

Custom TI frame made by Seven Cycles in Watertown, Massachusetts . Spent $$ but 15 years later, I think it’s money well spent and then some. Back in 2005 it was very hard to find a frame for my height (200 cm). A bike shop recommended custom and Seven really delivered the goods. I’m around 115 Kg so I feel that the TI frame holds up well. Loved the video. Very useful. Was reassured that many of the recommendations are present in my Seven. I wear size 50 shoes so had to go with Shimano mountain bike pedals on my road bike because it was almost impossible to find shoes that big for any other style. I also have pedal extenders which have really helped with my wide stance. My 2nd bike is a 62cm hybrid by Surly. Excellent bike for gravel trails. Thanks for sharing.

[@pmb0001]

I am just a puny 192cm, but the information you shared was invaluable - and yes - we are heavier!

[@danfraser7141]

Thanks for the great tips! 203cm and 113kg riding an XL Giant Contend SL2 Disc. Used to break spokes/wheels all the time on my old hybrid. More spokes fixed that issue. I'm going to try your pedal axle tip for sure. Cheers!!

[@larsborghouts8360]

Great video, and nice to see so many other tall riders in the comments! I am 198 cm (82 kg) and have always had a philosophy contrary to that of Conner regarding saddle to bar drop. Since my frontal area is so big compared to others, I am always in the wind, even riding behind someone. Therefore I try to get as low as physically possible, so I slam my stem. Seeing I never made it pro like Conner, I am probably wrong..... 😉. Other thing that has been really comfortable for me, instead of double bar tape, is using a flat topped aero bar (Canyon aerocockpit). Gives much more to hold on to when on the tops!

[@bteiv676]

Those handle bars seem so skinny, I use thew FSA 120m with the flat top portion, and it does seem so much more comfortable.

[@ohiomoto]

I always seemed most comfortable with a less reach and more drop on my bikes. I never did it for aerodynamics though. It was more for comfort. Seems like I would get sore hands and shoulders when I had too much reach. My current gravel bike setup seems a little more reasonable than most of my past road bikes but still has around 3" of drop. I have short MTB friends who don't understand how tall the front of my MTB would need to be for me to get something that would let me ride "upright" like them.

[@nwimpney]

Yeah, but it varies a lot from person to person. Ideally you would like to be low to be aero, but for someone like me, who's 194cm tall, but very long in the legs, I've still got more drop with a big stack of spacers and my stem flipped upward to 35 degrees, than your average rider does with their stem slammed.

[@peterwatson9047]

I'm 195cm still riding (very occasionally on road, mainly on Zwift) my 63cm 2008 CAAD9 with 180cm SRAM rival cranks. Time RXS pedals (very low axle to sole distance) but have not done anything about increasing pedal axle length. Fitted me very well and no comfort issues when I used to do long sportives. Size 48 shoes, crank and chainstay rub okay. Have just changed my bars to try a different shape with a little less reach and drop and a bit of flare.

[@davepratt9909]

The biggest problem I've had is with the higher end jerseys and shorts. Feels like I'm wearing a crop top and hip huggers that expose my belly.

[@Einhander49]

Pro Tip: DeMarchi, for some strange reason given that it's an italian brand, actually makes their jerseys in Large and XL EXTRA long. And they almost reach my nut sack.

[@skulengu6854]

Zinn Cycles specializes in tall, bicycles, extra long cranks and big and tall cycling clothes.A big thank you to Einhander49, for the info on DeMarchi.

[@ajbmuller]

im 6’5 and new to cycling and this was THE video i needed! thank you GCN for being a quality channel with videos that can apply to any cyclist 👍🏼

[@gcntech]

Thanks! Glad we could help Andrew!

[@grafpulverfass1915]

"Tips for taller riders" Me, being 1.90: "Sweet!" Presenter: "I'm 2.04.." Me: "Nevermind then.." Presenter: "I'm 90kg" Me: "Woohoo, back in the club!"

[@kawazaki23]

@Fellow accelerationist ich bin 1,87m klein :-) ich kommen aus Somalian

[@palleraa]

Same feeling except being 192 and 98kg.

[@kittyoyan683]

Im 183cm had the mistake of buying my 1st bike last january 2020 size 15.5 bike frame. But still I made adjustment I bought a longer 400mm seatpost and also bought stem extender. Now my back doesnt ache as much as before. Im using a $275 Betta RoseTail MTB. A Philippines Brand. Man the bikes u guys are using are the bikes which I ride in my wildest of dreams. And I am fan from the Philippines! Stay safe everyone!

[@onilovni1234]

It's funny how 700c wheels look like jockey wheels when they are on a size 62 frame.

[@Aphidman1]

Great video! At 199 cm & 82 kg, I have the same tall people problems (except I have incongruously small hands and feet). My first bike that fit was a Bridgestone in the 1980s -- they made a 27 inch frame in an entry level model. Broke three of those frames. Then had a custom steel frame for several years until that broke too (eventually had it fixed). I thought I'd forever have to ride sight-unseen custom frames until my brother in law noticed an "Extra large" size Giant TCR1 in a bike shop (the shop probably regretted buying it until I walked in, it was a new 2002 model in 2004). The Shimano pedals on that broke after a few months. The wheels broke too. But, once I got good Look pedals and some Easton wheels, I've been set. I still like this bike better than my newer Giant, some comfort-related thing I can't put my finger on.

[@Cyclingabout]

2-metre tall rider here! I've always preferred riding frames with longer chainstays as our saddles end up so far rearwards that we essentially have 100% of our body weight on the rear axle while we're climbing (430mm feels best to me). Modern gravel/endurance bikes actually have awesome geometry for the road if you're tall. I've experimented with 190mm and 200mm crank arms but didn't find any longterm benefits to them - these days all my bikes are 175mm. Definitely a double bar tape wrap for the larger hands. And, of course, it ain't a tall guys bike without the rather phallic-looking stem... 🍆

[@stiffjalopy4189]

Agree on the longer chainstay, but different experience with XL cranks. I'm also 2m tall, with a 99.5cm inseam. I went with a custom steel bike and 200mm cranks. It took me a few hundred miles to get used to the long arc, but now I won't go back. For my fellow rowers out there, it was like going from half-slide to full-slide. Compared to my old 175mm, my max cadence a little lower, but my average is within 2rpm. I don't have any trouble with hip angle, and my knees feel better than ever. Now when I spin 175s, it hurts and not in a good way.

[@Cyclingabout]

@@stiffjalopy4189 I must admit, I did really like the feel of longer crank arms but I just didn't notice any differences in my power output, fatigue, recovery etc. I'm glad to hear you've reduced knee pain with the longer cranks though, who knows, maybe I'll be back on long cranks if I ever have trouble with my own knees.

[@jasonott2283]

I too am 6’8” and appreciate Connor’s tips. I will be trying the extended pedals.

[@madeleinesmith8199]

I'm 5’3” - I'm not sure how I ended up here 😂

[@johnandrews3568]

Clearly you like us tall men. LOLOL

[@dominiquecruz7]

Have same height as you just 5’3.5”. And i also ended up here😆

[@dominiquecruz7]

Ypuh 😂😂😂

[@ChrisHayworth100]

Maybe you should consider a body stretcher. That would put a few extra inches on you. I still don't know how you landed here either. You need the video for short riders.

[@thedeadsealion]

Your kind is not welcome here

[@TheJman143417]

I'm 6'6" and 240 lbs and I've been having foot issues for almost 6 months, bruised and blistered middle toes and painful blisters on my big toes. I swapped out shoes and finally after watching Connor's video, I swapped from Speedplay Zero's to Shimano SPD SL's with the extra 4mm offset and the difference is amazing. Thanks Connor.

[@TiberiusMoon]

Looks like ill need to get some extended pedal spindles to increase my stance. My feet are way to close to the frame and crank.

[@jifdave]

Tiberius Moon I never knew this was a thing. I’ll also be trying this.

[@adambranson1095]

Tips from me (205cm, size 16UK/52Euro shoes). 1 - go for a bike fitting, and if purchasing new go to a bike fitter for consultation on best frame options, component swaps etc. They usually throw in the fitting after you've purchased the bike. 2 - Shimano do cycling shoes up to a 52, I buy in bulk when available. 3 - Despite what some think, it's not all about riding on the drops all the time.

[@GetOutFitness]

I've learnt the hard way, to spend extra on cranks. Several times I have snapped a crank arm while accelerating in traffic. Super scary experience. I'm 2m tall, 110kg.

[@Narcosis71]

Mate, excellent video, I feel like I have been waiting forever for a video like this. It is so frustrating being a taller rider - nothing on 'sale' is ever in larger sizes, and larger frames are like hen's teeth! Completely concur on the back pain side of things, but find this is related to a number of issues tall dudes have including the shortening of the hamstrings - a side effect of cycling. I should stretch more, so that's my own stupid fault. Interesting point regarding the stem length. I had a longer reach on the stem and found it a bit unweildy with regards to steering. I opted to bring the stem back a bit and found a set of carbon bars with a little more reach. This has given me a good balance of comfort and control. I have also destroyed a few wheels - pulled the spokes out of the rear rim on the Giant factory set, then destroyed the bearings and hub on a set of expensive Eastons. I have finally settled on DT Swiss as the hubs are really beefy, good for the 'big rigs'. I have been running 28s on my disc road bike - difficult to get clearance with a lot of rim brakes - and I agree on the comfort level. You didn't mention what pressure are you are running? I run mine at 90psi, as recommended in an old GCN video on tyres, and find this to be much more comfortable. On that, I also recommend disc brakes - when you have to stop that extra weight, they allow much better control. I know there are purists our there who scoff at the disc brake idea, but I really have found them superior to rim brakes in all conditions. Love watching the panic on the other riders' faces when it starts to rain and their carbon rims make their brakes look like ornaments. Keep the Big Rig vids coming, I would like to hear your opinions and tips on other techniques to mitigate the challenges we taller lads contend with - not least the short buggers stealing our draft and then not providing any!! But things like achieving stability in riding - it seems like we taller trees tend to sway a bit more in the pack. Keep 'em coming!

[@conordunne219]

Thank you - definitely want to get some more tall tips advice out there! Glad you found this one useful. Thanks for watching and enjoy the riding. Conor

[@att0987654321]

Thanks for the advice from a fellow tall rider 👌🏻👍🏻

[@davidlawlor4317]

1m 96, 85kgs. 61cm Gravel bike with 32c tubeless at 4.5 bar. Puts less stress on the wheels. A gravel bike will give you more choice of gears for climbs. I love the wide pedal tip on here.

[@chesterjohnaurena6156]

I might acquire a new bike this yr. From mtb to rodie. This is quite helpful

[@tonyf75]

Love this, I’m only 191cm but over 110kg, so nice to see something for us larger people who love riding

[@TheKulum89]

Thanks heaps! I am 208cm, this helps heaps!!!

[@randnorberg4518]

Thanks Conor and GCN! I’m 2m 100kg and have been scouring the internet for videos/advice to help replace an old steel frame I wrecked. Ended up purchasing a 64 Emonda SL 6 Disc literally the day before this video was published 🤦🏼‍♂️ At least I got to watch tons of great GCN footage in the meantime, and this breakdown reinforces my purchase decision 👍🏻 Will let you know my thoughts when I get out on the road, and will pick up a GCN 750ml water bottle (in black when it’s available) to say thanks. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Such a shame Emma left GCN before Conor joined. It would have been great to se them together side by side - it would surely look llike one of them was photoshopped onto the image their sizes being at opposite ends of the spectrum!

[@bteiv676]

I miss Emma.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

@@bteiv676 I do too. The new recruits are good, especially Manon, but there's still only one Emma...

[@tobortine]

@@bteiv676 Me too

[@mrvwbug4423]

Emma, definitely the reason for the saying "GCN, where the men are men and the women are champions". I believe Manon has some British and European championships to her name as well.

[@bteiv676]

@@mrvwbug4423 As an English speaking American I sometimes found it hard to understand her reporting due to her UK English and her low voice it was sometimes. Still mis her though. .

[@darianbroadhead2863]

62cm SystemSix and two 63cm Bianchi’s for me. 203cm and 100kg. I feel like a giraffe in Crit races and I have been lusting after a video like this. Thanks!

[@biamarconchi]

Thank you, being 1.96, this is a great advice coming from a tall pro.

[@conordunne219]

Thanks Marco!

[@kawazaki23]

@@conordunne219 I am 1,87 cm Tall and I weigh 95 kg what type of bike should get to not let the tires explode due to me being 95 kg

[@prudenciomangaoangiii403]

@@kawazaki23 yeah its a fake as you can see you stupid shit

[@oneninetyseven]

I'm 6'5" (1.95 m), 220 lbs (100 kg), and size 15 US shoe (50 Euro). In general, finding a frame that fits is the hardest part. I've stuck with Giant, but they made the seat tube shorter on the XL frame. It went from 58.5 cm to 55.5cm. Now I have nearly as much seatpost and I have seat tube. Odd thing about the shoes, I never had that issue with rub unless I used shoecovers. And 180mm cranks all the way!!!

[@absacurriecup]

At last the video I've been waiting for! 203cm/105kg/Canyon Ultimate 3XL(64cm) Some tips for tall riders from me: Canyon make the bikes with the biggest reach and stack before you have to go custom. Love my Canyon - the 3XL is so big I think I could've gone with the 2XL. The Grail is also the biggest when it comes to gravel bikes based on my extensive research. Wheels - you should ideally be using disc brakes with carbon wheels. A good tip if you have rim brakes like me is to go for carbon with alu braking surface. I use both Mavic Cosmic Carbon and Vision Trimax 45. Clothing - 2XL GCN fan kit jersey is nice and aero but a bit short on the body - still ideal for racing though. Thanks for the video Conor - your win in the Irish road champs was a big inspiration to me! You showed what us tall riders are capable of. One question - how do you keep your weight so (relatively) low. I can't get below 105! Cheers

[@timoaro2315]

robc Good comments regarding Canyon Grail. I just bought Grail AL size 2XL and it seems to be good fit for me (1,99 m / 88 kg).

[@walshman70]

So good! Thanks Conor! Great job. One thing I would add as a taller rider would be to get a custom fit done and really know your numbers. For example, do you get your height in your femurs or are you long in the upper body? I am 197cm tall, use a 62cm frame set, but only 110mm stem, due to my height coming mostly via femur length. Also, my saddle height is 88cm even though I'm a couple inches shorter than you. As a taller rider, it's important to know how you achieve your height. Top or bottom?!

[@stankounkovic8504]

Hi, I am as well 197 cm, with 96 inseam, my fitter put my saddle height on 90 cm, which is strange for me. What is your inseam? I have small feet, 46 european, so I am not sure if fitter is wrong.

[@brauljo]

2:38 Another benefit of a wider q-factor is that it increases toe overlap clearance, but it decreases pedal strike clearance.

[@Tazmaniac610]

What does that even mean? I'm genuinely curious.

[@brauljo]

Cameron Oriard Toe overlap is when your feet touch the front tire, and pedal strikes are when the pedals hit the ground

[@flatman1986]

I'm 1.67m, why am I watching this!? Great presenting though, you've really fit straight in

[@178kiop]

😂

[@gdevansh]

Same but I’m 170cm

[@matthewho1053]

Same here. What is your frame size? Mine is 47 with 165mm crank.

[@reapanomin899]

I'm also 167 cm.And I envy my friend who's 186 cm.

[@reapanomin899]

@@matthewho1053 Sorry for barging in,but I ride a 54/55 cm frame(effective top tube length),and as you can see I've slammed it,stem sitting just above my 16cm top tube.Cranks are 170mm.

[@thomascasey2533]

awesome! im 198cm and have learnt most of this the hard way like you.... custom clothing is an interesting idea. who does it?

[@jurijbilandziczajec5469]

Try searcing for some national producers that make clothing for teams. I've heard of occasions they had put together His and Hers cycling kit as funny wedding gifts, smaller batches for groups of friends and smaller local cycling groups...

[@samuelljungqvist2100]

I am 203cm and I can get custom clothing through my club, they use bio racer but I’m not sure if they do custom for ‘normal’ people, they also have a extra long leg option for their bibs

[@BikePappy]

I’ve ordered custom kit through Jakroo and am very happy with their service and quality. It’s not inexpensive but any quality kit is going to cost you.

[@mrmrmaples]

I just got tall size bibs from The Black Bibs!

[@ketjuariittaa]

Rose versand have many longer rider bibs and jerseys. I had all mine from there. 200cm

[@petef15]

2:42 You can buy some washers also to put between your pedal and your crank which will increase your Q factor.

[@MntRprznt]

I have double tape on my handlebars, and they look much fatter than yours, and its been the best tweek Ive ever done. Looks beautiful, its comfy and I can grip like its a baseball bat. I also have a 34 compact in front. Its great.

[@richardlocke7264]

I'm 6'6" (198 cm) have two specialized 64cm endurance bike frames w/ 120mm stems. A Canondale 61cm Frame cyclocross bike with 140mm stem. Love tubeless 28mm tires. Tall kits from Areotech Design in Pennsylvania they make and have tall sizes. Shimano peddles, and "Bar Fat "under the tape. I ware out the back tires

[@Hambini]

HELLO HAMBINI FANS! Well at least I'm not banned here (I hope). Do you find that your muscles have developed a tendency to short stride when you walk because the crank lengths only really go up a fraction compared to the length of your leg. ie the crank length goes to ~190mm but your leg length is a lot longer in proportion.

[@reapanomin899]

Look who's here!

[@mbporsche87]

Thank you for making this video, Conor! As a tall rider without a lot of experience, I was hoping you'd do something like this when you joined GCN. Loved the tips!

[@westwingaero]

he said “us tall riders” almost as many times as Ollie mentions the hour record...

[@jeidun]

but connor is humble cus he talks about being tall as an issue, but ollie is bragging constantly

[@jekjek2174]

Lol true

[@PlattyNumm]

@@jekjek2174 I wonder if he ever raced though

[@luigibrioschi970]

So the secret is "call the manufacturer and ask to custom-make it for you"... ;) Great video, I'm not as tall (188cm) but I do have a size 47 foot and weigh about 90 kg, I will definitely try the pedals tip! Greetings from Milano, Conor!

[@jamesambrocio]

You make the 700c wheels look like it's from a bmx bike. How's the weather up there? Jeez...

[@herbierevived8765]

Thank you Conor for sharing your tips. Especially about shoes. I’ve had so much trouble finding shoes for my US15 EE feet (EU51). Bont thankfully do custom requests. Please bring forward more tall cyclists content. When your 6’6” and 118kgs and built like sprinter. It’s hard to keep your bike in one piece. You are 100% correct about wheels and tires. Looking forward to your next tall story.

[@simonvanpraet6543]

I am lucky to be nearly 10cm shorter :)

[@thomascdurham9130]

Hey Connor, if I ever land in Bath, you better keep a close I on your bike! I'm 6' 7" with most of my height in my extremities. The only change I may make is that at age 67 I'm still more flexible than you and will slam my bar, not to zero but definitely lower than your position. Why you even ride on the Ultegra groupo. Big change I would make is on the pedals style. I always ride with mountain bike pedals due to arthritis knees comfort when standing off of the bike. I always travel with helmet, saddle and pedals so you have been warned. 😄

[@markblack8407]

Got any tips for catching a tow from the shorter majority?

[@philipk4475]

There's no tips out there other than stay close and pay particular attention to the wind direction, and get very low (get your head down!)

[@leohorn88]

Thanks for this! At 2m I do sometimes feel like nothing ever fits! some great help here, definitely going to get some longer axles.

[@lfoster7601]

14:00 in, Conor standing next to his ridiculously big bike makes it look like a toy!

[@stephenselwood1941]

Good to see another 2.04 rider. At 60+ years old my main observation would be that I would struggle with that frame, I may not have 30 years ago but now my back would complain too much with that drop between saddle and bars. Aesthetically bigger frames are not as pleasing on the eye but they do what you need them to do, ride in comfort. Rather than riding a frame that is too small I'll just live with the piss taking comments. I ride custom built steel frames and always have ever since way back in 1984 when I had my first frame built. Never had a problem with steel but I don't race and there are plenty of frame builders out there who are more than willing to help. Tip about longer pedal axles is a top tip, I always have worn off paint on the chain stays and polished worn grooves on the crank arms :-)

[@AndreasHemstrom]

I was called "The barn wall" on my first group training. 😆 Would love a group ride with my tall friends here in the coment section to finaly get some proper protection from the wind.

[@ChrisHayworth100]

You are the protection from the wind lol

[@TheShipsMast]

My bike was christened "the 5 bar gate"...

[@JollyGiant0]

Another 2 meter, 100 kg, size 49 footed rider here. I have a 2 XXL Canyon Aeroad and that has a 62cm frame but the head tube is only 23cm tall! I find 175mm cranks are perfect and normal axel length. Also find Fizik shoes are perfect. I do find having the seat back and tilted forward helps.

[@danygomes5402]

11:08 that chain looks too short

[@450gmo]

I'm _only_ 6'2", but have scuffed out my crank and shoe from rubbing. Didn't know about the pedal extension so thanks Conor and GCN! Another solution for short jerseys are bib shorts rather than knicks; the bib shorts cover what the jersey doesn't and knicks wouldn't.

[@scythe863]

6’5 and looking for bib short recommendations that will allow me to have kids after

[@johnandrews3568]

I'm 6'6" and wear XL bibs from just about any manufacturer. Total comfort... Rapha, assos, Castelli, Nalini, Q36.5, Monton etc.

[@yannicklegoff4320]

You are not supposed to keep your bib shorts on if you want to have kids...

[@albert_parera]

Seriously, one of the best videos I have recently watched on youtube, so USEFUL!! thanks

[@jamesj6901]

You know it’s a big bike when the head tube is nearly as long as the forks 😂

[@mvarner46540]

I just upgraded wheelset to Bontrager Aeolus 5 carbon wheels. Was told that even with fewer spokes these wheels would hold up better and I wouldn't pop spokes. Time will tell. Great video. I'm 6'6" and ride a Felt VR5.

[@elijahkwon422]

Anyone else small watching this?

[@ChristopherSterwerf]

Yes. This is great stuff for a 6'6" guy!

[@elijahkwon422]

Christopher Sterwerf I’m sorry you’re so small. 😂

[@ivarbrouwer197]

180 cm here... so, just below average.

[@thecookiepope2352]

I'm 160cm do i win!

[@Naturalhighz]

You have no idea how much I needed this video. Absolutely brilliant! being 191 cm myself and using size 47 shoes I recognize all these problems!

[@gcntech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cosinus_square]

Dat rear derailleur though...

[@scottcottontx]

Thanks for this. I've found with my size 49 shoes, it's generally better to move the cleats back. Big feet means big toes. Wish I would have seen this video 20 years ago, would have saved a lot of guffing around.

[@DDD33333333333333333]

That chain is way to short!

[@conordunne219]

Yes it is! Woops! That was past footage from a video when I talked about incorrect chain length / position. Sorry!

[@randy4768]

I am 6 foot with a long torso & shorter legs. I had a 56cm road bike that was fitted for me at one bike shop but sold after a couple of months. Not comfortable after 10 miles of riding. I was told at another shop to get a 58cm but i had seat at lowest setting. My last bike was a woman's large that worked well but did not like colors. I now have a M-L Giant road bike that fits me perfectly!

[@nathansalt9730]

Should have brought emma back to make this video