The Chainlink

A friend of mine who's 6' 6" is looking for a used road bike in Chicago. He always has trouble finding frames that fit him. Any suggestions where he might look?

Views: 557

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

We get tall bikes in at Working Bikes every now and again. There were a 62cm and a 63cm there that were pretty nice on Wed. when I last volunteered. Selection's always better when the doors open, so get there as early as you can, at least 15 minutes before opening to get a good spot in the line. Hours are now expanded at 12-7 on Wed. and 10-5 on Sat.

2434 S. Western Ave.
I've had a bit of luck finding tall bikes on Craigslist. I'm only 6'4" though so my definition of "tall" is slightly less extreme.

There were a couple of very tall road bikes at Working Bikes last time I was in there, but it has been a few weeks so they may be gone. Note that Working Bikes store hours are slightly different than last season.

Saturdays from 10am until 5pm
Wednesdays from noon until 7pm
The advice to arrive early for the best selection has not changed since least year.

workingbikes.org

I have a 63 cm 1982 Trek 500 for sale for $300. It is mostly stock and in fine condition (not cosmetically perfect). The 500 has what Trek called a "sport touring" geometry and was built in Wisconsin.
I have an old Schwinn Continental he can have for free, needs cleaning up and a front wheel. Prefer you bring a sandwich and six pack of beer if you take it away. Send a note. Marty
My dad was 6'7" and he had one of those Panasonic bikes for years. Needless to say, it was tough for him to find a good fit. If you can find a used Panasonic in a large size, it might work for you.

Clark said:
Panasonic, which used to make very tall frames, ceased importing into the US ten or more years ago. They made 66cm and 68cm frames. So a main source of very tall inexpensive production frames has dried up.

I'm 6'5" and still am riding a 66cm Panasonic road bike I bought new at Cycle Smithy on Clark Street about 20 years ago and just stored in the carton for ten years. When that bike is stolen or breaks I'll probably drop down to 63cm frames or shorter and use extra-long seat posts...not too bad an option. Smaller frame geometry is stiffer, therefore more efficient.
There is a very tall Panasonic at Ciclo Urbano.
Right now (midday saturday) the Arlington Heights bike club is holding its swap meet. They'll be there until 5PM. i just was there and there are some big bikes on the lot. Google the club for info and location.
HTH.
My thanks to everyone who replied. I found a classic 1980s Fuji for him and I think he's going to go with that. But he has the information on this thread in case he changes his mind.

Steve

RSS

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service