r/cycling • u/mysweetplums • 10h ago
Frame size for taller rider
Hi all, looking into road bikes, I’m a taller guy (6’8”) and I’m wondering what the difference is between 61cm and XL frames?
I realise brands have changed things up to make it slightly more challenging. I was speaking to a gentleman from trek who told me that truck recently changed from cm’s to ‘large and extra large’ etc.
As an example, is 61cm larger than an ‘XL frame’?
Thanks in advance!
3
u/relevantnewman 10h ago
the answer is generally going to be "it depends." Every brand typically has a different measurement for "XL", and between brands, even a 61cm can feel different, based on where/how it's measured from, geometry, etc. Surly should still make some 64cm, which should work for your height. Otherwise, canyon might still do XXL frames. There are probably some other brands doing above 61/XL, but it really depends, as it's a smaller market, and even if they "make" them, you might frequently find your size sold out.
1
u/LowRevolution5930 10h ago
You would have to reference the manufacturers sizing charts to see what the range is for each size category. Every brand (and frame) could be slightly different. If you're 6-8 I imagine you would default to the biggest frame they offer.
1
u/Heart4Cycling 10h ago
You can often find a diagram showing the sizes in centimeters on the manufacturer's website. I think you'd need something bigger than 61cm. I'm 6'1" and ride 58-60cm frames. Can you try out some larger frames before buying?
1
u/mysweetplums 10h ago
The XXL options almost seem custom made and are verrrrrry expensive, for me anyway. Might be able to look at head stack spacing etc to make it slightly larger I suppose, if needed. I’m looking for something to get me into road bikes, this will be the first.
1
u/Microman-MCU 10h ago
i'm 6'7" and my older trek marlin 5 frame size is 23"(58.4cm) and it fits me nicely
1
1
u/Ill-Turnip-6611 10h ago
you should find a nice bikefit studio first
the thing about being tall is that you really don't know what frame size will be good for you.
so I'm 6'8 and if I look at Cannondale supersix for example, I would need 61cm to get my seat in a proper place but then the front would be to tall for me and I would need 58cm frame but that the rear too low and I would need to use a custom seat post and risk warranty void. Just an example.
back in the days the "cm" sizing was telling the lenght of the seat tube but with slopping frames it got virtual so brands moved to xl sizing...but still 61cm is called by some an xxl and by some xl.
1
u/simon2sheds 10h ago
It depends. XL doesn't tell you the size of the frame, but calling 61cm doesn't mean that the topttube is 61cm either. You need to look at the geometry chart for the bike in question and see what the horizontal topttube measurement is. 610mm is about the max, but some brands will call a bike 61cm, when it's actually more like 590. In reality, even a bike with a 61cm TT will be a bit small for you (if you're evenly proportioned), so other considerations are a seatpost with plenty of set-back and a stern that can be easily changed to a longer one.
1
u/Less_Suit5502 10h ago
I am 6'5 and my Lauf XL bike fits well, I had a 61 cm bike before that worked too but was slightly too small.
3 more inches though is a lot. What size pant leg do you wear. I am size 36 length
1
u/mysweetplums 10h ago
I’m a 36 inch leg too
2
u/Less_Suit5502 10h ago
So your legs will fit on an XL bike, but will you have to bend over more due to your longer torso or will your longer arms even that out?
Anyway to answer your question my XL Lauf frame is larger then my 61 cm Fugi bike. I know this as fact because I could fit my old bike in my minivan upright and I have to take the seat off to do the same with my Lauf.
1
u/sargassumcrab 10h ago edited 9h ago
All sizes have a number equivalent. Traditionally, and often still, it's the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube.
However, because of sloping top tubes that measurement is somewhat different from the "fit size". Most manufacturers do a good job of providing a numerical size that is appropriate. The same size from different manufacturers line up pretty well.
On the Trek site, go to the model page, then scroll down to the black bar that says "Overview, features, etc." Click on "Sizing", and scroll down again. The measured size is on the geometry chart, the equivalent nominal size is listed on the size chart. The "ranges" on the size chart are a lie made up. A bike is always one size, not two or more. It might be 61, but it's definitely not 60-62. You can better judge fit by comparing stack and reach.
1
u/cj_daking 5h ago
61cm is a (mostly) standard measurement. XL, XXL, whatever is whatever the brand decides it is. Most frames have a geometry chart that gives you the frame's measured dimensions.
1
u/bleemy 4h ago
Hi, I'm 6'7, and when I look at a bicycle, I open their geometry chart and look at the stack. This is the height difference between the crank bearings and the bearings on the steerer under your handlebars. Anything smaller than 600 is unusable. 600 to 620 is a race road bike geometry. Low and aero. 620+ is reasonable, either for a road bike or a gravel bike. It depends what you're looking for, but that's the number you're looking for.
1
u/maharajuu 2h ago
There's no standard for what xl, XXL, 58, 60 etc. mean. Xl in one brand can be larger than XXL in another. Just look at the geometry chart to work out the sizing, stack and reach are the most important ones to keep an eye on
4
u/ThatAgainPlease 10h ago
At that height, look to Canyon XXL or Surly 64 cm frames. Maybe other folks can chime in with other options. I’m 6’4” and I’m pushing it on a trek XL, so most bikes are just not going to work for you.