When form overcomes practicality

[sylus]

Being a hoofer at 6ft and 18 stone I've always just thought in my mind that I need a 19 upwards in frames

But now I want a little summer toy and some of the more interesting ones seem to be around the 18 inch size frame. I've a standard 32 inside leg with most of my height being upper body...my worry is that if I use to long a stem with 18 stone on it I will snap something

tallish people..18 inch frame bikes..how have you found them..okay, fun but too small, feel like you've stolen your kids bike?

 

[al]

The only way you'll know is try an 18 of your choice.

Remember that not all frames are measured the same and some 17 1/2s can measure more like some 19s. Top tube length is also critical on a bike so if you do have a longer torso and shorter legs then maybe a smaller frame with a 23 inch + top tube would suit.

I'm 6,3 and my ideal 'off the shelf' frame is 20 c to t with a 23 1/2 tt and running no shorter than a 110 stem. But remember we are all different. As for running a waaaay long stem,you shouldn't do much damage but remember that with all your weight forward the bike will be less controllable. The fine tuning should be done with the stem,seat,bars and seatpin the most important thing is the fit of the frame. Get the frame wrong and you will never get a bike that handles as well as it should.

suck it and see, as they say.

al.

 

[rosstheboss]

Ride a few of them, it's the only way of truly finding out!

 

[giant-one]

+1 for what al said, I'm 6ft 5 and ride a 20inch modern and a 21 1/4 retro both with 23 inch + top tube, modern with a 70mm stem and the retro with a 120mm. Oh by the way I'm 18 1/2 st and no breakages so far.