It is sometimes amazing to see the different riders competing against each other in a cycling race. Example Tour de France 2022: The longest professional in the men's field was the German sprinter Max Walscheid, at 1.99 metres tall and 90 kilograms fighting weight; the smallest were the Colombian climber Nairo Quintana (59 kilos) and the Australian sprinter Caleb Ewan (69 kilos), both 1.67 metres tall. This enormous range of height and weight can hardly be found in any other top sport that involves a physical test of strength. And as different as the athletes are, the bikes naturally have to be just as different - the frame sizes range from S to XXL. For female cyclists, the spectrum is shifted downwards by two sizes, as women are on average 14 centimetres smaller than men.
Most manufacturers offer a suitable bike for people between 1.60 and 1.90 metres tall, but the problems increase beyond that. Bike fitter Bastian Schünke from Bielefeld, at 2.02 metres a long lanky man himself, fits around 800 bikes a year, mainly for amateur cyclists. He observes that very short or very tall cyclists often come to the fitter with unsuitable frames, so unsuitable that the desired position cannot be achieved: "The short athletes often sit too stretched out, the long ones too compact, with too much cant," Schünke summarises his experience. If integrated handlebar-stem units are fitted to the bikes, which may have to be completely replaced, 90 per cent of customers are not prepared to bear the conversion costs for an adjustment, says Schünke.
Supply and demand
It is not that there are no road bikes or frames for these customers; as a rule, they have simply been given the wrong advice or have chosen the wrong model themselves. According to our research, a relatively large number of manufacturers have fairly small frames in their programme. However, these are not necessarily the models that are typically found in shops. It is mainly the popular medium sizes that are stocked. When it comes to the larger sizes, the manufacturers' range is thinner - which doesn't fit in well with the trend that people are getting bigger and bigger. After all, 20 riders in the 2022 Tour de France field were 1.90 metres or longer. If the tall riders, like Max Walscheid, have a bike sponsor that is less focussed on tall people, things will get tight. Walscheid's De Rosa SK Pininfarina is the largest Italian model with a frame height of 60 metres. "A dealer would probably recommend a larger frame," says Walscheid, "but I'm fine with it."
Canyon, for example, has larger bikes in its programme. The XXL Aeroad is aimed at riders taller than 1.96 metres who are looking for a road bike for tall people. It is 20 millimetres higher and 24 millimetres longer than the largest De Rosa, which corresponds to stack/reach dimensions of 624/429 millimetres. TOUR reader Michael Serafim, 2.10 metres tall, has experience with Canyon's Endurace model in XXL: "I've been very satisfied with the respective geometries of my bikes so far. Especially with the Canyon bike in XXL. I rode a 333-kilometre marathon on it at the beginning of July 2022 without any problems. I also went to a bike fitter once, who found my setup to be 99 per cent good." However, Serafim criticises the limitations of modern seat posts: "I have a saddle height of 91 centimetres. This means I always have to replace the standard seatpost with a 400 millimetre long one. Unfortunately, the new racing bikes are no longer built with round seat posts. Every manufacturer now uses their own oval or D-shaped seatposts. They only fit this one bike."
This example shows that it's all about the details. It is essential to study the manufacturers' geometry charts and compare the bikes in question carefully before buying (see box on the right). If you are taller than 2.10 metres or particularly heavy - or both - you need wheels from specialists.
Individual wishes
If you are very short, Pinarello, for example, offers the particularly short and low Dogma model with stack/reach dimensions of 502/351 millimetres. We did not find a shorter competition bike during our research. One compromise that Pinarello has to make is a particularly slack head angle so that your feet don't hit the front wheel. Canyon solves this geometric problem with its XXXS and XXS sizes by using smaller wheels, which means that the head angle doesn't have to be quite as slack as Pinarello's. This makes the bike feel more lively. As a result, the handling is more lively and the proportions are more harmonious overall.
But even small riders have different wishes, as is clear from the feedback we received from a Facebook survey while researching this article. For some, the bike can't be compact enough. Svenja Kohnke, 1.60 metres tall, complains that many of the small bikes are too long. Others, however, like TOUR reader Uschi M., want a sporty, stretched-out position. She measures 1.53 metres and pays particular attention to short stack dimensions, which is why she finds the head tubes of many small frames too long: "I prefer a sporty riding position, I need to be able to tilt my upper body downwards properly." She is also not the only one to criticise the availability: "At the moment, small frames for normal road bike sizes are hard to come by. The best thing would be a frame from a 3D printer." Not everyone likes the smaller wheels that Canyon uses either, because they limit the choice of other parts for the bike, not least the tyres.
However, tall riders such as Alexander Frey, a sports teacher and 1.96 metres long, also criticise the frame geometry: "I wonder why bikes in XXL are quite tall but only slightly longer. This quickly makes you afraid of rolling over, even if the saddle height is adjusted."
A second key issue for very tall and very short riders is the length of the cranks. There is actually a consensus among bike fitters and bike manufacturers that the crank length should be selected in proportion to body height or leg length. Taller people need longer cranks on their road bike, shorter people need shorter cranks. However, neither the range of crank lengths on offer nor the cranks fitted as standard take this into account. Alexander Frey complains: "Anyone who thinks that you can compensate for the crank length with five millimetres more saddle height - you often hear that in the shop - should ride with 165 millimetre cranks and test it out." Frey spent a lot of money retrofitting his € 8500 racer with 180 millimetre cranks including a power meter.
Here too, the industry is ignoring the fact that people are getting bigger and bigger; while the eleven-speed drivetrains from the well-known component manufacturers were often still available with 180 millimetre long cranks, the range from Shimano and SRAM for the current twelve-speed groupsets ends at 177.5 millimetres, with Campagnolo even only offering 175 millimetres. At the short end, Shimano makes the best offer of the big three and offers cranks up to 160 millimetres (for the top Dura-Ace groupset).
However, specialists offer more choice. High-quality short cranks are available from 120 millimetres in length, while long cranks are available up to 220 millimetres in length (see table).
It should be mentioned at this point, albeit not in depth, that very small and very tall people can have difficulties finding the right size, and not just when it comes to bikes. With road cycling shoes, for example, the sole stiffness can be too low for a size 50 - quite apart from whether the desired shoe is even available in this size. Trousers and jerseys also have special requirements, especially for very slim giants who then have to contend with sleeves and trouser legs that are too short or baggy.
Conclusion
Material beyond the standard sizes is more difficult to obtain, but it does exist. Solutions can be found with expert advice or through intensive comparison. Bike fitters are a good place to go to get an overview of your requirements. Going to a (customised) frame builder is an alternative to standard products and is also competitively priced.
1 stack: Height of the steering head, relative to the bottom bracket. Relevant for the possible handlebar height, as this is where the stem starts. The height can be corrected using spacers and the choice of stem.
2 Reach: Horizontal distance of the steering head from the bottom bracket level. Relevant for choosing the right stem length to achieve the desired hand position. With stem lengths of 50 to 140 millimetres, there is a large adjustment range (which requires the stem to be changed).
3 Stack Plus: Height of the handle relative to the bottom bracket. Relevant for the grip position and posture on the bike.
4 Reach Plus: Horizontal distance of the grip from the bottom bracket level. Relevant for the grip position and posture on the bike.
5 Seat angle: The offset of the saddle to the rear. Most road bikes have a seat angle of 73 degrees (+/- 1 degree). If you want to sit further back, make sure the angle is flat. A seat post with a rearward offset does the same. The saddle can also be adjusted horizontally - by 2 to 4 centimetres depending on the saddle and seat post.
6 Top tube length: Gives an indication of the frame length.
7 Steering angle: Together with the fork pre-bend, it determines the caster of the bike; steep steering angles make the bike lively, flat ones lead to good directional stability.
8 Seat height: Distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle. The most important dimension for efficient pedalling.
Extra large
Tall people need large frames and long cranks, tall and heavy people need particularly resilient sports equipment.
Road bike for tall people: an overview
XXL frame
Many manufacturers offer standard frames up to size XL; the specification for the largest size varies between 58 and 62 centimetres. Depending on leg length, these frames are sufficient for riders around 1.90 to 1.95 metres. Canyon also builds genuine XXL frames. They cover heights up to around 2.10 metres, provided the legs are not particularly long; the seat height of 884 millimetres (stride length 99 cm) is the limit. The world of specialists begins at XXXL. In Germany, Werner Juchem manufactures aluminium frames for particularly tall or heavy riders; geometry and dimensions are freely selectable. Professional basketball players will also find what they are looking for here. Even customised frames are cheaper than current carbon frames. Uwe Marschall uses stainless steel to build customised frames with matching extra-long cranks.
Oversized frames are also made from titanium and can be customised to suit weight and requirements. The American titanium forge Seven is one such problem solver. It is cheaper to import titanium bikes from the Clydesdale brand in the USA. The Draft model is an all-round road or gravel bike in sizes XL to 4XL, with a load capacity of up to 204 kilograms. This road bike for tall people costs 4650 dollars with Shimano's 105-speed components including extra-long cranks. Almost a bargain price in the current market situation - even if customs duties and taxes are added.
- Juchem: www.juchem-bike.de
- Marshal: www.marschall-framework.de
- Seven: www.highendcycling.de
- Clydesdale: www.clydesdale.com
Long lever
Standard bikes roll off the production line with cranks no longer than 175 millimetres - too short for a road bike for tall people. The rule of thumb for crank length is: 21 per cent of the stride length. However, the major manufacturers do not apply this formula, mainly for economic reasons. If cranks longer than 175 millimetres fit you - this applies to pretty much all riders over 1.90 metres - you have to choose them individually. But be careful: cranks that measure more than 190 millimetres require adapted frame geometries. The bottom bracket shell must be higher, otherwise the cranks will touch down too early when leaning.
Maximum crank lengths
- Shimano/SRAM 177.5 mm
- Campagnolo 175 mm
- Rotor Aldhu 175 mm
- TA Carmina (square shaft) 185 mm
- Marschall Frameworks Big John (square shaft, only with corresponding frame) 220 mm
- Tin Cycles (USA) 220 mm
Wheel weight & brakes
Tall people are often also heavy. At least heavier than average - and too heavy for some road bikes, which is why manufacturers set maximum permissible weights. Restrictions start at 80 kilograms, and more than 120 kilograms (rider including any luggage) are generally not permitted. Limits can affect components, frames and wheels, but they are not always clearly emphasised. Riders weighing 80 kilograms or more should generally avoid extreme lightweight material. It makes sense to accept 10 per cent of your body weight as the wheel weight. Heavy riders put much more strain on wheels than light riders - hubs, spokes and rims should be more robust. Good advice from specialists with experience in this area can protect you from all kinds of problems. This also includes the dimensioning of the front disc brake: We recommend the following disc diameter:
< 100 kg system weight (wheel and rider) 160 mm
< 130 kg system weight 185 mm
> 131 kg system weight 203 mm
Tip!
Whizz-Wheels offers a lifetime guarantee for customised wheels up to 150 kilos system weight.
Shoes
There is a good range of cycling shoes up to size 48, and some manufacturers also offer sizes 49 and 50, but that's it. If you have larger feet, you need to go to a customised shoemaker.
Tip
The Australian manufacturer Bont offers all models up to size 50 and in up to four widths in direct sales. The models, even the cheap ones, have stiff soles. It is important to choose a sufficient width, as the high carbon soles can only be heat moulded to a limited extent.
Road bike for small people
Small people need small frames and short cranks. Details in the geometry determine how the bikes ride.
XXS frame
All manufacturers have small frames in size S in their programme, many also offer XS and XXS. The frame size specifications vary between 43 and 47 centimetres. Depending on the design and leg length, these frames can be ridden by people from 1.45 metres. Some brands offer children's racing bikes with smaller wheels for even shorter riders. Differences in detail concern the stack and reach as well as other geometry data such as the steering angle.
It is worth making a comparison to find the best bike for your purpose. If you want a customised bike, you can of course also have your small road bike made to measure by a frame builder. They have to contend with the same geometric limits as the big manufacturers, but can adjust the finer details to suit individual needs and tastes and also customise the add-on parts, such as shorter cranks and narrower handlebars. The wheels determine how small the frame can be.
Short cranks
Short legs require short cranks. The rough rule of thumb for crank length is: 21 per cent of the crotch length. The smallest bikes should therefore have cranks between 140 and 165 millimetres long. However, standard bikes generally have cranks at least 165 millimetres long, sometimes even 170. So there is tuning potential here for little ones. Only the specialised manufacturers of children's bikes offer cranks that are truly size-appropriate as standard. The distance between the feet (Q-factor) is also worth noting: This should be such that the cranks are hip-width apart; this is often not the case with standard bottom brackets.
Minimum crank lengths
- Shimano 160 mm
- SRAM/Campagnolo 165 mm
- Rotor Aldhu 155 mm
- TA Carmina 155 mm (square shaft)
- Marshal Framework Big John 150 mm (square shaft, only with corresponding frame)
- featherlight-bike.com 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 mm (single chainring only)
- VPACE Kid crank 120, 155 mm (single chainring only)
Power meters from SRM and Power2max are also available with 155 mm cranks.
Handlebars and levers
Narrow handlebars and levers with a short reach are ergonomic details that small riders should pay attention to. And don't be afraid of short stems! A 40-millimetre stub stem is not typical of a road bike, but it is perfectly rideable, as many current mountain bikes show. Levers with adjustable reach make braking easier.
Weight
Small usually also means light. Lightweight people benefit particularly from lightweight bikes because the bike accounts for more of the system weight of the bike and rider than heavy riders. This is particularly true for children, who should actually be riding three-kilo bikes, but these are not available. As the stresses on the material caused by light riders are significantly lower, lightweight construction makes sense - even if it makes the bike more expensive. Wheels can be made extra-light with just a few thin spokes.
Aerodynamics
The aerodynamic quality of the bike is also more important because the proportion of the bike in the overall system is greater for smaller riders. Aerodynamic tuning of the material is therefore highly recommended for small competitors.
Youth translation
Youth racing bikes used in competitions are subject to gear ratio restrictions. A maximum of the following distance may be travelled per crank revolution in the highest gear:
- Juniors (U19) 7,93 m
- Youth / female youth (U17) 7,01 m
- Schoolboys / schoolgirls (U15) 6,10 m
- U13 (male + female) 5,66 m
- U11 (male + female) 5,66 m
For children under the age of ten, only single drivetrains with one chainring are suitable.
