It’s a little surprising that very tall riders have a hard time finding the best bikes that fit them, especially those close to 7ft tall. Most of the bikes on the market are best suited for average to medium tall riders (5ft to 6ft 2in).
If you happen to fall into the very tall category and need help finding a great bike, we’ve got you. I spent several hours researching and comparing different bike brands and models to find the best bikes for tall riders. This article is my result.
So let’s get right to it …
10 Best Road Bikes for Tall Riders
Key features to look for in the best road bikes for tall riders
Tall riders need comfortable bikes too. And to make sure you get a good bike that allows you to have enjoyable rides and memorable cycling adventure, you need to make sure the bike is a good fit for you and checks all the boxes below;
- Maximum weight capacity: every rider should go for bikes with weight limits that are appropriate for them.
- Frame material: for the best performance, you need to find a bike with a frame that is strong, lightweight, and durable.
- Frame size: the frame of your bike should be the proper size to fit your body, and it should not be too big or too small.
- Brake type: tall and heavier riders need a more powerful braking system because the brakes have to work harder with more weight of the bike
- Bike weight: the best bikes for tall riders are usually not the lightest, so don’t expect a super lightweight bike.
We rounded up the best bikes for tall riders, and before we further discuss what features to look for, let’s explore our list of top 12 bikes for tall riders with product reviews.
Reviews on 10 Best Road Bikes for Tall Riders
Trek Domane SL 5 Gen 4
- Frame material: Carbon frame and fork
- Frame size: 60 (6ft 1in – 6ft 3in), 62 (6ft 3in – 6ft 5in)
- Brake type: rim brakes and a full Shimano 105 groupset
- Bike weight: 19.7lb.
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- See more on Trek
Trek Domane SL is a very well-liked and versatile road bike that provides a smooth ride, thanks to the front and rear IsoSpeed technology, which helps to dampen minor and major road vibrations during rides.
The Domane has a lightweight carbon steel frame and a stable endurance geometry to keep riders comfortable on long rides. It’s a very fast bike with an incredibly precise stopping power, thanks to a higher-end Shimano 105 gear and robust disc brakes.
The seat post allows for micro-adjustments, which is amazing for getting the perfect saddle height for comfort and performance. The Domane comes in a wide range of sizes, from 47 to 62, to fit riders who are 152 cm (4 ft 11 in) to 198 cm tall (6ft 5in), and has a weight limit of 275 lbs.
Specialized Roubaix
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: 61 (6ft 2in – 6ft 5in), 64 (6ft 5in – 6ft 9in)
- Brake type: Shimano Ultegra disc
- Bike weight: 18.9 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- See more on Specialized
The Specialized Roubaix Sport is an extremely comfortable bike for long distance road riding, thanks to its front suspension and very flexible seatpost.
This bike’s lightweight carbon frame, sturdy components and stable geometry are designed for endurance riding, which puts you in a more upright position. Although this bike isn’t very quick or aerodynamic, it is incredibly comfortable.
The Roubaix combines narrow tires and suspension to deliver good handling and comfort. The 61 and 64 sizes are perfect for tall riders, plus the disc brakes provide very precise and smooth braking.
Trek Madone SL 7
- Frame material: Carbon frame and fork
- Frame size: 60 (6ft 1in – 6ft 3in), 62 (6ft 3in – 6ft 5in)
- Brake type: hydraulic disc brakes
- Bike weight: 18.22 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- See more on Trek
The Madone SL is a full-fledged aero model with a slender frame that cuts through air. If you’re all about speed and performance and want the benefit of a lightweight carbon frame and wheels, this is a terrific bike for you.
The new Di2 wireless electronic drivetrain on the Trek Madone SL is incredibly fast and reliable in all situations. Handling is also excellent, and it remains firmly stable at very high speeds. It’s the ultimate race bike that provides aerodynamic advantage and superior ride quality.
The Madone SL’s riding comfort is yet another strength, plus the IsoSpeed seatpost design, which allows the post to flex and minimize unpleasant bumps and road vibrations.
There are two versions of this bike available: the mechanical Shimano Ultegra R8020 groupset, which includes hydraulic disc brakes, and the Force eTap AXS groupset from SRAM, which gives you electrical shifting.
Canyon Roadlite
- Frame material: Lightweight aluminum frame with a carbon fork
- Frame size: L (6ft 0in – 6ft 3in), XL (6ft 3in – 6ft 5in)
- Brake type: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Bike weight: 20 lbs
- Warranty: 6-year warranty
- See more on Canyon
This hybrid bike delivers the perfect balance of comfort, speed, stability, and maneuverability. The Roadlite 7.0 has great comfort and flexibility while still maintaining the performance of a standard road bike.
The slender aluminum frame features the long reach, step angles and aggressive fit you would expect from a high performance road bike. It also has a carbon fork that dampens road vibrations for a smoother ride.
The upright riding position relieves pressure on your hands and reduces strain on your back and shoulders. While the flat handlebar provides comfort and versatility that you won’t find on a traditional road bike. It’s a terrific bike for commuting and fun rides around the neighborhood.
Zize A New Leaf
- Frame material: Chromoly steel
- Frame size: 5ft 6in – 7ft
- Brake type: hydraulic disc brakes
- Bike weight: 50 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty
- See more on Zize Bikes
A New Leaf is another popular model from Zize Bikes, especially among heavy riders. It has a custom-built frame made of aircraft-grade Chromoly steel for unrivaled strength and durability.
This model is ideal for tall riders because its frame is available in three sizes (Small, Medium, and Large) to accommodate riders ranging in height from 5’6″ to 7’0″.
The hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and superb braking performance in any weather. With this bike, you can ride upright and comfortably, and the wide saddle with two springs will keep you comfortable even on long rides.
Giant TCR Advanced
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: L (6ft 0in – 6ft 4in), XL(6ft 2in – 6ft 6in)
- Brake type: Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes
- Bike weight: 17 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty
- See more on Giant
Giant TCR is one of the genuinely classic and reliable road bikes that excels in practically every respect. The build-quality is superb, and features a full Shimano 105 groupset, mid-depth carbon wheels, and top-quality components.
The TCR is a very dynamic bike thanks to its very wide tire clearance. There isn’t anything it can’t handle, from road racing to mild gravel. Giant deserves a lot of praise for putting together such a well-balanced specification at this pricing.
Specialized Crux Comp
- Frame material: carbon frame and fork
- Frame size: 61 (6ft 3in – 6ft 4in)
- Brake type: SRAM Rival, hydraulic disc
- Bike weight: 17.6lbs.
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- See more on Specialized
The Specialized Crux is a lightweight road bike that combines stability at high speeds with accurate handling in a unique way. It features an aggressive and extended riding position that makes you feel like you are a part of the bike and keeps you steady and in charge.
When you’re in the right pedal position, the gears allow for smooth shifting to go faster, while the hydraulic disc brakes provide precise and quick braking. The Crux moves quickly uphill, downhill, and on flat ground. It always accelerates quickly and is very direct and accurate.
It provides adequate vibration absorption and is comfortable enough for use on both paved roads and gravel roads, but too stiff for tough gravel roads.
Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8
- Frame material: Carbon frame and fork
- Frame size: 2XL (6ft 5in)
- Brake type: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Bike weight: 17 lbs
- Warranty: 6-year warranty
- See more on Canyon
The Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8.0 is an aero bike with a lightweight carbon frame and high-end components. This bike is one of the finest all-around road bikes available today and is surprisingly light at 17 pounds for a size small.
The Canyon Aeroad is surprisingly comfy for a race bike. And the low weight is truly its strongest suit, plus an excellent climbing comfort, which is not common for aero bikes.
This is generally a performance bike that is practical for daily use. It is simple and effective in all regards, without making too many tradeoffs in terms of aerodynamics, weight, or handling. Plus, it’s simple to maintain.
Cannondale SuperSix Evo
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: 60 (6ft 2in – 6ft 6in), 64 (6ft 5in – 6ft 9in)
- Brake type: Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc
- Bike weight: 19 lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime frame warranty, and a 1-year warranty on all components.
- See more on Cannondale
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO has a beautiful, lightweight carbon frame with truncated aerofoil tubing. It’s an aerodynamic bike with focus on performance and comfort.
With its aggressive geometry, the bike climbs effectively. It puts riders in the best possible position to push forward on climbs, and it responds quickly to pedal input, accelerates easily, and maintains speed.
The Evo’s wide 30 mm tires provide comfort over potholes and bumps, while the carbon seat post efficiently muffles road noise and offers great comfort on rough roads. This SuperSix EVO has all the qualities you’d want in a road bike.
4XL, 3XL Clydesdale Draft (Best for 6ft 9in – 7ft)
- Frame material: Titanium frame with carbon fork
- Frame size: 3XL (6ft 6in – 6ft 9in), 4XL (6ft 9in – 7ft 0in)
- Brake type: Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
- Bike weight: 24.5lbs
- Warranty: 10-year warranty
- See more on Clydesdale
Clydesdale Draft is obviously a bike for large guys, considering that it comes in large sizes.
It has a durable titanium frame and a carbon fork for better ride quality. This bike is relatively light at 24 lbs and can handle big riders who are up to 7ft tall and 450 lbs heavy.
The wheels are custom-made, with extra-wide handlebars for broad shoulders and appropriately sized cranks for improved pedaling efficiency.
Additionally, the heavy-duty titanium frame is carefully engineered to provide proper bike handling and riding comfort.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the best road bike for tall riders
To make sure you get the best bike for your height, here are certain factors to keep in mind when looking for a bike for a very tall person.
Bike frame size
The most important thing is to find a frame that fits you because riding a bike that is the wrong size for you will cause you pain and discomfort, especially for road bikes. And no amount of bike fitting will make up for improper frame size. To find the right bike size, you have to consider:
Stack and reach
Stack and reach is the best way to gauge how a bike will fit. The stack of a bicycle frame tells us the length of the frame, and this information determines how low the bars can be positioned in relation to the bottom bracket. To put it another way, it defines the minimum bar height, while reach affects how spacious the bike will feel when ridden standing up.
Seat tube length
The seat tube length and reach determine how long the bike is in relation to the rider’s height. It tells you the minimum and maximum height that the saddle can be set, which indicates the height range of riders who can ride the bike comfortably. Longer saddleposts are generally more comfortable for tall riders.
Head tube length
With a high saddle, you also need a higher bar height, and the head tube length contributes to the handlebar height. Handlebar height is an important aspect of bike handling, it affects weight distribution and the body’s ability to absorb impacts. Long head tubes are better for tall riders, and a nice long head tube helps get the handlebars up.
Frame material
The performance and comfort of a bike are greatly influenced by the material used for its frame. For the best performance, tall riders need to find a bike with a frame that is strong, lightweight, and durable.
A bike’s weight limit also depends in part on the quality of the frame and the type of material. This is important since taller people tend to weigh more than shorter people.
Aluminum and carbon fiber are popular choice frame materials, they are incredibly strong and significantly lighter than steel, but steel is more durable and can withstand more strain and weight.
Wheels & tires
There is no standard size for bike wheels, however, tall and heavy riders need heavier wheels as this will provide the best performance. Also, the rider’s height, weight, and riding style will all influence the ideal wheel size for them.
Smaller wheels typically outperform larger ones in terms of strength, but taller or heavier riders may require larger wheels for better stability and support on the road.
Also pay close attention to the size and quantity of spokes on each wheel. The best wheels for tall riders should have at least 32 spokes per wheel. Spoke count is important because it contributes to the stability of bikes.
The wider the tire, the more flexibility it will provide during the ride, particularly for considerably taller riders, that is most likely 32 mm for a road bike.
Weight limit
This is usually not the first thing most cyclists think of when looking for a new bike. But It’s important to pick a bike that is built to comfortably accommodate not just your body size, but also your weight.
The weight limits of most bikes are generally between 275-300lbs, although there are a few bikes that have weight limits of up to 500 lbs.
Going over the weight limit on a bike can damage the brakes and put you in danger. Too much weight on a bike increases the risk of crashes and other disasters on the road.
Also, the performance of the bike can be impacted if it’s carrying more weight than it should. Really, you want a bike that is strong enough to support your body weight.
Brake system
Reliable and high-quality brakes are a necessity on a bike, regardless of the rider’s size. However, taller and heavier riders need a more powerful braking system because the brakes have to work harder with more weight of the bike.
Since hydraulic disc brakes tend to be the most efficient type, we recommend them as the best brakes for tall riders. Rim or mechanical disc brakes can also provide enough force, although doing so takes much stronger hands.
V-brakes are the most effective rim brakes available, and they typically outperform entry-level mechanical disc brakes.
Bike weight
An ideal bike should be lightweight and easy to transport. It should not be so heavy that you can’t comfortably carry it up a flight of stairs or aboard a train. It’s important to find something that you can carry with ease.
Good suspension fork
The role of a suspension fork is to improve ride quality by absorbing bumps and other impacts from the road. It’s basically a shock-absorber that works to provide the smoothest ride possible. They aren’t actually necessary, but a good suspension fork will make cycling more enjoyable.
FAQs
What size bike should a 6-foot tall man ride?
A 56 to 58 cm bike frame would be appropriate for a 6-foot tall man. This is often the size L on most bikes.
How do you choose bike size by height?
Your height and inseam length and two specific body measurements that will help you to get an accurate bike fit. With your height measurement, you can find your bike size on a manufacturer’s bike size chart. {link to Road Bike Size Chart}
What is the largest road bike frame size?
The largest road bike frame sizes are 3XL and 4XL (61 to 64 cm) for very tall riders of up to 6′1″ to 7′0″ tall. Extremely tall riders often need a custom frame built for them, and this can be very expensive.
How do I know my road bike frame size?
You can know your road bike frame size by measuring your height and comparing it to the manufacturer’s bike size chart. Bike frame sizes are usually determined by height and inseam measurements. {link to Road Bike Size Chart}
Are wider tires better on a road bike?
Wider tires are faster and provide better traction and comfort, they also are better at rolling over bumps on your road.
Wrapping up
Picking the best road bike for a very tall rider may be difficult, but not impossible. The most important thing is to find a bike that can comfortably accommodate your long legs and hands without the feeling of being squished.
There are actually a lot of options for you, as you may have noticed from the product list above.
But I made a few recommendations for you; the Clydesdale offers the absolute best bikes for very tall riders because they have sizes that go up to 4XL for 7ft tall cyclists. Their bikes also have a very solid build-quality with titanium steel frames, which are known as the most durable material for bike frames.
Another great option is the Specialized Roubaix Sport, it has sizes that accommodate riders who are up to 6ft 9in tall.
