Emtb for tall people

Stretch40

Active member
Jun 26, 2019
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Durham
Hi all my analogue bike is sold on sat as all my riding mates went e bike so I'm joining em my problem is there seems to be a trend in industry to go shorter seat tube longer reach well reach is great but alot of e bikes I can't buy as the xl only has maybe 495mm seat tube any suggestions on makes and models that are big many thanks
 

Mikerb

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May 16, 2019
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Weymouth
Seat tube length is no longer a reasonable guide to size. Look at Stack and Reach.
 

Gary

Old Tartan Bollocks
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495mm seat tube is HUGE
bear in mind dropper posts are now far longer (overall) length than standard seatposts ever were. (most 170mm+ droppers are around 500mm or longer)

What's your inseam measurement that you need more than a 20" seat tube?
 

Stretch40

Active member
Jun 26, 2019
326
133
Durham
Seat tube length is no longer a reasonable guide to size. Look at Stack and Reach.
Unfortunately it is if u r 6ft6 and have long legs my orbea has a 520mm seat tube and I'm on the limit of my dropper I know u can get 170 even 200 mm droppers now but I'll end up with a huge amount of post sticking out? ?
 

Gary

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it's ok. they're designed to have lots of post sticking out.
with long legs surely you'd want maximum drop anyway?

bikes generally look a lot nicer with long seatposts than they do with huge seat towers.

at your height I'd be more concerned with reach than how much seatpost is showing
 

Stretch40

Active member
Jun 26, 2019
326
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Durham
it's ok. they're designed to have lots of post sticking out.
with long legs surely you'd want maximum drop anyway?

bikes generally look a lot nicer with long seatposts than they do with huge seat towers.

at your height I'd be more concerned with reach than how much seatpost is showing
Yeah maybe tbh I'm not sure I subscribe to longer is always better my bike is only 480 reach it rides lovely I've tried mondraker bikes with 500 plus reach and I found it only worked if u were full attack to weight the front alot more if your having a fun chilled day with the lads it wasn't as much fun? Any suggestions on e bike?
 

Gary

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Yeah. i prefer shorter (old skool) reach too
I agree with your findings. loong bikes for mme just aren't fun to ride. even if they are faster.

most brands should have something 480mm reach
I honestly can't see saddle height being an issue unless you have a 40"+ inseam.
 

Stretch40

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Jun 26, 2019
326
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Durham
Yeah. i prefer shorter (old skool) reach too
I agree with your findings. loong bikes for mme just aren't fun to ride. even if they are faster.

most brands should have something 480mm reach
I honestly can't see saddle height being an issue unless you have a 40"+ inseam.
I've looked at giant e trance commencal and vitus all good value my inside leg is 37-38" I'm all leg and not heavy either about 85kgs in kit ?
 

Gary

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I have the Vitus. I've had the 2018 and now have the 2019
it's a pretty sorted bike and if descending is your bag it's a very capable bike.
it's also the lightest and beastr spec for the money of the 3 you mention
your preferred reach is bang in the middle of L and XL
with a 170mm dropper you should be able to pedal either
sort of need to decide if you want super playful (the 2019 now comes with a 50mm stem (the 2018 had a 35mm stem) or super stable (and possibly fit a 35mm stem to re-gain playfulness?)
 

Stretch40

Active member
Jun 26, 2019
326
133
Durham
I have the Vitus. I've had the 2018 and now have the 2019
it's a pretty sorted bike and if descending is your bag it's a very capable bike.
it's also the lightest and beastr spec for the money of the 3 you mention
your preferred reach is bang in the middle of L and XL
with a 170mm dropper you should be able to pedal either
sort of need to decide if you want super playful (the 2019 now comes with a 50mm stem (the 2018 had a 35mm stem) or super stable (and possibly fit a 35mm stem to re-gain playfulness?)
Thanks I'd def go xl and fit shorter stem ? do u think the fork would take a 29" wheel?
 

Gary

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if you're after a good descending 29er (or 29 front/275 rear) check out the YT Decoy and the new Meta power
 

Stretch40

Active member
Jun 26, 2019
326
133
Durham
if you're after a good descending 29er (or 29 front/275 rear) check out the YT Decoy and the new Meta power
Tbh I'd noticed there selling off the old meta powers really good spec for money and big frame I'd love a decoy but I'm put off by the warranty on battery it's 6 months according to German law?
 

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