Emtb for very tall people :) - size advice

[_Tom_]

6’8’’, inseam 38.5’’, 225 lbs. Looking for a first emtb, any ideas or should I just throw in the towel and walk instead ...

 

[MattyB]

Nicolai maybe? Will be spendy though...

I like the look of this Nicolai’s EBOXX E14 - EMTB Forums

 

[R120]

6’8’’, inseam 38.5’’, 225 lbs. Looking for a first emtb, any ideas or should I just throw in the towel and walk instead ...

Weight isn’t an issue, though you may want to look at a coil shock, fit is the bigger question, though there are now quite a few big bikes out there, the XL Mondrakers for example, although they run the older generation Bosch motors and are likely to be replaced with new models shortly.

A lot of the new models being currently launched have XL sizes with much longer geometry

 

[_Tom_]

I was looking at a decoy xxl, but the problem was also the seat post height (I think I would need a 150+ mm bar riser or my back would kill me....). A decoy XXXL with a bigger headtube and longer wheelbase would almost fit...

 

[paquo]

on an xl levo with a 34 inch inseam the stock post was right at the max

i had to use a dorky 45 degree/90mm riser to replace the zero degree/50 mm + an 80mm riser bar to replace the stock 30 mm rise for a total of 110 mm rise. This to get the seat and bars level. Something to remember also is that as you raise the seat reach increases. In my case i set the seat all the way forward, 9point8 makes a forward offset dropper

 

[R120]

Nicolai maybe? Will be spendy though...

I like the look of this Nicolai’s EBOXX E14 - EMTB Forums

Nicolai will also custom make you a frame - they have made custom EMTB frames before, and will do so for the Shimano motor as well as the Bosch.

 

[_Tom_]

I have a Nicolai XXL custom for test, but still it feels much too small...but since its a first ebike i could be wrong...should I post a photo so any of you more experienced guys could help with an opinion?

 

[R120]

May as well, I cant think of anything much bigger than a Nicolai!

 

[_Tom_]

 

[R120]

And that’s an XXL? See what you mean - I don’t think it’s too small but you are maxed out on it so to speak - did you speak with Nicolas about any custom options?

 

[_Tom_]

Thats the biggest frame - an XXL with added 60 mm spacer/riser (still too low), and the seat/dropper is also too low.

 

[paquo]

only 760 width
DEITY HIGHSIDE 760 HANDLEBAR /// 80mm RISE

810 but can be cut down if need be for brake lines etc
ProTaper Aluminum Handlebar, 3" Rise, 31.8mm Bar Clamp, 810mm Width, Black

 

[maynard]

People your big just can run everywhere. Save the bikes for us 6ft midgets.

 

[_Tom_]

only 760 width
DEITY HIGHSIDE 760 HANDLEBAR /// 80mm RISE

810 but can be cut down if need be for brake lines etc
ProTaper Aluminum Handlebar, 3" Rise, 31.8mm Bar Clamp, 810mm Width, Black

Thanks, but i am not too keen to spend 9K+ on a custom bike that needs customization...

 

[_Tom_]

People your big just can run everywhere. Save the bikes for us 6ft midgets.

That is not very kind of you...I am looking for an e-bike for more than 3 years.....:/

 

[R120]

Have you looked at a Kenevo Expert in S5?

 

[IanVersion2]

I'm a fairly average sized chap so can't offer much direct advice, but would say looking at that photo you almost need an entire bike which is 25% bigger. 29er wheels will be a good start but I'm thinking anything 'off the shelf' will always be making do with too small really.

Edit. Sorry 25% is probably hyperbole, but 10% definitely would help.

 

[R120]

Ben Cathro is same height as you, but a lot lighter, however he rides a Santa Cruz Heckler in XXL

Heckler

Our first ebike. Heckler’s not about taking things easy, it’s about making things possible. Featuring 27.5 or mixed wheels (MX) and a full carbon frame. Learn more.

www.santacruzbicycles.com

 

[maynard]

That is not very kind of you...I am looking for an e-bike for more than 3 years.....:/

That was supposed to be funny a compliment. Tall guys pull all the chicks . Anyways didn't mean offence man. Sorry bro . I hope you find a bike . I love my levo ?

 

[urastus]

It's really just your height, as others have said. I'd definitely go for 29" wheels though. That should be a good starting point for narrowing down the options. Below are a couple of options I found, expensive and in Germany. I would be conscious of trying not to put too much force on the seat tube. Click right on the picture of the bikes to get the xxl versions.

MAXX Jinxx - Allmountain Fully

Das Jinxx 29 ist ein klassischer Sporttourer und begeistert in jeder Konfiguration. Seine sportliche Geometrie und sein ausgewogenes Fahrwerk macht es zum wahren Kletterkünstler und gibt ihm bergab und auch auf schnellen, flowigen Singletrails dank 29 er Technik eine überragende Wendigkeit und...

www.maxx.de

FAB 4 29

MAXX FAB 4 29 -Enduro Mountainbike Mit dem FAB 4 29 stellen wir eine supervielseitige Enduro vor, bei deren Entwicklung an alles gedacht wurde.

www.maxx.de

 

[_Tom_]

It's really just your height, as others have said. I'd definitely go for 29" wheels though. That should be a good starting point for narrowing down the options. Below are a couple of options I found, expensive and in Germany. I would be conscious of trying not to put too much force on the seat tube. Click right on the picture of the bikes to get the xxl versions.

MAXX Jinxx - Allmountain Fully

Das Jinxx 29 ist ein klassischer Sporttourer und begeistert in jeder Konfiguration. Seine sportliche Geometrie und sein ausgewogenes Fahrwerk macht es zum wahren Kletterkünstler und gibt ihm bergab und auch auf schnellen, flowigen Singletrails dank 29 er Technik eine überragende Wendigkeit und...

www.maxx.de

FAB 4 29

MAXX FAB 4 29 -Enduro Mountainbike Mit dem FAB 4 29 stellen wir eine supervielseitige Enduro vor, bei deren Entwicklung an alles gedacht wurde.

www.maxx.de

Thanks, I will look it up. Btw. the Nicolai front wheel on the photo is a 29

 

[_Tom_]

Thanks, I will look it up. Btw. the Nicolai front wheel on the photo is a 29

I checked the specs...its seems that the Maxx XXL (the biggest full susp.) is smaller than Nicolai.

 

[GrandesRoues]

Only 190cm here, but i can understand your problem !
I would go for a local custom builder (in steel), and the new ep8 shimano motor, 29+ whells.

You should contact https://zinncycles.com/custom-bikes/project-big-and-tall/
they have made special ebikes for the road, should be able to make an mtb.

 

[cep32]

I'm also 6'8" tall but a fair bit heavier than you at 250lbs or so. I ride one of these KONA BIKES | ELECTRIC | KONA ELECTRIC | Remote CTRL that I have customised to suit me. Changes have been, 29er front wheel, both wheels DT Swiss H1700, new fork so I can run a longer steerer tube and a whole stack of spacers, 50mm rise Spank handlebar.

I went down this route as I could get the base bike for $6000 NZD which, at the time, was by far the cheapest proper eMTB available here in New Zealand.

I've found it really great for the riding I do (Nelson NZ for anyone who knows it) and the 130mm rear travel doesn't seem to hold me back from where I want to be.

One thing I do appreciate is the long chainstays. It seems to help keep the front end on the ground on the climbs (something I've struggled with for ever) and keeps the front wheel weighted nicely through the corners on the descents.

The other option that hasn't been mentioned is a mondraker. I test rode a couple and found them fantastic. Just a bit spendy for me.

 

[mtbboy1993]

View attachment 36289

why not go for a tailored build? let them build a a bike that fits you. I saw they built a bike for a 2.8 m guy, but it was not an ebike. but a tailormade regular xc bike, but they used the parts and tubing from G1. As long as it's feasible they will build it for you.

TAILOR MADE • Nicolai Bicycles

en.nicolai-bicycles.com

It's defenitly worth a try, I've not tried the G1 EBOXX, but I have the G1, it's a great bike, I love the geometry and sizing, but the one you tested is too small, and cockpit too low. you need a tailor made frame.

So far If I would get an E bike now, it would be G1 EBOXX.

Sweet bike, this one has EXT E Storia shock and the EXT Era fork the first version is pictured, but they probably use Era V2 now. Great suspension. but you can get select the parts you want.
G1 EBOXX ( same geometry as Geometron/Nicolai G1, I have one) has longer reach than GT1 EBOXX(touring bike geometry)
I would go for G1 EBOXX, it suits me. but of course I use a riser bar, and set up the cockpit to fit me.

G1 EBOXX KLF, 9.499,00 €

G1 EBOXX KLF in E-Bikes, BIKES

en.nicolai-bicycles.com

GT1 EBOXX QLF • Nicolai Bicycles

en.nicolai-bicycles.com

But as you are too tall for the largestt frame you need to go for tailored bike, so you can select the numbers you need.