5 Best Bikes For Tall People

Being tall has its advantages. It’s great for watching parades, you’re automatically better at basketball and you can always reach the top shelf items. However, you often run into problems when choosing things like a bicycle. 

You (the person over 6 feet tall) have to be careful when choosing a bike to ensure you enjoy your rides, instead of feeling like you’re on a kiddie bike. So, how can you choose? We’ve made it easy by figuring out the main factors that make a bike great for a tall person. Then we poured over page after page of spec sheets, feature lists and real-world reviews to find the best picks for you. 

Hands down our best pick is the Steppenwolf Tundra Carbon LTD. Its carbon composite frame, top-quality Shimano components and RockShox Reba fork make it an easy top choice. Check out the full review below, four other great options and a detailed buying and customization guide so you’ll have everything you need to make the best choice. One of our options even has a price that some say is too good to be true. Can you find it?


Top 3 Comparison Table

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  

Steppenwolf Tundra Carbon LTD
  • Features: Lightweight carbon composite frame, Avid Elixir 3 brakes, Shimano XT derailleur
  • Benefits: Lightweight frame and performance components at a competitive price
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Tommaso Monza Endurance
  • Features: Lightweight Aluminum frame, Shimano Tiagra shifters, designed for maximum riding comfort
  • Benefits: Durable performance bike with quality components that’s comfortable to ride
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Giordano Libero Acciao
  • Features: Handcrafted high tensile steel frame, Shimano Tourney STI drivetrain and quick-release wheel hubs
  • Benefits: Quality components in Italian-inspired design with a model that is made specially for tall riders
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

5 Best Bikes For Tall People

1. Steppenwolf Tundra Carbon LTD – Best Mountain Bike for Tall People

It’s easy to see why we chose the Steppenwolf Tundra Carbon LTD as our #1 choice for tall people (just make sure you select the Large/20in frame size).  You get top performance features for a surprisingly low price when compared with similar performance mountain bikes. Some people say the price is almost too good to be true!

The carbon composite frame means the bigger size still won’t weigh you down. The Avid Elixir disc brake system provides consistent stopping power and the top of the line Shimano XT drivetrain means you get smooth shifting right out of the box. The Tundra Carbon is even made in Germany, so you know you’re getting a quality product.

Features: Lightweight carbon composite frame, Avid Elixir 3 brakes, Shimano XT derailleur

Pros

  • A price that’s almost too good to be true
  • Responsive and fast
  • RockShox front suspension with remote lockout

Cons

  • Some don’t like the seat (but it’s easy to swap out)


2. Tommaso Monza Endurance – Best Road Bike for Tall People

The Tommaso Monza Endurance is a close second and our #1 pick for a road bike for tall people. Choose the XL size and you’ll get a bike designed for riders up to 6’5” tall.

The durable aluminum frame and carbon fork provide lightweight strength and vibration dampening, even despite the larger frame size. The Shimano Tiagra drivetrain provides lightning-fast shifting and unmatched responsiveness.

The ultra-compact handlebars offer a low drop curve and flat top to make it easy for taller riders to find a comfortable position. 

Features: Lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano Tiagra shifters, designed for maximum riding comfort

Pros

  • Comfortable design
  • XL size fits riders up to 6’5”
  • Only 22lbs

Cons

  • No disc brakes 


3. Giordano Libero Acciao – Budget Friendly

It’s hard to beat the Giordano Libero Acciao’s combination of mid-range components for a low-range price. What makes this especially great for tall people is the Large Size that’s made for riders up to 6’5”. 

“Acciao” means steel in Italian. The bike is aptly named since it has a high tensile steel frame. Although it’s heavier than some of our other options, you still get durable construction combined with Shimano components you normally see on more expensive bikes.

And the high V profile rims add a nice modern touch to the classic Italian styling.

Features: Handcrafted high tensile steel frame, Shimano Tourney STI drivetrain and quick-release wheel hubs

Pros

  • Quality Shimano Tourney drivetrain
  • Large size fits riders up to 6’5”
  • High V Profile rims

Cons

  • Some technical assembly required (not a problem if you’re used to working with bikes)


4. Diamondback Overdrive 29 2 – Another Good Mountain Bike 

Diamondback makes several different versions of its Overdrive series bike. The 29 2 is a great combination of quality materials and design for a decent price. And for you tall riders, the 29 2 comes in an X-Large version with 29” wheels and a 22” frame which should easily fit riders up to 6’4”.

Features: 29” wheels, hand-built aluminum frame, RockShox Judy fork

Pros

  • Shimano Acera 2×9 drivetrain
  • X-Large should fit riders up to 6’4”
  • Light but strong 6061 aluminum frame

Cons

  • Some simple assembly required 


5. Schwinn Vantage F2 – Performance Hybrid Bike with Flat Handlebars

This high-performance hybrid succeeds at giving you a bike ready for whatever you have to throw at it. Need a bike for the morning commute that can also take some weekend trail riding? The Vantage F2 is for you. 

The Smooth Ride Technology frame is specially built for optimum shock absorption without actually needing shocks. The Shimano Acera/Altus drivetrain combined with the EZ-Fire trigger shifters make for fast and smooth shifts. You take a look at our full guide on the best hybrid bikes here.

Make sure you get the Extra Large Frame which will fit riders up to 6’4” tall.

Features: Cool hybrid design, Shimano Acera/Altus drivetrain, sizes for riders up to 6’4”

Pros

  • Schwinn Smooth Ride Technology frame
  • Extra Large frame fits riders up to 6’4”
  • Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters

Cons

  • Some assembly required (This is almost always the case)


How to Choose the Best Best Bike For Tall People – Buyer’s Guide

Finding a road bike is just as hard as finding the best folder exercise bike, which we did a guide about it here. But It’s impossible to enjoy your rides when you feel cramped and uncomfortable. So when looking for the right bike for your long legs and tall stature here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Frame Materials for Bikes for Tall People
  • Wheel Sizes on Bikes for Tall People
  • Crank Length on Bikes for Tall People

Frame Materials for Bikes for Tall People

There are so many different types of metals, alloys and composite materials out there, it can make your head spin. As a taller person, you’ll naturally need a bigger frame size, usually at least 20 inches (50 cm), depending on the rest of the bike’s design. A bigger frame equals more weight though.

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Your larger bike frame will benefit the most from lighter materials. Aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber are the best for getting lightweight strength, but they’re also more expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, look for Chromoly Steel. It’s cheaper than the others, but when properly shaped, it’ll still be lightweight and strong.

Wheel Sizes on Bikes for Tall People

26” wheels have long been one of the most popular wheel diameters for mountain bikes. 29” is usually standard for most road bikes. For the tall person, the bigger the better. Look for mountain and road bikes with 29” wheels. Check our guide on the best entry-level road bikes.

The sizing can be a little confusing sometimes because they’re measured in different ways. If you see wheels marked as 700c or ISO 622mm, they are the same 29” wheels. 

If you are super-tall (close to 7 feet), then you’ll probably need 32” or even 36” wheels, but these don’t generally come on production bikes so you’ll have to get something custom made.

Crank Length on Bikes for Tall People

The standard crank-arm length is right around 175cm. Different size cranks affect more than just the fit of a bike. Shorter cranks are better for speed, while longer cranks will give you more leverage. 

That being said, body size should also be a guide to how long your crank arms should be. Look for a crank arm that is roughly 20% of the total length of your leg. This will allow your leg, no matter how long, to naturally move through the range of motion while pedaling. See our recent guide on the best bike pedal straps to buy and the best Fixie bicycle tires.


How To Make Any Bike More Tall-Friendly – 6 Useful Bike Components for Tall People!

What if you like your current bike and just want to make it a little more “tall-friendly”? Or maybe you’ll buy a bike for the tall rider, but still want to option to customize a few things for the perfect fit? Here are a few components you can use to make sure you and your bike work together perfectly. You can even try these tools any bike. If you’re looking for the best comfort bikes, then check out this guide and if you’re a senior, then check out this guide here.

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Handle Bar Raiser

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Above the front forks, the handlebar base that comes out of your frame is usually 1-2 inches long. As a taller rider, you’ll benefit from this piece being a little longer. It’ll raise your handlebars, you won’t have to bend over as much and there will be less pressure on your back and shoulders. You can purchase a handlebar raiser that’s easy to install and will instantly raise your handlebars 4-6 inches.

48cm Nitto Drop Handlebars

If you’re a road biker then you probably have a pair of drop handlebars. These can be especially uncomfortable for the tall rider. The Nitto 48cm Drop Handlebars have specially designed curves that finally make the drop handlebars more comfortable to use, regardless of whether you place your hands on the top flat portion or the lower drop.

Bike Bar-Ends

Bike bar ends are a quick fix for lower back discomfort from having to bend too far forward. They just attach on the end of your handlebars to give you something higher to grab onto while riding. These aren’t usually made for road bikes, but they’re a smart addition to your mountain bike handlebars.

Bike Stem Available in 140mm Length

The bike stem is the horizontal piece that comes out of the handlebar raiser and determines how far forward your handlebars are placed. If your handlebars are too far back, you’ll be in more of a hunched-over position which will cause discomfort. As a tall rider, you should get a custom length stem, something around 140mm that will push your handlebars a little farther forward. 

Extra Long 450mm Seat Post

What if you can’t seem to adjust your seat high enough? Getting a longer seat post is a simple and easy fix. Look for an extra-long 450mm seat post so you can adjust your seat exactly how you want.

Flat Handlebars 800mm Wide

Are you noticing a trend? Taller riders require bigger components. This is also true when it comes to handlebar width. For a general rule, take your height in millimeters and multiply it by .440. A 6ft (1828mm) tall rider would require 804mm wide handlebars. For shoulder health, it’s best that handlebars be slightly narrower rather than wider than they should be, so an 800mm wide handlebar probably good for most taller riders.


What is the Best Bike For Tall People? – Final Thoughts

Remember to look at the frame material, wheel size and crank arm length when selecting your ideal bike. And if needed get a few accessories to make it even more “tall-friendly”.

So which will be your choice? We know you’ll love the Steppenwolf Tundra Carbon LTD. It’s got the best frame material and optimum wheel and crankshaft sizes for the tall rider. Its top of the line components and almost too good to be true price easily make this our top choice for you.  

What are you waiting for? Get yours today. You deserve to enjoy your rides and go faster, harder and longer with the right bike for tall people.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  

Steppenwolf Tundra Carbon LTD
  • Features: Lightweight carbon composite frame, Avid Elixir 3 brakes, Shimano XT derailleur
  • Benefits: Lightweight frame and performance components at a competitive price
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Tommaso Monza Endurance
  • Features: Lightweight Aluminum frame, Shimano Tiagra shifters, designed for maximum riding comfort
  • Benefits: Durable performance bike with quality components that’s comfortable to ride
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Giordano Libero Acciao
  • Features: Handcrafted high tensile steel frame, Shimano Tourney STI drivetrain and quick-release wheel hubs
  • Benefits: Quality components in Italian-inspired design with a model that is made specially for tall riders
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

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Austin Mills

Austin Mills in an outdoor enthusiast. He's been featured on some of the top outdoor & fitness blogs sharing his expertise in order to help others. In his free time, he likes spending time with his dogs enjoying the outdoors.