Bikes with tall head tubes

[veggieburger]

I know we have discussed this before, but I can't seem to locate the thread. Looking for a generic, inexpensive-ish frame that is decently quick but comfortable....and comfort for this old boy is a nice upright position. Also needs to accept wide tires. The Soma Double Cross is lovely, but seems low on the front end (unless you spacer it up).

Any advice? Thanks!

[eBAUMANN]

Salsa vaya?

[veggieburger]

Yeah, or the Casseroll....just saw that one.

[oliver1850]

Are we talking steel?

[veggieburger]

Are we talking steel?

I love steel. So yes, preferably.

[zennmotion]

I know we have discussed this before, but I can't seem to locate the thread. Looking for a generic, inexpensive-ish frame that is decently quick but comfortable....and comfort for this old boy is a nice upright position. Also needs to accept wide tires. The Soma Double Cross is lovely, but seems low on the front end (unless you spacer it up).

Any advice? Thanks!

Keep in mind that cyclocross bikes have shorter head tubes compared to road bikes (by about a cm+ on average) because the crown-axle dimension is longer. Soma's HT lengths look pretty average to me.

[eddief]

put some Heine tires on it and it will be smooth, but it is a bit heavy:

http://newalbioncycles.com/privateer1/

Maybe Rawland early bikes had taller headtubes?

Or have Richard Schwinn do you a custom Gunnar.

I ride the tallest headtubed bikes of anyone I know. Not proud of it, but it just works for me.

[Erik_A]

I run the Velo Orange Polyvalent in 60mm size which has a 206mm headtube.
http://support.velo-orange.com/#polyvalent.html

If you use adjustable Paul Motolite brakes you can run either 650b up to 55c or 700c up to 35c tires.

The fork is 1" threaded with a 10" steer tube. If I find another 700c touring fork with that length headtube, I will swap for something with greater trail (less rake)

It is not a race bike by any means, but a great commuter/ weekender.

[oliver1850]

I just got home from riding my Double Cross about an hour ago. It does have a fairly short HT, but I'm not much bothered by the look of upright stems so it works for me.

[Lewis Moon]

My Ridley X-Fire has a great huge headtube.
http://www.frfsports.com/images/Ridley_Bike_Chart/xfire.jpg

[R3awak3n]

Maybe a specialized awol?
http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Awol-Complete.jpg

and maybe if you can find a rawland drakkar:

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/rawland-drakkar-17134_7.jpg

Nice upright position. Confortable. Inexpensive. Neither I would call quick though.

[fourflys]

Gotta Recommend Black Mountain Cycles!
http://www.blackmtncycles.com/p/black-mountain-cycles-frames.html

Road
http://threeflys.smugmug.com/Sports/Cycling/i-6n9c3TB/0/XL/P1010893-XL.jpg

MonsterCross
http://threeflys.smugmug.com/Cycling/Riding-in-Kodiak/i-DT66wGf/0/XL/P1000703-XL.jpg

[Mayhem]

If you see a frame you like you can buy headtube extenders. If it's a steel frame you can even have it brazed on, filed down and painted to match the frame. You can also have a steel steerer tube extended. Steel rules.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6hUBbm9EVm8/S8vcPG_jwUI/AAAAAAAABtc/jOPut-n0rrA/s1600/Head+Tube.Top+Tube.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3466/3301403655_ab21f64f5e.jpg

[gomango]

If you see a frame you like you can buy headtube extenders. If it's a steel frame you can even have it brazed on, filed down and painted to match the frame. You can also have a steel steerer tube extended. Steel rules.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6hUBbm9EVm8/S8vcPG_jwUI/AAAAAAAABtc/jOPut-n0rrA/s1600/Head+Tube.Top+Tube.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3466/3301403655_ab21f64f5e.jpg

Yes, this is exactly what I did.

I was patient until I found this lovely John Hollands frameset here on the forum. I was almost ready to have Chris Kvale, Dave Anderson or Curt Goodrich build one for me, but this one fit the bill perfectly.

I mainly use the bike for distance rides because it really gets me into a comfortable position. For instance, we do a 250 mile ride every summer up to our cabin in the BWCA and this is the bike I take.

Here are some photos.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3456/5842796410_1454a69e51_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/9UiRP9)DSCN3141 (https://flic.kr/p/9UiRP9) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/people/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

...and a photo right before its first test ride four years ago. I also love the frameset as it will take up to 700x30 Strada Biancas or Compass Chinook Pass tires, but just by a whisker.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3056/5842703260_78075fddd8_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/9Uio87)DSCN3137 (https://flic.kr/p/9Uio87) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/people/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3381/5842157843_cc0c45d894_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/9UfzZn)DSCN3138 (https://flic.kr/p/9UfzZn) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/people/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[gomango]

Maybe a specialized awol?
http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Awol-Complete.jpg

Nice upright position. Comfortable. Inexpensive. Neither I would call quick though.

I rode a friend's AWOL Poler recently and I was very surprised how much I liked the bike. It was stock other than saddle and tire upgrades, but it seems like a lot of bike for the money.

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0211/1616/products/POLER_PANIER_JOHN_5_2048x2048_5f92cccd-3ac7-43de-ad5d-ae54b5e77dfe_1024x1024.jpg?v=1409929912

I would also recommend my Fargo. This bike gets a ton of use up at our cabin and it is my loaner bike when people come to visit. Always seems easy to get them into a comfortable riding position fairly quickly.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/10625734344_19f6ea39cc_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/hbXECh)DSCN5863 (https://flic.kr/p/hbXECh) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/people/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[oldpotatoe]

I know we have discussed this before, but I can't seem to locate the thread. Looking for a generic, inexpensive-ish frame that is decently quick but comfortable....and comfort for this old boy is a nice upright position. Also needs to accept wide tires. The Soma Double Cross is lovely, but seems low on the front end (unless you spacer it up).

Any advice? Thanks!

http://www.gunnarbikes.com

60 has a 209mm headtube, 'Sport' model.

[Ken Robb]

Rivendell has bikes like you want.

[RFC]

+1 Black Mountain Road.

It basically has the geometry of a Bridgestone RB-1 with a tall head tube and room for 33mm tires.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg.html)

[Fatty]

Don't know what size you are looking for, this morning saw a Merlin Ti frame on the eBay with a tall, like really tall headtube. Seller listed it with a Wound-up fork, look likes it would take wider tires.

[unterhausen]

who built this?
If you see a frame you like you can buy headtube extenders. If it's a steel frame you can even have it brazed on, filed down and painted to match the frame. You can also have a steel steerer tube extended. Steel rules.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6hUBbm9EVm8/S8vcPG_jwUI/AAAAAAAABtc/jOPut-n0rrA/s1600/Head+Tube.Top+Tube.jpg

[Mayhem]

who built this?

Any framebuilder can do it I'm sure. You can order a standard sized frame online with Merican, pick out every braze on option including headtube extenders from 10-25mm. You can just buy them as well.

http://www.buyafixie.com/06/eighthinch-headtube-extenders/

[veggieburger]

I ride the tallest headtubed bikes of anyone I know. Not proud of it, but it just works for me.

Oh me too....all of my steer tubes are uncut, *with* upward facing stems.

[veggieburger]

If you see a frame you like you can buy headtube extenders. If it's a steel frame you can even have it brazed on, filed down and painted to match the frame. You can also have a steel steerer tube extended. Steel rules.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6hUBbm9EVm8/S8vcPG_jwUI/AAAAAAAABtc/jOPut-n0rrA/s1600/Head+Tube.Top+Tube.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3466/3301403655_ab21f64f5e.jpg

A nice option, but looking for generic and inexpensive...

[acorn_user]

What about the ES version of the Soma Smoothie? It's pretty reasonably priced and has a longish head tube.
http://www.somafab.com/archives/product/es

[jlwdm]

How about a 32.5cm head tube? There is a 73cm Serotta on Ebay - I would like to see someone riding this bike. The wheels look so small.

Jeff

[Erik_A]

Don't know what size you are looking for, this morning saw a Merlin Ti frame on the eBay with a tall, like really tall headtube. Seller listed it with a Wound-up fork, look likes it would take wider tires.

Yep - that one is "custom" alright...

[velomateo]

How about this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Serotta-Legend-Titanium-Xtra-Tall-XL-custom-road-bike-73cm-frame-700c-/221712909121?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item339f1e8341

Head tube is taller than the fork.:eek:

[Waldo]

Pegorettis in larger sizes have tall head tubes.

[kgreene10]

If you want carbon, a Fisher or Trek Cronus road (same bike, not the cx) has a tall ht and is hugely underrated. As a result, they are cheap. I have used one for daily training and racing for going on four years. Guys I know who had them and moved on to the Madone 7 wished they had the Cronus back.

The Emonda also has a tall ht in the h2 fit. The S or SL models are affordable (relative to other bikes).

[kevinvc]

If you like the Double Cross, check out the Soma ES. It has a taller head tube but still "fast" geometry. I use mine for everything from casual centuries, to commuting, to fast team rides.

L-O-V-E IT!

[GRAVELBIKE]

+1 Black Mountain Road.

It basically has the geometry of a Bridgestone RB-1 with a tall head tube and room for 33mm tires.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg.html)

Love my Black Mountain Road. One of the best-riding bikes I've owned.

[Pushgears]

... a few more dollar$ and go custom. You will never regret it. It sounds like you know what you want and it may be difficult to find it in a generic rig. A steel custom frame is the way to go, IMHO.....

[Mayhem]

Well, if you have a properly sized frame and haven't chopped the steerer tube, you should be able to get the bars level with the saddle on most any frame.

[veggieburger]

Well, if you have a properly sized frame and haven't chopped the steerer tube, you should be able to get the bars level with the saddle on most any frame.

From the info provided, how do you figure? My freakishly long inseam and short torso would disagree with you.

[Mayhem]

From the info provided, how do you figure? My freakishly long inseam and short torso would disagree with you.

What info? I just read the entire thread again. This is the first mention of a short torso and long inseam or anything really.

[Gern]

I have the same problem -- short torso, long legs. No amount of wishing will change that. I have a Serotta 59c-c x 56tt. HT is 21cm IIRC (external headset, so adds some stack). I run about 45mm saddle to bar drop. I now have a TIME Fluidity size L (I really should run an XL, but don't want to run a 9cm stem). It works well and has a tall enough head tube that I can limit my spacer stack. It is not "spot on" like a custom, but it was not too expensive, and I really like how it rides.

[veggieburger]

What info? I just read the entire thread again. This is the first mention of a short torso and long inseam or anything really.

Exactly. My whole point is that stock frames fit stock bodies. I run an uncut fork with a flipped up stem and I'm still getting sore. Yes, of course you can get saddle and bars level on a standard frame. But if I do that, either my pedal stroke isn't long enough or I'm hunched way over (or can't get the bars high enough!).

Might have to bite the bullet, sell a kidney and go custom.

[soulspinner]

I have the same problem -- short torso, long legs. No amount of wishing will change that. I have a Serotta 59c-c x 56tt. HT is 21cm IIRC (external headset, so adds some stack). I run about 45mm saddle to bar drop. I now have a TIME Fluidity size L (I really should run an XL, but don't want to run a 9cm stem). It works well and has a tall enough head tube that I can limit my spacer stack. It is not "spot on" like a custom, but it was not too expensive, and I really like how it rides.

Yup, same way. Run 6cm of drop on a 56x54 level tt, 110stem.............arms like a t-rex.

[LesMiner]

I also have a short torso and long legs. I had the largest Litespeed frame at one time. I rode with a 7 cm drop between saddle and handlebar. The frame had a sloping geometry. To get the right saddle height I had a 450 mm seat tube. I did not exceed the max on the seat tube height but my butt was way up in the air. The drops were not very usable for me. After a few years I went to a fitter at my LBS to get a better fit. He commented about how much flex there was in the seat tube. The bike did feel a bit wimpy at times but I did not realize it was due to the seat tube. I sold off the frame and moved the components to a Serrota.

These days I think there are more choices. Many bike companies are marketing an Endurance class or something similar. BMC, Cannondale, Giant come to mind. A little shorter top tube by a cm or so and a taller head tube by 2 cm. In the largest frame size head tube might be 19 to 20 cm normally versus 22 to 24 cm in the new ones. Woman's specific has similar geometry but smaller sizes. Besides you would not want to show up to a ride on a pink bike! Maybe if you have Cat 2 capability racing in a Cat 4 race you could drop everyone and make some kind of statement with a pink bike.

[dawgie]

Soma Sagas have fairly long head tubes, much more so than the Soma Doublecross.

[RFC]

I, too, have enhanced legs. In fact, all of my appendages are enhanced.

Literally, my cycling inseam is almost 1/2 of my height, so now I understand your question.

Although it does not directly answer your question, one thing I discovered is that older Tri bikes with more moderate ST angles (74.5-76.5) fit me like a glove. Therefore, my more roadish bikes are a 2003 Airborne Specter and a 2005 Quintana Roo Santo setup with drops.

[rpm]

If you're patient, you can find used customs that will fit a T-Rex body. I found a couple of Serotta's that way. Just look for the frames that people are laughing at. :)

[veggieburger]

I, too, have enhanced legs. In fact, all of my appendages are enhanced.


HA! :banana:

[fourflys]

I really recommend giving Mike at Black Mountain a call... he's designed a bike or two an can tell you if his frames will work for you...

[SlackMan]

I'd like to post a question related to bikes with tall headtubes. I have asked this question on one other occasion, thought I had a satisfactory answer, but then saw a contrary view later by a representative of a bike manufacturer. If we use the Moots Vamoots geometry chart below as an example, you can see that the reach figures for the 58, 60, and 62 are all very close to each other. The respective stack figures vary quite a bit. Suppose that the 58 effective top tube length seems to fit a T-Rex, but that the head tube is too short. It would appear that such a T-Rex like some posters above (and like myself) could choose the 62 to get high stack height from the tall headtube, and yet still have an acceptable reach to the handlebars, i.e., one very close to the 58. (Most T-Rexes need a top tube from a smaller frame and a head tube from a larger frame). The punch line question is whether one can actually interpret the stack and reach figures as I have above. Asked another way, holding saddle height constant, and saddle to bar drop constant, would the 62 have approximately the same distance from saddle to handlebars as the 58?

http://moots.com/wp-content/uploads/MOOTS-272-Web-Images-600x400_Vamoots.jpg

[SlackMan]

Let me restate that final question in my post immediately above:

Asked another way, holding saddle height constant and saddle to bar drop constant, would the size 62 fit approximately like a size 58 that has a taller head tube?

[KidWok]

+1...You can't beat a Gunnar OS2 frameset for value and ride quality. Get the Waterford fork upgrade.

Tai

http://www.gunnarbikes.com

60 has a 209mm headtube, 'Sport' model.

[Plum Hill]

Let me restate that final question in my post immediately above:

Asked another way, holding saddle height constant and saddle to bar drop constant, would the size 62 fit approximately like a size 58 that has a taller head tube?

You'd have to use a shorter stem to account for the longer TT on the 62.

[SlackMan]

You'd have to use a shorter stem to account for the longer TT on the 62.

Thanks, but that's what I can't wrap my head around. If the reach differs by only 4mm, are you saying the stem would only need to be 4mm longer? Or would the stem need to be longer by the amount of the difference in TT lengths? If the latter, then what does reach even mean?