WTB: custom MTB for long legs/short torso rider

[mo3039]

Longshot, but where else to start but here? I know there are a few forumites on the edges of the bell curve, and some who ride off-road too.

I’m 5’10” with a 35.5”/90.5 cm inseam – in other words very long legs & short torso, and I don’t have the wingspan to make up the reach. Haven't found a stock bike that works for me comfortably. My custom road bike is a 59 ST/54 TT (c-c). FAR from the norm.

I’m hoping to keep the top tube in the 54-56 cm/ 21-22” area with a relatively tall frame (i.e. can’t do a big seat to bar drop). If I were of average proportions my inseam would steer me to an 18-19”ish frame size. Standover probably in the realm of 30-32”?

Ideally I’d like a steel 29er hardtail frame or frameset. Budget = used but functional from lesser known builder. Think Gunnar, not Moots, unless you're feeling unusually generous. Open to other possibilities since we’re already in the needle in a haystack realm, but definitely wanting to go geared, not SS. I’m looking to improve my bike handling and mix it up by hitting the singletrack around here, but don’t have the $ to go new.

So, probably a crazy wish, but as they say in the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play…

[rugbysecondrow]

Originally Posted by mo3039

Longshot, but where else to start but here? I know there are a few forumites outside the bell curve, and some who ride off-road too.

I’m 5’10” with a 35.5”/90.5 cm inseam – in other words very long legs & short torso, and I don’t have the wingspan to make up the reach. No stock men’s bike work for me, and there are very few WSD options. My custom road bike is a 59 ST/54 TT (c-c). FAR from the norm.

I’m hoping to keep the top tube in the 54-56 cm/ 21-22” area with a relatively tall frame (i.e. can’t do a big seat to bar drop). If I were of average proportions my inseam would steer me to an 18-19”ish frame size. Standover probably in the realm of 30-32”?

Ideally I’d like a steel 29er hardtail frame or frameset. Budget = used but functional from lesser known builder. Think Gunnar, not Moots, unless you're feeling unusually generous. Open to other possibilities since we’re already in the needle in a haystack realm, but definitely wanting to go geared, not SS. I’m looking to improve my bike handling and mix it up by hitting the singletrack around here, but don’t have the $ to go new.

So, probably a crazy wish, but as they say in the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play…

Check out Waltworks, looks like a new custom frame will run you about $1100...pretty reasonable if you ask me.

[slowandsteady]

Originally Posted by rugbysecondrow

Check out Waltworks, looks like a new custom frame will run you about $1100...pretty reasonable if you ask me.

He is supposed to build pretty amazing bikes!

ps - am interested in this thread as well as I ride the same dimension bike 59/54 and like the HT tall (23 for road)

[mo3039]

Originally Posted by rugbysecondrow

a new custom frame will run you about $1100...pretty reasonable if you ask me.

Agree it's reasonable...but that's pretty much my entire budget & I'm new to MTBing. Hoping to find a way in without going broke at this point. Daring to dream...

[mo3039]

Originally Posted by slowandsteady

ps - am interested in this thread as well as I ride the same dimension bike 59/54 and like the HT tall (23 for road)

Hey, you were supposed to be one of my potential sources! Well, here's to us both getting something out of it.

[mo3039]

Bump after another round of unsuccessful test rides of some stock bikes.

[MapleWelder]

The dimensions may not be tweaked as far as your ideal, but I'm offering a great deal on a 26" steel Independent Fabrications Deluxe that might work for you:
22-3/8” effective top tube
16-7/8” seat tube c-t (15-1/2” c-c)
71.5 HA
41” wheelbase
16-3/4” chainstays
Standover 29-1/2”
Photos at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/10769919...HBarTriSaddle#

Even with a 120mm stem it felt short for my reach (I'm 5' 9"), and I imagine leg reach would work fine for you with 400mm post. Assuming you can get the proper position, a little more standover never hurt anybody on a rocky trail
I'm asking $1070 for a the complete bike.
Good luck!

[mo3039]

@maplewelder - nice bike and for sure an IF is on my short list of bikes to have someday. Alas, while I'm not afraid of a little (OK lots of) seatpost, I think I'd have trouble getting the front end set up right. Good luck w/ your sale!