Updated on August 18, 2022
Is this your first time riding a mountain bike, and it turns out you’re too tall for a standard one? There are so many options out there, but which one is the greatest mountain bike for tall people? There are two things I’d suggest in response to your inquiry.
It’s my favourite full-suspension bike since it’s so versatile and its suspension will last forever.
In terms of hardtails, the Diamondback Sync’r is the best. I’m a big fan of the hardtail design because of its minimal weight and the way it looks.
Table of Contents
Bike frames for tall frames
To begin, relying exclusively on a rider’s height when selecting a mountain bike frame is a risky proposition for anyone. When it comes to sizing, there’s a fine line to walk between providing useful, unambiguous information while still allowing for the right amount of wiggle space.
I’m 6’3″, and according to the Diamondback Release 4C’s sizing chart, I should get a size XL, which the company claims fits riders 6’2″ to 6’6″. The brand’s sizing chart appears straightforward at first glance; riders who are just around 6’2″ tall are advised to go for a big. Yes, I am 6 ft. 2.0001 in. This is an XL. It’s common for riders to stop here and accept the size chart as gospel, although there are no hard and fast laws. In this case, Eric Porter, a Diamondback-sponsored cyclist.
Porter is 6’3″ tall, and he typically rides a size large bike because of his height. Weird is a relative term; there are others like me. To make it simpler to manoeuvre and play with on the trail, I ride a size large bike.”
The riding style of the rider is just as significant as the rider’s height. Specialized, for example, has abandoned the use of standard sizes like small, medium, and large. Instead, a numbering system based on overlapping heights should be used. As a result, riders of a wide range of heights will have to choose between two or more sizes, and their own preferences for fit should be taken into account when doing so.
But how do we measure our preferences for fit? The answer is geometry, and there are a few essential numbers to focus on for tall riders — and more generally, for all riders.
Mountain Bikes for Tall Riders
1. Diamondback Release 3
Like most of their products, I’m a huge fan of this one. The Diamondback Release 3 is a trail-friendly full-suspension bike. In addition, the bike’s lightweight aluminium frame (it weighs 30 pounds in total) makes it much easier to climb hills while also making it far more fun to go down them at breakneck speeds. In addition, the frame is designed to easily accommodate camera mounts, which will be appreciated by anyone who likes to record their journeys on video.
Having the bike sent assembled is also a pleasant perk, as I despise putting things together. The term “everything” includes not only bicycles.
The bike’s high price may deter some buyers, and that’s understandable. But at less than $3,000, it’s still a lot less expensive than the most expensive mountain bikes on the market, while still providing nearly all of the same features. Overall, the Diamondback Release 3 is the best mountain bike for tall riders in this category.
2. Diamondback Bicycle Catch 1 Full Suspension Mountain Bike
My favourite mountain bikes come from Diamondback, and I’m sure you’ll see a pattern soon. Although the Diamondback Catch 1 Full Suspension Bike is heavier, it is also less expensive than the previous model. The bike’s aluminium frame is still employed to keep the weight down, but the components that go into making the bike are much heavier.
The rear shock is of particular note. It’s not uncommon for owners of this bike to start with the rear shock. For no other reason than that it is heavy, unwieldy, and unable to be adjusted in terms of rebound rate. Those who ride cross country won’t have a problem with this, but if you’re going to be riding on hard trails, the shocks won’t work for you.
In contrast to most bikes in this price range that have twist-action shifters, this one has smooth shifting paddle shifters, which I like. The 29-inch wheels are able to handle any obstacle or terrain with ease, making trail riding more enjoyable and quick.
As far as Diamondback products go, this one is among the best and is a great value. If you’re a casual rider who doesn’t intend to tackle any particularly challenging terrain, this bike is perfect for you.
3. Diamondback Sync’r
Everything with the Diamondback name on it makes me happy. Except when it’s baseball, in which case I despise them Diamondbacks. LET’S GO DODGERS!). In the first place, the Sync’r is a stunning piece of machinery in every way. There is nothing more visually appealing than the combination of yellow and black. The robust and light aluminium alloy hardtail frame is the result of meticulous handcrafting. The suspension forks and agile wheels allow you to navigate any terrain with little to no obvious damage on your ride.
This is the mountain bike for you if you want something that is both lightweight and long-lasting. It’s ideal for those who are just beginning to ride mountain bikes. Even experienced mountain bikers will like it. Mountain bikes for tall riders should choose the Diamondback Sync’r.
4. Diamondback Overdrive Hardtail
This bike is a great option for tall riders who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a high-end bicycle. Although the Diamondback Overdrive is a hardtail bike, you can still fine-tune the front suspension on it (which is always a welcome sight for me). Lockout options are also included.
You can’t say that about many other “cheap motorcycles” on the market because of the quality of the brakes. Shortcuts have been taken in some areas. As an example, the wheel quick releases are fragile, and the saddle is in desperate need of an upgrade. ”
All things considered, you’re getting a lot more bike than you paid for, which is a good thing in our book. However, if you plan to ride routes that require more advanced equipment, I suggest starting with something like this bike and then working your way up from there. However, this is the greatest cheap mountain bike for tall riders.
Size Guideline
A taller person may have a more difficult time locating a bike that fits his or her height requirements. After a few hours of riding, a bike that seemed comfortable at first can quickly become an annoyance to you. This is a lot like the way mattresses are like bikes.
If you’re 6’2″ or taller, you’ll want to look into a 23″-inch or larger bike, according to the general consensus of the bike industry.
However, this is only a recommendation, and it does not guarantee that a 23-inch frame will fit you. You should ensure that when you’re sitting on your bike, your groyne is at least two to three finger spacing from being in contact with the top tube.
The handlebars should also be a comfortable distance away from your body while you’re sitting in your saddle. Too far and you’ll get back problems; too close, and you’ll get cramps quickly. Everybody hates having to stoop over while riding a bike.
Making Adjustments
It’s not just the size of your bike that you need to think about. Seat and handlebar positioning is, in my opinion, more critical than the frame’s dimensions. This only works if you’re wearing a frame that’s a decent fit for your height.
Try lowering the saddle height on your current bike before investing in an XL (over 21-inch) model. Not only does this improve your comfort, but it also improves your riding efficiency because it puts your saddle in the proper position.
Hardtail vs. Full Suspension
Having an XL frame means that your bike will be heavier than most. The bike’s suspension, on top of that, adds many pounds that you may not want to carry about.
I recommend a hardtail bike over a full-suspension bike if weight is important to you. If you’re not ready to shell out $3,000 or more for a full-suspension bike, rear shocks can be prohibitively pricey.
In addition, if you are a novice rider, a full suspension bike will not be of much use to you. Your lack of experience will make traversing terrain that demands it nearly impossible.
As a result, full-suspension bikes are an absolute need if you plan on pursuing an intense mountain biking lifestyle. But if you’re just starting off, we’re talking about a long way down the road.
Final Thoughts
I assumed that everyone else felt the same way because mountain riding has always been a source of great delight for me. That is, until I introduced my 6’4″ friend to cycling and discovered that bicycles simply aren’t designed for people of my stature. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of options out there for tall MTB riders. My top pick for the finest mountain bike for tall riders is the Diamondback Release 3.
For the same reasons that we pay more for everything else, tall guys will have to pay more for their bikes as well. As a result, it doesn’t necessitate spending a fortune. You’ll find a bike that you adore in no time if you spend some time figuring out what works best for you. Possibly even at a reduced price.
Hey, all I am Joe Marino I love to ride bikes and teach others how to ride them. Most of my articles are about which bike is best for others. I am passionate about cycling and it shows, whether I am writing about a $25 bicycle from any random website or a $5000 Santa Cruz.
I have always been the guy who gets calls from friends while at work asking which bike they should buy. I have written about the best city bike for commuting, the best folding bike for use on public transit, and even what to keep in mind when shopping for kids’ bikes.
You can follow my blog and read all of my other articles on my website.
