Being a right tall b**tard

First of all, I must say hello - this is my first thread so be kind!
My name is Jammy, and I live just outside of St Helens, in between Liverpool and Manchester. I own my own business repairing and making guitars.
I rode mountain bikes when I was younger, and in a recent quest to loose weight and get fit (its worked - I've lost 7st in the past 18 months!) I've bought myself a new bike. GT peace 9R - an absolute blast it is.

Next on the list is a fixed road bike, but being tall (and knowing little about the subject) is causing me a couple of problems. I'm 6'8, and therefore would need a truly huge frame (something that seems to be ridiculed around here - and I must admit don't look quite right!), so what would be the disadvantages to getting a larger frame (say 60cm) and keeping saddle/bars a little higher than most? Are there any specific frames out there with geometry that would suit my height?

Another problem I'm having is finding SPD shoes. I've got size 15 feet, and while that has it's advantages, finding shoes to fit isn't one of them! Does anyone know of a manufacturer that will make shoes in my size?

You need bigger than 60cm.. 64cm at least. The aesthetics of a larger frame are irrelevant - you need a bike that fits you see here

You may just have to get cages, straps and use you trainers. Not sure you'll find the size shoe you're after.

Well done on losing that weight x

Or a traditional cycling shoe - see my recent post in the E-Bay finds thread...

If you have loads of money I some manufactures do custom shoes. Or do a trainer conversion job like in MA3K's thread http://www.londonfgss.com/newpostinthread9270.html?highlight=shoes but instead of using old cycling shoes for the inserted soles find out what ever the plastic used in cycling shoe soles is and cut an insole to size.

go to Germany, or the USA for large shoes, I had trouble finding my size 13s in the UK, my girls dad gets his size 15s from german websites.

and now bikes, what is your budget? its hard to get something that fits me at 6ft 6in off the peg, I got a custom frame at the start of the year, and I love it, will never go back. I would recommend Howard Zinn of Zinn bikes, he specializes in bikes for the big and tall.

I must admit the budget is small (as small as possible) I'm not looking to buy straight away either. Just on the lookout for the right frame at the moment - I can see this turning in to a long term project.

you can get some custom frames for as low as 300-400 quid, or sit on ebay and wait untill you see something bigger then a 63cm

You're gonna need a big frame - at least 64cm and maybe bigger depending on how much of your 6'8" is in the legs. I know your pain as I'm 6'4" with 37" legs so need big frames. The biggest ones I found available off the peg are Bob Jackson vigorellis which go up to 65cm. However, it's gonna cost you about £350 and there's a bit of a wait. If you're on a budget then your best bet is to buy a complete bike on ebay that's in a massive size and convert it.

japan has got loads ;)

I'm 6'6 so know it can be hard to get large frames. I ride a 62cm and it fits me great but I was really lucky and got it off e bay, you just have to keep on looking. It can also work to your benifit as I bought my track bike for £320 that was almost brand new the only reason I can see was that it was so big and it was a while ago before prices went up.

If you can wait for something to pop up on e bay go custom or semi custom like the off the self bob jacksons. I reckon the only off the peg frame you could get would a cannondale as they do really large frames but not sure if the track frames are.

Sidi are the only shoe that might even com eclose, I've got a pair of Dominator Mega Wide Euro 50, and normally take a 13 or 14, there is a little bit of room to spare so you might find they work for you, otherwise you will really struggle. Big frames to exist they are just hard to find and normally custom made road bikes, from what I've seen big (62cm+) track frames don't really exist. I'm 6'6" and have got a Surly Cross-check which I love and a huge old Peugoety Tourer 10 thing as my fixed commuter.

you can get a super cheap custom form a guy called max send a pm to smallbrowbike, and he'll hook you up with some details

you can get a super cheap custom form a guy called max send a pm to smallbrowbike, and he'll hook you up with some details

Max of tallbike fame?

hah! and coming from a tall bastard too :-D

Well I've been to see Steve Goff of http://www.steve-goff-frames.co.uk/ turns out his workshop is just 3 miles from my house! Nice bloke.
I had a go on his cycle jig thingy, and we came up with some measurements. 65cm centre/centre on the seattube, 62cm top (I think). That's with a level top tube. He did however suggest taking a little off the seat tube height and sloping the top tube a bit, say 2 inches. Should make it look a bit more modern I suppose, with a bit more seat post on show. Handmade frame and forks would be £450, so I best get saving!

I've heard good things about Mr Goff. I should have suggested him earlier...