In this article, we’ll get into XXL Mountain Bikes and explore mountain bike options for big & tall riders.
What Is An XXL Mountain Bike?
When you hear the term XXL mountain bike, this actually refers to the size of the bike frame. The combination of bike frame size, and bicycle wheel size determines the overall size of the bike.
XXL mountain bikes are for tall riders who are 6′ 4″ (193 cm) and taller. These bikes can have frame sizes of 23″ or more.
But XXL mountain bikes can also be modified to suit riders taller than 6′ 6″.
Like smaller-size mountain bikes, XXL mountain bikes come in two main varieties. Hardtail and full suspension.
Both of these types have their pros and cons, and there’s usually no shortage of opinions on which type is better.
Having both options offer riders the flexibility to choose what’s best for them.
Best Mountain Bike For Big Guys
After weeks of research, I found the Schwinn Traxion to be the best mountain bike for big guys.
The Traxion is a Beast, but is priced much more attractively than many of its competitors.
It comes standard with:
- Tough aluminum frame
- Beefy dual suspension
- Smooth-shifting 24-speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain
- Wide multi-section mountain tires
- Front & rear mechanical disc brakes
This mountain bike is a 29er with Full Suspension.
The term 29er refers to the bike’s wheel size. At 29 inches these wheels are not only bigger than average, they also offer better rolling resistance and a smoother ride over rough and rocky terrain.
All in all, the Schwinn Traxion is a better mountain bike than most of its competitors even though it costs much less.
Full Suspension Mountain Bike For Big Guys
The best mountain bikes for big guys are full-suspension mountain bikes.
This is because the suspension softens the ride and allows a more stable & comfortable ride. Especially on rough and rocky off-road trails.
Most mountain bikes can carry a rider weighing up to 300 pounds.
This is also true for XXL mountain bikes.
XXL mountain bikes are made for taller riders, but this doesn’t mean they can handle heavier weights than other mountain bikes.
They are just designed for taller-than-average riders.
We can go deeper into these details in my article Am I too heavy for my Mountain Bike.
Zize Bikes is a company that offers mountain bikes for overweight riders.
Their model ‘29er Max 2.0’ can handle riders weighing up to 400 pounds, and their model A New Leaf 2.0’ can handle riders up to 550 pounds.
Consider the following key features to identify the best mountain bike for big guys.
4 Key Components To Evaluate A Mountain Bike For A Heavy Rider
Bike Frame Material
The most durable bike frame options are carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum, and steel. Steel frames are the best option for heavy riders.
Wheels
Wider wheels have more traction and give you more control of your bike. They increase stability, particularly when taking corners.
So, I recommend a mountain bike with wider wheels (such as Fat Bikes) for heavier riders.
For incline trails and climbing, it helps to lower your tire pressure to increase the bike’s stability.
You should try out different PSIs to identify the best pressure for you. I run my tires in the low to mid-20s.
Saddle
Heavy riders will be more comfortable in a broader seat. You should try out different options until you find a good fit. It’ll be well worth it!
Rim and Spokes
Heavy riders can easily break rims and spokes. In fact, these are often the first bike parts to give under the added strain.
To avoid this, look for broader, thicker rims with an increased number of spokes.
Also, look for stainless steel spokes instead of standard steel as stainless spokes are stronger.
Since the rear wheel holds most weight while riding, upgrade this one first if you’re on a budget.
XXL mountain bike full suspension
Mountain bikes come in two main types:
- Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes
- Hard Tail Mountain Bikes
Full-suspension XXL mountain bikes are ideal for big & tall riders who ride off the beaten path, taking on the rough terrain at speed.
These have both front and rear suspensions. Both front and rear suspensions have different suspension travels.
Suspension travel is the distance a suspension can move between its highest and lowest points.
The higher the suspension travel, the rougher terrain the bike can withstand.
For instance, 100 mm suspension travel is used for technically challenging cross-country races. 120 – 130 mm suspension travel is used for trail rides.
The highest suspension travel ranges between 160 and 170 mm depending on bike brands.
Take time to experiment with the shock PSI to find the pressure that works best for you and your riding style.
what Size Bike Frame Is XXL?
An XXL Bike Frame is 23 to 24 inches or 193 to 198 centimeters. XXL Bike Frames are most suitable for people who are 6’4″ to 6’6″ tall.
At this height, the bike should feel comfortable to sit on and pedal.
If it isn’t, you should have a bike fit test performed at your local bike shop.
how are mountain bike frames measured?
Mountain Bike Frame measurements are taken from the top of the bike’s seat tube to the center of the bottom bracket or crank axle.
This distance will give you the bike frame measurement.
Some bike frame manufacturers will label the bike frame size just below the seat tube, so you should check there first.
Are Full Suspension Bikes Good For Heavy Riders?
Yes, full-suspension bikes are the best option for heavy riders! Especially when riding on those rough and rugged trails.
Modern full-suspension bikes provide a more comfortable and enjoyable ride than hardtail bikes.
Full-suspension bikes absorb the shock of rough terrain.
As a result, your upper body relaxes, and you can loosen your grip a bit.
Relieving this added strain on your body reduces exhaustion. As a result, you can keep riding longer.
Also, the shock-absorbing effect increases traction on the trail, giving you more control over the bike. This increases stability and safety.
Keep in mind that the suspension system comes with a cost.
Full-suspension mountain bikes usually are more expensive than hardtails.
29-Inch Mountain Bike For What Height?
Generally, a rider who is over 5′ 6″ tall should be able to comfortably ride a 29-inch mountain bike, though they’re best suited to riders over 6′ tall.
29ers are mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels. The larger the wheel size, the more stable your ride will be.
Why Choose a 29er Mountain Bike?
A 29er mountain bike is literally a mountain bike with 29-inch wheels.
The term “29er” refers to the wheel size, not the frame size, so any mountain bike frame can be built into a 29er.
29ers offer a number of advantages over smaller wheeled mountain bikes, including improved rollover ability, increased traction and stability, and an overall smoother and more comfortable ride.
If you’re in the market for a bike that can handle rough terrain and yet give you an enjoyable riding experience, a 29er is definitely worth considering.
XXL Mountain Bike Frame
If you spend a decent amount of time riding, it’s super important you find a great-fitting bike.
The seat, handlebars, and pedals can easily be changed, but it’s a lot harder to change the frame.
Depending on the brand, you might have a few sets of pre-made sizes to choose from.
But what if your height means you fall between two sizes?
Here are some tips for picking the right size bike:
Look at the standover height – when you’re standing over the top tube of your bike with both feet flat on the ground, there should be about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between you and the top tube.
If there isn’t this level of space, then the bike is too big for you.
No space could mean you might get trapped under your own bike when you crash.
Too much space means riding will feel uncomfortable because you’ll be too stretched out or too upright.
You don’t want either! You want to feel like your back is nice and straight when standing up over your bike with both feet on the ground.
That way, sitting on the saddle feels natural while riding.
It should feel like it was made just for you!
Don’t worry about finding a perfect fit; any kind of seat adjustment will help a bit if needed (more on that later).
To know whether your saddle is set correctly while riding: while maintaining a strong grip on the handlebars with one hand, place that same hand behind yourself and tap gently on top of each pedal as it comes into view from below (so at 9 o clock and 3 o clock position).
The idea here is that if your foot can reach past where your fingers are touching ing then we might have issues when trying to clip in our shoes during emergencies – so make sure there’s enough room between our legs and handlebars for safety purposes!
When you’re ready to buy your XXL mountain bike or just want to upgrade from an old one, you should consider getting professionally fitted for your frame size at a reputable bicycle shop to make sure that you end up with a bike that conforms to your measurements.
This is important so you’re not crowding or over-extending yourself in order to be comfortable on your bike.
A properly sized mountain bike frame will be more comfortable to ride and will help you perform better when you’re out on the trails.
There are two different ways to get fitted for your mountain bike frame size.
- One option is to go to a local bike shop and have them measure you up.
- Use our Bike Size Chart to choose the best size bike for you.
I recommend having a pro measure you up at your local bike shop so you’re sure you’re not missing anything.
How do I know if my bike seat is too high?
Begin by mounting the bike and resting your heel on the pedal. Use whatever shoes you plan to ride in.
Next, slowly start pedaling.
If the saddle is too high, you will not be able to pedal smoothly without having to rock your hips from side to side and overreach with your feet.
If the seat is installed at the wrong angle, it can cause hip pain or knee pain. A seat that is too far forward can cause knee pain.
XXL Mountain Bike Geometry
XXL mountain bikes, or bikes designed for heavier riders, typically feature a unique geometry that is optimized for their weight and riding style.
This includes a longer and taller frame, with a longer wheelbase and higher bottom bracket, to provide extra stability and support for the added weight.
The head tube angle may also be slightly steeper, to provide quicker and more responsive handling, and the seat tube angle may be slightly slacker, to provide a more upright and comfortable riding position.
Additionally, XXL mountain bikes may have wider and longer handlebars, to provide a stable and comfortable grip, as well as wider and wider saddle, to provide added comfort and support.
Overall, the geometry of XXL mountain bikes is designed to provide extra stability, comfort, and control for heavier riders, allowing them to enjoy the same level of performance, enjoyment, and fun as their lighter counterparts.
Chainstay Length for XXL Mountain Bikes
The chainstay length of a mountain bike is the distance between the bottom bracket and the rear axle, and it is an important factor in the bike’s handling and performance.
For XXL mountain bikes, or bikes designed for heavier riders, the chainstay length is typically longer than normal, to provide extra stability and support for the added weight.
A longer chainstay length helps to distribute the rider’s weight more evenly between the front and rear wheels, providing better traction and control on steep and technical trails.
It also helps to keep the rear wheel planted and stable, providing improved traction and braking performance.
Additionally, a longer chainstay length helps to keep the rider’s center of gravity low and stable, providing better handling and stability on rough and challenging terrain.
Overall, the chainstay length of XXL mountain bikes is an important factor in their handling and performance, and it is designed to provide extra stability and support for heavier riders.
Full Suspension Mountain Bikes for Heavy Riders
There are a few things to consider when considering a full-suspension mountain bike for heavy riders.
- Firstly, you need to make sure that the bike can accommodate your weight. This means that the frame and components should be able to easily handle your weight without getting damaged or breaking.
- Secondly, you should choose a bike with a suspension that’s designed for heavy riders. The suspension should be able to absorb more impact and provide a smoother ride.
- Finally, you will want to make sure that the bike is comfortable for you to ride. This means that it should have a comfortable riding position, seat and handlebars. The frame and wheels should also be the right size for you.
FAQs
Is It Suitable For A Person Who Is 5’9″ To Ride A Large Mountain Bike?
It depends on the specific bike model and the person’s individual proportions. However, for most people who are 5’9″, a medium-sized mountain bike would likely be a better fit. It’s always best to consult a bike sizing chart or get a professional fitting at a local bike shop to determine the appropriate size.
What Is The Recommended Mountain Bike Size For Tall Riders?
Tall riders, specifically those who are 6’4″ and taller, should consider an XXL mountain bike with a frame size of 23″ or more. This will ensure a comfortable and appropriate fit for their height.
What Are The Dimensions Of An XXL Bike?
An XXL bike typically has a frame size of 23 to 24 inches or 193 to 198 centimeters. It is designed to accommodate riders who are 6’4″ to 6’6″ tall.
What Type Of Bike Is Best For Someone Who Is 6 Feet Tall?
A person who is 6 feet tall would likely find a large mountain bike with a frame size of around 19 to 21 inches or 158 to 162 centimeters to be a suitable fit. However, individual proportions and preferences should be taken into account, and it’s always best to consult a sizing chart or get a professional fitting at a local bike shop.
Wrap Up!
With the XXL mountain bike, tall and big riders can comfortably ride a bike that fits their physique.
I recommend the XXL mountain bike for riders over 6′ 4″ tall.
Did you enjoy this article? Then check out my post What Is The Largest Size Mountain Bike For Men?
Happy Cycling!
