Gravel frame options for the long legged

[xrider91]

Hi all,

Been doing the rounds for the last little while trying to narrow down a choice of frame for my first DIY build. I'm quite tall at 193cm with long legs (saddle height ~86cm) which rules out a lot of Chinese OEM options due to either seat tube length, or lack of stack. I have a few requirements, ideally the frame has at least 700x50C tyre clearance, T47 & UDH, mount points for potential bike packing and ideally downtube storage. Geometry wise, I think I would ideally get something with 73 degree or less of seat tube angle, a stack of ~620mm+ and reach less than 420mm.

Having looked through all the options, I think I'm left with the Lightcarbon LCG071 as the best option. It seems to tick every box (but very slow to reply - have messaged via WhatsApp to try and speed things up as it's been two weeks, follow up email unanswered). The Front-Centre is slightly low, but based on rudimentary math I think it is *just* sufficient for me to avoid toe overlap.

There were two other newer frames I came across in my searching - one being the BXT 055 (but no downtube storage and proprietary 350mm seatpost). The other is the Mondince FM346 which looks pretty decent. However I have been in touch with Jack on WhatsApp and he will not make this frame in 61cm/XXL. So this might only be an option if another OEM like Tantan eventually does?

Really curious to know if there were any other options I may have missed or anyone can recommend.

Thank you! 

[GravelMaxxer]

Hi,
I have the same saddle height as you, and I have to give you a warning, with a lot of chinese frames with integrated seatpost you can’t extend them enough to get to your saddle height, I had this problem with Lightcarbon LCR018d for example. Good luck with your search!

[BikerJens]

I'm 200 cm tall (not long legged tough and can't remember my exact saddle height - but around 86 cm sounds familiar). I've the VeloBuild Aero Gravel in XL and it fits as it should.

The geometry is very like my Merida Reacto in XL and that was hard to find in China frames.

Any reason you're not considering that one?

[xrider91]

Hi,
I have the same saddle height as you, and I have to give you a warning, with a lot of chinese frames with integrated seatpost you can’t extend them enough to get to your saddle height, I had this problem with Lightcarbon LCR018d for example. Good luck with your search!

Yes, that's true. Has taken quite a few frames out of the equation due to the saddle height - seat tube is an important measurement. Many "XL" I have seen in charts have a seat tube of under 530mm which, with a 350mm seatpost at a minimum insertion of 100mm...no good! Even 400mm post might struggle.

The SPCycle G058 suggested above by pandagravel15 (thanks!!) looks like it fits in that category unless I'm misreading the charts.

Looking at the LCG-071, would be fine with a 400mm post as it has a 580mm seat tube.

[xrider91]

I'm 200 cm tall (not long legged tough and can't remember my exact saddle height - but around 86 cm sounds familiar). I've the VeloBuild Aero Gravel in XL and it fits as it should.

The geometry is very like my Merida Reacto in XL and that was hard to find in China frames.

Any reason you're not considering that one?

Interesting option! However, no downtube storage and potentially too long in reach. Should be able to make it work with an 80mm stem to get what I want in a number, but possibly too much compromise there. I think the seat angle would work - historically that's been my biggest problem as I've got super long femurs.

[sukerbole1]

The SPCycle G058 suggested above by pandagravel15 (thanks!!) looks like it fits in that category unless I'm misreading the charts.

its what i run. long legs, short torso, so already i gravity towards different stack/reach geo compared to most. Add some neck injury and im quite happy running such a tall setup.

[hubba]

How about the Yoeleo G21 Altera in size 60. Stack 640, reach 396, seat tube 610 / 73, clearance 53mm. And the seatpost is long.

[RiegelundGel97]

I would also suggest the Yoeleo Altera. One other frame from a Chinese manufacturer could be the Evolve Cima GR, that just dropped (stack 630, reach 410 in XL, 3x 380mm seat post options), but is more expensive than most of the brands on this forum. The Cima road frame has a really great reputation though.

[xrider91]

Thanks all! I think all the options have been found now...

The G21 slipped under my radar. The geometry looks pretty spot on. For Australia thereisalocal distributor so does cost a bit of a premium unfortunately - but certainly one to consider. The Cima GR looks pretty cool! But no mounting points for racks etc eliminates it.

I've since also found an alternative contact at Lightcarbon via whatsapp, they are very responsive so the LCG071 might end up being the one, it's likely the best value option available in terms of price to quality.

One other advantage of the LCG071 (and Altera) is the wheelbase is a bit shorter than many other frames I've looked at, which would make it easier to transport in my old Canyon hard bike case.

Thanks