Conference noted::bicycle

    Who told you they don't make "stock" larger bicycle frames? While
    not all companies carry larger frames a lot do.
    
    On the side... are you the Webb that plays V-ball with Chris MacInnis?
    
    Anyway, if you have the money to consider a custom frame go for it!
    
    I have a rather large friend that has a Peter Mooney he's had for many
    years and loves it. You go through Belmont Wheelworks (in Belmont)
    (617) 489-3577.
    
    Good luck,
    
               Chip

    Some dealers will tell you that, others might help you solve the
    problem.  John at Gus' International Bike Shop in North Hampton, NH
    would be in the latter category.  Then again maybe they don't make
    that size anymore  :-).
    
    Ted Wojcik makes 'em.  In fact Mark Bittenbender has (had?) one for
    sale in note 2.816.  Chris Dehahn (5.1) referred to his Wojcik as his
    Ferrari.  phone number (145.1) is/was (617)388-4150 though it might be
    (508) now.
    
    ed

    You may try Hottubes in Worcester, they are a frame repair and now
    frame building shop.  Not sure of their phone number.
    
    There are a number of builders around, many now focused on mountain
    bikes.  Some of these people are new, using TIG welding, others more
    traditional, using brazing.   Choice is yours, as well as price range.
    You may wish to refer back to last May BICYCLING magazine, it lists a
    fair number of builders.  Of course, first thing is to make sure you
    really do need this Bill Walton sized frame...
    
    steve

I echo the warning in the last note - Piers in Geneva was adamant that he
needed a 64 cm frame.  Last I heard was that he tried an oversized alu
in 57 and was so impressed he went for the same in 60 cm. which was bought
from stock.  Pity he equipped it with so much Japanese stuff .......

.1> Who told you they don't make "stock" larger bicycle frames?

Two separate local bike shops.  :-(

.1> On the side... are you the Webb that plays V-ball with Chris MacInnis?

Yup.  (Chip, I notice you and he are on the same node... :-)  I haven't put in a
reply to 5.0 yet, but 2695.0 & .25 might serve as my introduction.  ;-)


.3> first thing is to make sure you really do need this Bill Walton sized 
.3> frame...

I dunno...how tall is Bill Walton?  I stand 6'8", and I wear a 36+" inseam...
How big a frame should I need, and how can I tell whether it's "right"?


Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate it.  I'll see where these leads take
me.


				Webb

    Chris works for me, but never mentioned how many stories you stood
    :-)...
    
    Walton's a 7 footer I believe. There will be a limit as to how long
    different tubes can be before too much wip or diminished strength
    due to expanse between lugs/welds. I know tall folks who (by the rules)
    have a smaller frame for their height. They compensate with stem
    lengths, seat tubes, etc... 
    
    Gotta admit, though, your size is not something common to the sport.
    Kinda on my threshold of experience.
    
    Good Luck...
    
    Chip

    If you don't have any local success, pick up a Velonews and call 
    Leonard Zinn, he specializes in large frames, which I guess you will need.  
    
    Unfortunately his prices are large also...

I'm 6'6" and also have a 36" inseam.  I'm on a 63cm Miyata frame
(and I think that's measured to the top of the top tube, not to the
center).  I had the seatpost out to the limit and a bit beyond.  Then
I applied the formula in Lemond's book and ended up -lowering- the seat
a bit.  It seems about right.  I think the handlebars are a bit low
for my rather casual riding, but the stem is to the limit and I haven't
been inclined to replace it.

I chose the Miyata because I could get a previous-year's model from 
stock for a bit cheaper, and because the splined tubing was said to
be very stiff, an important consideration in a larger frame.  While
I don't have a lot of experience on various frames, I sure haven't
found this one the least bit flexible.

Miyata is no longer selling bicycles in the U.S. (although you might
be able to find some leftovers at Belmont Wheelworks, where I got 
mine) but there are other makers of 63-cm frames.  I think Fuji may
make 64-cm frames.  Goodale's in Nashua carried Fuji at one time.  I
still have my old Fuji Gran Tourer, about the same size as the Miyata
but positively soggy by comparison.

Good hunting! and if you want to try the Miyata, let me know, I can
bring it in some day.

Andy

    I would put in another plug for Peter Mooney. A year ago when I decided
    it was time to get a new bike after 15 years and many thousands of
    miles [and kilometers in Europe] on my Guerciotti I initially thought
    to get another Italian frame but ended up with a Mooney. I was swayed
    by the fact that I know that one, very competent, craftsman built my
    frame. If anything happens to it I know that Peter will be there to
    take care of it. And, after a year of riding it, I'm delighted with it.
    His shop is in Belmont [Ma] at Belmont Wheel works.