Best Comfort Bikes For Tall Riders ?

The problem with most bicycles is that they put you in an aggressive (aerodynamic) position which strains your back. That, however, is not the case with the best comfort bikes for tall riders.

At 6 feet, you get to ride upright, relieving your back, neck, and even shoulders from excessive straining.

So, if you are the type with a back issue or struggles riding a road bike, MTB, or any other bike with aggressive geometry, switching to a comfort bike makes sense.

But is this bike really for you? What can you use it for? And before anything, why do we call it a comfort bike?

These are some of the questions I’ll answer in this post. I’ll also offer you a buying guide for comfort bikes.

In a rush? Then check out the comfort bicycle that matches your cycling needs in the hotlist below.

3 Best Comfort Bikes For Tall Riders

1. Schwinn Suburban Men’s Bike: Best for Tall Men
2. Schwinn Suburban Women’s Bike: Best for Tall Women
3. Raleigh Bikes Circa 1: Best Dual Suspension Comfort Bike

What’s a Comfort Bike and What Makes it Unique?

A comfort bike is a type of hybrid bike intended for short-distance recreational or leisure cycling. That includes cruising around the neighborhood and running errands.

Usually, comfort bikes are unique because of these features:

• Wider treaded tires that offer them better rolling efficiency and on-road comfort
• A slanted top tube which allows you to get on and off the bike easily
• Suspension system which could either be a seat post suspension or fork suspension or both and it’s necessary for bump and vibration absorption
• Raised handlebars, which put you in an upright position to prevent shoulder, back, and neck strain
• A soft-padded wider saddle that prevents saddle numbness and pain

What Is A Comfort Bike Best For?

A comfort bike is a casual bike. It’s best for slow-speed cycling on short distances, and that includes:

• Leisure cycling – Due to their raised handlebars, comfort bikes allow you to ride upright, making them the best for leisure rides.
• Short-distance jaunts – You can go for short family excursions with a comfort bicycle.
• Running errands – Their ease of riding, especially on smoother terrains, makes them best for running errands.
• Around-town cruising – If you want to cruise around your neighborhood on two wheels, a comfort bike is as good as a cruiser bike.
• Light dirt trail-riding – You can ride on light dirt trails with comfort bicycles.

What Can’t You Use A Comfort Bike For?

Even though comfort bikes for tall riders have varied uses that make them versatile, they are not high-performer bicycles.

So, you cannot use them for any of these uses:

• Long-distance rides because they are heavy and not as tough as MTBs or tour bikes
• Fast riding, since they are slow and require you to sit upright, and the posture doesn’t favor long rides.

Why Your Next Bike Should Be A Comfort Bike

Generally, the primary reason why you should get a comfort cycle is its upright cycling advantage.

Thanks to their raised handlebars, comfort bicycles allow you to sit upright, and the posture offers you two benefits:

• Body comfort – Since you ride upright, you don’t strain your shoulders, neck, or back as much as you would if you were leaning forward.
• Road visibility – The fact that you are cycling upright means you fix your eyes on the road ahead and improve your in-traffic visibility. That’s essentially important when commuting on urban roads, where there’s too much traffic.

The other thing to note is that comfort bicycles are generally easy to get on and off, making them user-friendly.

I also cannot forget to mention their comfy softly-padded spring saddles that save you from saddle numbness and pain.

Buying Guide for the Best Comfort Bike For Tall Man

Let’s discuss the buying guide under bike size, comfort features, build quality, and accessories.

Bike Size (Correct Frame Size for Comfort Bikes for Tall Riders)

It’s never easy to find a comfort bike that matches your height. If you look carefully, however, you can find an option that fits your size.

While it’s essential to look at the handlebar’s height, seat height, and pedal length, the easiest way to find your bike size is by looking at the frame size.

It will help if you then match it with your height and inseam length, as shared in the table below.

Sizing Guide For The Best Bicycles For Tall Riders

Comfort Features (Comfort Features for Comfort Bikes for Tall Riders)

A comfort bike is called so because of the high level of cycling comfort it promises. So, it makes sense to prioritize the comfort features, which include:

1. Bike Suspension

A comfort bike can come with suspension (front or dual) or no suspension (rigid).

Usually, rigid comfort bicycles are lighter, but they are only best for smoother roads as they lack bump absorption capability.

In contrast, those with suspension are better suited to take on bumpier roads, with dual suspension options having the upper hand.

The suspension, however, makes them heavier.

2. Comfy Saddle

Comfort bicycles are known so mainly because of their comfortable seats. Their saddles come cushioned with foam or gel and usually are broader to offer you optimal comfort.

Others feature spring suspension to absorb vibrations and cushion your ride.

You should check for all these considerations before making the purchase.

3. Upright Handlebar

Comfort bicycles generally come with raised handlebars to allow you to pedal upright.

But to be confident of an upright cycling posture, consider swept-back handlebars, the same design as those you find on beach cruisers and most hybrid bikes.

4. Slant Top Bar

Don’t forget about the top bar, as it also determines the cycling comfort. Usually, the shorter and slanted it is, the easier it is to get on and off the bike.

Build Quality (Quality Build for Comfort Bikes for Tall Riders)

Now, it’s essential that you also pay attention to the bike’s overall build quality, just as much as its comfort.

Here are the priority areas:

a) Quality Frame

The best comfort bikes come in any of these frame materials:

• Hi-ten steel – It’s strong and affordable but heavy and rust-prone
• Chromoly steel – It’s lighter and stronger than hi-ten steel but slightly costlier
• Aluminum alloy – It’s lighter than the other two and rust-resistant but often expensive
• Carbon fiber – It’s the strongest, most lightweight, and most rust-resistant, but it’s also the costliest.

b) Quality Brakes

You should get the most out of your bike’s brakes. Essentially, you’ve two brake types to consider; disc and rim brakes.

Rim brakes are much cheaper to replace and are best for dry environments. Their effectiveness decreases in wet conditions, and that’s where disc brakes come in.

Disc brakes work in all weather and can take on rugged terrains. Their only downside is that they are expensive.

c) Correct Gearing

Comfort bikes come in a wide range of gears to serve different cycling needs. The gears range from one (single-gear) to more than 24.

It’s essential, however, that you consider your terrain and fitness level when picking the gear s. For example, if you are fitter and plans to ride on flatter roads, going for 1-3 gears makes sense.

But if you plan to take on the hills and are not very fit, go for more gears.

Accessories for Comfort Bikes for Tall Riders

Depending on your cycling needs and preferences, also consider add-ons like:

• Handgrips
• Fenders
• Chain guards
• Water cages
• Bike lights etc.

Best Comfort Bikes For Tall Riders Reviewed!

After looking at the buying guide, here are my most recommended comfort bikes for tall guys on Amazon.

1. Schwinn Suburban Men’s Classic Comfort Bike (Rider’s Height: 64-74 inches)

The Schwinn Suburban Men’s Classic Comfort Bike is every man’s dream recreational bike.

This comfort bike comes in an 18-inch steel frame and 26-inch wheels, making it ideal for male cyclists who measure 64-74 inches in height.

It features swept-back handlebars that put you in an upright and more relaxed cycling posture and powerful 7-speed shifters that allow you to take on lighter hills.

Its front and rear linear-pull brakes are always reliable on dry ground, and its strong alloy rims and massive tires promote a steadier ride.

The bicycle comes with wide soft-cushioned saddles that prevent saddle numbness and ergonomic grips that protect you from hand soreness.

Moreover, it has a front suspension for a more cushioned ride.

Best Features

• 18-inch steel frame
• Sept-back handlebars
• 7-speed shifters
• Linear handbrakes
• Comfortable saddle
• Ergonomic grips
• Front suspension
• Strong rims and broad tires

2. Schwinn Suburban Women’s Classic Comfort Bike (Rider’s Height: 64-74 inches)

The Schwinn Suburban Women’s Classic Comfort Bike is the ladies’ equivalent of the above-discussed comfort bike.

So, expect it to match the male version’s specs.

Though this women cruiser bike comes in a much smaller frame (16-inch), its 26-inch wheels make it suitable for riders measuring 64-74 inches, just like its male sibling.

This best bicycle for tall riders also comes with swept-back handlebars that keep you upright and 7-speed shifters that enable you to shift smoothly.

It also comes with front and rear linear-pull brakes with reliable stopping power and strong alloy rims, and massive tires that steady your ride.

It, however, doesn’t come with suspension, unlike the male version.

Its saddle is wide and well-padded and enjoys ergonomic grips to improve your cycling comfort.

Best Features

• 16-inch steel frame
• Linear handbrakes
• 7-speed shifters
• Ergonomic grips
• Comfort saddle
• Oversized tires and 26-inch solid wheels
• Swept-back handlebars

3. Raleigh Bikes Circa 1 Comfort Bike (Rider’s Height: 6’0″-6’4″)

If you want a comfort bike that you can use to conquer your rough neighborhood, you have to put the Raleigh Bikes Circa 1 at the top of your list.

Here’s why:

This comfort bike comes with dual-suspension to significantly absorb bumps and road vibrations. For that reason, it’s not just best for recreational cycling but also commuting and fitness cycling.

This comfort bike by Raleigh comes in a wide range of sizes, but its X-Large option fits riders who are 6’0″-6’4″ tall.

It’s assembled with comfort in mind, and you can tell that from its lightweight aluminum frame, comfy saddle, ergonomic grips, and upright geometry.

It also comes with a 7-speed drivetrain that allows you to shift across different terrains smoothly. Additionally, it enjoys anti-puncture Kenda tires that promise longevity.

Best Features

• Dual suspension
• Aluminum frame
• Cushy saddle
• Ergonomic grips
• 7-speed drivetrain
• Upright geometry
• Anti-puncture tires

FAQs

1. Are Comfort Bikes Any Good?

Comfort bikes are designed for comfortable short-distance casual cycling. They are the go-for bike when you want to go around town or run errands.

They are, however, not the best for racing or long-distance cycling.

2. How Far Can You Ride A Comfort Bike?

On average, comfort bicycles can go for 80-120 miles, depending on your fitness and the nature of the road. The fitter you are, the further you are likely to go.

3. What Bike Is The Most Comfortable For Tall Guys?

Here are the three best comfort bikes for big guys and tall riders like you:

1. Schwinn Suburban Men’s Bike: Best for Tall Men
2. Schwinn Suburban Women’s Bike: Best for Tall Women
3. Raleigh Bikes Circa 1: Best Dual Suspension Comfort Bike

4. What Should You Look For In A Comfort Bike?

When shopping for a comfort bike, the cycle’s comfort is critical. It has to live up to the name ‘comfort,’ which means going for the right bike size, comfortable seat, raised handlebars, suspension, and wide tires.

5. What’s The Difference Between A Comfort Bike And A Beach Cruiser?

Cruiser bikes and comfort bikes differ in maintenance and performance. While cruiser bikes are easier to maintain, they are outperformed by comfort bikes on lighter hills and rougher terrains.

6. Can Comfort Bikes Go Fast?

Comfort bikes are heavier than MTBs and Road bikes. They also feature wider tires that suffer slight rolling resistance on-road and mostly come with fewer gears.

So, you cannot expect them to go fast.  And given the fact that you cycle upright, you are likely to go slower.

Closing Thought on Comfort Bikes for Tall Riders:

Now you have the ultimate guide for the best comfort bikes for tall riders. You even have my top recommendations that are in harmony with the buying guide.

So, it’s time you get yourself a quality comfort bike!