How to Shop in Big and Tall Cycling Apparel
What's the Difference Between Big and Tall? If you measure larger in the chest, neck and shoulders, you are considered a Big Man. Such men do not fit in the standard sized cycling apparel and mostly face the problem of finding the right fit for them. Those jerseys are either too tight on the chest or too saggy. At Aero Tech Designs, we understand that struggle, which is why we cut our Big Man jerseys for a fuller, longer, superior fit. So, the large men can now enjoy shopping for cycling apparel which fit them appropriately without compromising on size and quality.
Tall men are normally of heights measuring 6 feet 2 inches and above. They have longer arm lengths and torso compared to average height men. Like the Big Man, tall ones also have to face several issues while looking for cycling apparel that has the added length for a fit perfect. Some of the most common issues are finding a cycling jersey that reaches the waist or having long enough sleeves. Aero Tech Designs Tall Man section solves that problem. Our cycling jerseys have extra length in the torso and sleeves compared to the regular fit to properly fit the tall men.
Big and Tall Cycling Apparel is tailored with the added material to provide full coverage, style and high end performance. Aero Tech Designs treats their big and tall clothing as gear. Equipment that adds benefits to your bicycle rides. Our goal is to help you ride longer and feel stronger.
What if I am both Big and Tall?
Some men have characteristics of both Big and Tall. That is, they measure larger like a Big Man and they have long arms and body like a Tall Man. But even this is not an issue. There are new ranges of apparel available in sizes which fit such men ideally. If you are big and tall, look for sizes such as "XL, XXL and 3XL and tall". These sizes are meant to fit you well because they are broader from the shoulders and chest and have longer sleeves and torso.
The Clydesdale Cycling Class
The Clydesdale is a weighted category for male cyclists who weigh 200 or more. Like its namesake horse, Clydesdale cyclists are large and sturdy, built for power more than for speed -- unlike your typically lean cyclist. Despite the stigma, it's not made from lazy, flabby athletes. Clydesdale's can be tall & gangly, brawny football players with no fat at all,or anyone who embraces the motto: Fit doesn't equal thin. If you look at most Clydesdale's, they're just large, big-boned and muscled.
The Clydesdale class was created in the 1980's after an analysis of various-sized male athletes. After men reached around 170 lbs, their performance declined relative to their peers with a lighter build. This means that someone large & slower could perform just as well as someone smaller & faster. For example, a 210 lbs man who runs a 10-kilometer race in 51 minutes (about an eight-minute-per-mile pace) is performing as well as a 150 lbs man who runs the distance in a speedy 38 minutes (about a six-minute-per-mile pace).
Cyclists in this class participate with all the others, but compete within the category to provide them with fair competition -- ranking them with others who have a similar build. This makes sense in the sport of cycling, where leaner bikers have an advantage over those carrying more weight. For larger cyclists, the Clydesdale class offers an opportunity to participate competitively. The Athena class is a similar category for women who are 150lbs or more. Studies show that people who are considered plus size and stay active have a lower death rate than those who are skinny and sedentary.
Tips and Pointers
Now that you know the differences between Big, Tall and Big & Tall, you can start shopping. Start by selecting from our wide variety of cycling wear offered in many styles and color choices. Yes, we said color choices! We know for years Big and Tall cycling apparel came in few colors, but now there’s so much more to choose from.
One suggestion when shopping for Big and Tall cycling apparel is to look at the size charts, especially for outerwear such as jackets. These fabrics are less stretchy than those used for jerseys and shorts. If you’re unsure something will fit, contact us. And if you do order something you love and find that it’s a bit too small, too big, or too long, let us help you exchange it.
*Make your size decisions while sitting in the bicycle saddle not standing up. Cycling gear is designed for the cycling position, not standing.
* Leg gripper and elastics may feel funny the first time you try them on, but don't over-react. Elastics are fantastic on the ride, they make the clothing stay in place so you don't have to tug at them when you move around cycling and exercising.
* If you are chafing on the bicycle, make sure you are NOT wearing underwear, the chamois padding goes next to you skin without any liners. We have anti-chafe creams that work like a magic wand to eliminate chafe between the legs. We highly recommend them.
MEASURING GUIDE
*Chest: Measure across the fullest part just under the arms
*Arm: Measure around the thickest part of your bicep
*Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your midsection
*Hips: Measure around the fullest part
*Glove Size: Measure the circumference of your hand over the knuckles
*Sock Size: Use your shoe size
At Aero Tech Designs, we don’t think about big and tall as anything different from our normal design process. When we design a new product, it’s assumed it will go to at least 4XL. We have become the leaders in providing every body type with a wide variety of comfortable cycling apparel, and we maintain a very reasonable price while accommodating all fitness levels. There’s no need to have to shop on multiple sites to get apparel to fit you or everyone on your cycling team. Choose from big, tall, big & tall or standard sizes in a wide array of styles and colors.
FINDING THE RIGHT BIKE
Cyclists come in all shapes and sizes, and so do bikes. However, if you’re super-tall or consider yourself in the Clydesdale class, finding long-lasting, proper-fitting bike gear can be tough. It can even be harder to find components and frames that can stand up to the weight of larger cyclists.
If you’re a larger cyclist looking for a bike frame, wheels, or even a smaller component, call the company’s customer service and ask about weight limits and if bigger cyclists were taken into consideration during development and testing. Warranties may be voided on certain products if you’re over their prescribed limit, and there’s a good chance that a customer service rep can point you toward the best options. If you're looking to build a bike from the ground up, you have several aspects to consider.
*Frames: You can either work with frame builders who understand your limitations and can design a bike that fits you and is built to last, or contact the manufacturer directly to ask about the frame’s tubing and tolerances. Frames for bigger folks can have the bigger-diameter and thicker-wall tubing. Most are made with titanium. While the immediate price tag of a stock model may be appealing, think about the repairs you may run into, as well as what happens if the warranty isn’t applicable to you.
*Wheels: Wheels can be a weak point — especially for mountain biking. Consider durability first when choosing parts. Check for high thread-count tires, strong inner tubes, and special double-butted stainless steel spokes. Ask your local bike shops if they can build wheels with a good hub and tougher spokes that are less likely to snap, or adjust a rim you bought separately.
*Saddle: While a cushy saddle is great for a leisurely ride, many cyclists find a stiffer, more supportive model more suitable for longer outings. A common misconception for larger cyclists is that they need a wider and softer saddle to be comfortable. You can go wide if you're not planning on racing and are planning to stay in the upright position, but not too wide in the mid-section since it can cause chafing. Rule of thumb is enough width and saddle padding to support the sit bones, with a shared balance of weight distribution on handlebars, seat, and pedals. Try out a bunch of different saddles to find the one right for you and your cycling position. Don't forget to try it with your chamois pad! What may work for one person, may not work for you.
*Seatposts & handlebars: Other components can be problematic as well, particularly the weight-bearing parts like seatposts and handlebars. Cyclists should ensure that the products that they intend to purchase are authentic. Call each company before buying — especially if you’re looking at a carbon bar, since they often come with weight restrictions.