Description
Big Sur Custom Hardtail Mountain Bike
At Zinn Cycles, we know our customers want to experience the freedom of a custom-made bike that is perfect for exploring new trails or hitting the open road. Our Big Sur custom hardtail mountain bike is just what the doctor ordered. This beauty is available in titanium, steel, or carbon fiber and we can customize it with any wheel size and frame geometry you need. We can build your hardtail mountain bike with 26-inch wheels, 27.5-inch wheels, or 29-inch wheels, 26 plus, 27.5 plus, and even 29 plus.
We are always here to help you figure out what dimensions will provide the perfect match for your riding style. The versatility of the Big Sur makes it ideal for cross-country racing or all-mountain riding. And with the correct crank length, you’ll experience a fit you never knew existed. We can build your custom hardtail mountain bike with the chainring combination you desire from our available 1, 2, or 3-ring configurations. If you like, we’ll include custom cable routing for dropper seat posts and electronic shifting so that your ride is up to date with the latest technology. Contact us today to get more information about our hardtail mountain bikes!
Frame Material Options
Titanium is a popular choice for custom bike frames due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Bike frames made with this material are around half the weight of steel frames, making them much easier to carry and handle. It’s ideal for larger bikes with big frame tubes and smaller, lightweight bikes. Titanium is also known for its compliance, ability to absorb shock and vibration, and for being a comfortable choice for long rides, as it won’t beat up your body as a stiffer frame would. Titanium is a strong metal that does not require extra large tubes and is fatigue resistant. It absorbs road buzz and small bumps on rough surfaces for a smooth ride. Steel frames may have smaller frame tubes, but they are not as compliant or comfortable as titanium frames. Plus, steel frames corrode, unlike titanium. Titanium frames can be painted or left without paint, powder coating, or plating like aluminum frames. But they don’t usually need it because they’re scratch-resistant, unlike aluminum or steel frames. Internal cable routing is a great way to keep your bike looking clean and sleek. But it’s not just about aesthetics – internal cable routing can also prolong the life of your bike. Unlike aluminum, titanium has a fatigue limit, so as long as the tubing is not stressed beyond this limit or damaged, it will never fatigue. In addition, titanium flexes three times further than aluminum and twice as far as steel without permanent damage. So if you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting bike frame, choosing titanium would be the best selection. |
Steel frames are versatile and can adapt to many riding styles. The ultimate tensile strength is incredibly high compared to aluminum or titanium, so they are dense and strong. The result is an unparalleled bike frame with a fatigue life that can more than handle heavy loads. Zinn steel frames also offer a rider of any size excellent performance and versatility at a great price. They are available in many sizes and configurations to suit any riding style and come with our lifetime warranty. At Zinn Cycles, the goal is to create the highest quality custom bicycles available. Our TIG welding method with a single strengthening gusset under the down tube offers immense strength and longevity while remaining reasonably lightweight. And steel frames will last many times longer than aluminum frames would. So you can be confident that your Zinn steel frame will provide a lifetime of great, responsive riding on your custom bicycle. |
At Zinn Cycles, we believe that a perfect bike fit is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. No matter where you live in the world, we will work with you to ensure your Zinn bike fit is perfect. We offer a full-service in-house bike fitting for those who can make it to Boulder, Colorado and we also have detailed measurement instructions for those who cannot. We are also happy to work directly with a bike fitter in your area, and we offer upgraded 3D bike fittings at the Boulder RETUL Center. For your hardtail mountain bike, we also are proud to offer RideLogic mountain bike fittings. Whether you’re looking for a complete custom fit or guidance on adjusting your existing setup, we’re here to help.
Design
Zinn Cycles Design Philosophy
For over 40 years, Lennard Zinn has been designing and building bikes specifically tailored to the needs of big and tall cyclists, petite women, and riders with injuries. His bikes are known for their durability, performance, and comfort, and he has worked closely with Dr. Andy Pruitt to develop models that meet the unique needs of riders with various ailments. Whether you’re looking for a bike that can accommodate your size or one that will help you recover from an injury, Lennard Zinn is a designer who you can trust. With a wealth of experience and a dedication to his craft, he has earned his place among the world’s leading bike designers.
The Problem with an Incorrectly Fitting Bike
Most people do not consider all the factors that go into building a custom bike for big and tall people. They assume it’s as simple as scaling up a “normal” sized frame. However, if all you do is scale up, several things can happen to the bike. All of which can affect the amount of control and maneuverability the rider experiences. In addition, incorrect measurements can increase the chance of injury and cause unnecessary aches and pains.
All of these factors must be accounted for when building a custom bike for big and tall people. Otherwise, the bike will not be safe or comfortable to ride.
- Stretched-out tubes become more flexible and could result in high-speed frame shimmy. The shimmy is a characteristic of a poorly designed bike and is dangerous to riders.
- Adding material to the frame makes it heavier, especially if a builder tries to solve shimmy with thicker tubes.
- A bike with the wrong handlebars will cause constant discomfort for tall cyclists.
- It is critical to incorporate tailor-made crank lengths to provide a natural feel for the rider.
The proportional crank length is an essential factor in our custom bike designs. We incorporate the rider’s height and weight to create a bike that is balanced and comfortable to ride. By choosing the correct crank length, we can ensure that the rider has a smooth, efficient pedaling motion. We have cranks ranging from 130mm up to 220mm. So, no matter your size, we can properly fit you. Lennard has developed numerous frame design concepts that address and solve different physical issues.
If you want a superior bike design, there is none more respected than Lennard Zinn. His bikes are known for being stiff, strong, lightweight, and never shimmy at high speeds. All components on a Zinn bike are proportional to the rider, so you can be sure that you’ll always have a perfect fit. Plus, the performance and comfort of a Zinn bike are unmatched – and we guarantee that it will last for years to come. If you’re looking for the best possible ride, there’s only one choice: a bike from Zinn Cycles.
Make it a Travel Bike
Add S&S Couplers for easy travel
S&S couplings are the perfect way to turn your bike into a travel-friendly machine. At our shop, we can easily add couplers to titanium or steel frames, resulting in a durable and long-lasting travel bike that you can break down into sections quickly. Depending on the size of the frame, we can install two or four couplers. Larger bikes require four couplers, while smaller bikes can get by with just two.
S&S couplers do not sacrifice any of the frame’s strength – if anything, they make it stronger. Well-made couplings are incredibly sturdy and durable, more so than any other point in the frame. So if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to take your bike on the road, we’ll set you up with the perfect set of S&S couplers.
At Zinn Cycles, we travel, and you best believe we know not all bikes can fit seamlessly into an airline regulation case. Bikes like 29ers, Touring bikes with racks and fenders, and e-bikes may or may not require a secondary bag or case to carry some bike parts. That’s why we offer custom-built bikes with S&S couplers, so you can easily disassemble your bike and pack it into a standard-sized case. In addition, S&S couplers add strength to your frame and make it more durable. So, if you’re interested in learning more about our custom bikes with couplers, reach out. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
Order a bike now
Zinn Cycles is committed to helping customers find the perfect bike. We offer a professional fitting service and the option to submit your exact measurements. If you choose to submit your measurements, click the button below and follow the instructions. Once we have your information, we will create a CAD bike drawing for you to review. Thank you for choosing Zinn Cycles!
Big Sur custom hardtail mountain bike