If the first time out in public donning skin tight cycling clothes isn’t embarrassing enough, try doing it with ill fitting ones. I did the rounds of my local bike shops in search of a tall cycling jersey, but the best I came across left me revealing my belly like a teenage girl might.
And then I came across Aero Tech Designs and their selection of tall cycling jerseys and other tall cycling clothes. First I tried out a yellow tall cycling jersey. I was actually able to select the large version as opposed to standard clothes where I always choose XL to get more length (I’m 6’7″).
Standard vs Aerotech Cycling Jersey for Tall Guy
Pleased with the results, I contacted them about writing a blog post. They sent me some tall bib shorts and a tall cycling jacket. For tall people, standard bib shorts are not an option; you need to ride shorts low if you are to maintain any level of decency, and suspenders can inhibit that. Aero Tech Design’s tall specific bib shorts solve this problem.
The Portland Tall Cycling jacket they sent me is fantastic. It is a true fowl weather cycling jacket:
- Extra long tail to protects your butt from wheel splash
- Easily long enough sleeves that have wrist bands with thumb holes to seal in body heat
- Super reflective so cars can spot you
- Big back pocket, two front pockets, and rear water bottle pockets
- Comfortable fleece lining
I think it is safe to say this is the best tall cycling jacket you will find, anywhere.
The Portland based company has been operating since the 80’s. It was around that time that domestic manufacturing began to be challenged by overseas manufacturing. Aero Tech Designs (as it was renamed in 2004), however, has kept the vast majority of it’s manufacturing domestic. I asked if their staff was particularly tall. Not so, they replied, they just cater to what there customers need, a fine sign for anyone looking for a good quality cycling shop.
Their other tall cycling clothes include tall cycling shorts, tall cycling pants (tights), and tall cycling long sleeve jerseys. For more, see the affiliate links below.
Tall Cycling Clothes
The only thing worse than poorly fitting clothes is poorly fitting spandex clothes. You can avoid this with Aerotech’s tall cycling clothes. They make some good quality stuff in a variety of colors and for a reasonable price. I really like their jackets in particular. Check out my review of them here: Tall Cycling Jersey and other Tall Cycling Clothes
Another fine option I recently came across is Zinn Cycles. They are notorious for building fabulous custom bikes for tall people. But it turns out they also do standard bikes, components, and tall men’s cycling clothes too! I haven’t tried them out personally. But if they are half as good as their bikes (I rode Zinn’s 747 for a while), then they’re worth checking out!
I have been a road cyclist since 1976. I am 6ft 8in tall, and I had used Aero Tech and Liked it.. But if you want custom made pro kits Bibs Jersey etc go to http://www.boure.com….. All made in Durango Co.. If you call you will talk to Drew very very nice guy…I do not work for them But I do use them.. Oh FYI I buy all my Bibs, Bid Knickers, Bid Tights and Jerseys from Boure and do not need to have it custom made…
Thanks Ted, I just checked them out, first time I have come across custom fit cycling clothing, good to know!
I only see the regular (non-tall) version of the Portland jacket on Aerotech’s website – do you know if they still sell a tall version? Looks like an awesome jacket!
Thanks!!
I think they’ve discontinued it, too bad! They have a couple other tall men’s cycling jackets that look pretty good too though.
Haven’t seen a tall size cycling jersey that isn’t as boring looking as it gets. Even if it fits, Aerotech makes nothing I’d want to wear. I’m 6’7″, not dead.
LOL. But still better than showing off your belly button, no? Their Pace and Coolmax tall men’s cycling jersey’s are a bit better than their standard one’s. You could always check out the tall men’s cycling jersey’s by Zinn too…
Lol. Same thoughts here.
I’m your size and agree. Have you found any decent looking jerseys that don’t make you look like a belly dancer?
The only ones I’ve tried out are by Aerotech. They’re a decent fit but could be more stylish. At some point I’d like to try out the tall men’s cycling jersey’s from “>Lennard Zinn’s company, they look nice.
Hill Killer makes tall jerseys.
Hey Gentlemen, Anyone know where to find tall WOMEN’s bike jerseys? Searching the web and not finding anything in talls!
OMG I just did a search for the same thing as I’m a 6 ft tall woman.
Unfortunately I’m not aware of any either. I wonder why companies aren’t catering to tall women, perhaps they assume tall women could just where men’s shirts, but I’m guessing the fit would be just too off… I’ll have to ask them at some point.
This is SUCH. A. PROBLEM. Can’t find long enough jerseys anywhere and when I wear a men’s small, it’s generally too loose in the body and the fit is obviously for a dude. Let me know if you ever find anything! Or maybe we should start a company…
I’d be happy to promote tall cycling jersey company here 🙂
For now though, one option is to just get tall athletic shirts from companies like Tall Slim Tees or American Tall.
Check out Hillkiller—they have tall sizes too!
They’re terrible quality and fit!
Can you comment on the bike shorts from Aero Tech? Some people say they are see-through and the stitching doesn’t hold up.
Not sure, sorry!
I tried their Classic short (least expensive). Yes, too thin/see-thru, and the chamois was too far forward. Sent em back the same day.
However, I have worn Aero Tech Elite bibs for 5 years. Bought new Elite bibs this season b/c of damage from a wreck last year. I can tell a difference in the padding; old ones had thinned some but still better than most mid-price-range shorts from others (Pearl, Baleaf, etc) you’d find online.
7’0″, 265 lbs. I wear XXL Tall Elite bibs & 3XL jerseys (1 have 3) from AeroTech Designs.
The Black Bibs have some good quality tall bib options
I tried their Classic short (least expensive). Yes, too thin/see-thru, and the chamois was too far forward. Sent em back the same day.
However, I have worn Aero Tech Elite bibs for 5 years. Bought new Elite bibs this season b/c of damage from a wreck last year. I can tell a difference in the padding; old ones had thinned some but still better than most mid-price-range shorts from others (Pearl, Baleaf, etc) you’d find online.
7’0″, 265 lbs. I wear XXL Tall Elite bibs & 3XL jerseys (1 have 3) from AeroTech Designs.