Bicycle Type
Olivier Rioux’s 36er: Why Big Wheels Fit Tall Riders
Terrebonne, Que.’s towering Olivier Rioux is taking the NCAA by storm, on a 36er
College basketball loves a storyline, and this season’s comes with a tape-measure twist. Olivier Rioux—Terrebonne, Quebec’s headline-grabbing giant—has been the kind of player you spot from the top row of the arena without trying. At 7’9”, he doesn’t just “stand out.” He resets the scale. Cameras linger. Fans gawk. Commentators run out of adjectives.
But the part of the Rioux conversation that caught my cycling-editor ear isn’t what happens in the paint. It’s what happens between classes and training sessions—when a human being that tall tries to move through a world built for average proportions. Cars, seats, legroom, door frames: for most of us, these are afterthoughts. For Rioux, they’re daily friction points. And that’s where the bike enters the chat.
Not a regular bike, either. A big-wheel machine: a 36er. Yes, 36-inch wheels—more commonly associated with niche adventure builds, tall-rider solutions, and the occasional “what on earth is that?” parking-lot encounter. If you’re wondering, what kind of a bike does a 7’9″ human ride?—this is your answer: one with wheels large enough to make most 29ers look like kids’ equipment.
- 【Frame】: Durable steel dual suspension Mountain Bike frame. Featured with Front suspension fork and rear coil shock to smooth out the bumps along the way.
- 【Speeds】: Effortless gear change with 18-speed twist shifters and front and rear derailleurs.Help you find the perfect cadence to navigate your path ahead.
- 【Control】: Front and rear linear pull brakes provide control and strong stopping power.
- 【Tires】: The 26-inch all-terrain bike tires are great for various terrains, while fit to riders 5'2'' to 6'2'' inches tall.
- 【Ideal Rider】: The ideal rider for this bike is a men/woman aged 13 and up.
- SMOOTH DUAL SUSPENSION FOR COMFORT: Front suspension fork and rear spring shock absorb bumps, providing a controlled, comfortable ride on trails, gravel paths, and uneven roads.
- DURABLE STEEL FRAME WITH STYLISH DESIGN: The strong steel frame features a sleek gray gloss finish with bold red accents for durability, a modern look, and long-lasting performance.
- 21-SPEED SHIMANO GEAR SYSTEM: Conquer any terrain with the 21-speed drivetrain, Shimano rear derailleur, and twist shifters for smooth, precise gear changes, even on steep hills.
- KNOBBY ALL-TERRAIN TIRES FOR GREAT TRACTION: 26-inch tires deliver excellent grip and stability on dirt, gravel, or pavement, ensuring confidence and control in any conditions.
- BUILT FOR RIDERS 5'0" OR TALLER: Perfect for trail rides, commutes, or recreational cycling, this bike offers a comfortable fit and all the features you need for exciting outdoor adventures.
- Lightweight 16.5 inch aluminum mountain frame is the perfect bike for rides around your neighborhood or trails with 26-inch wheels fit riders 5' 3" - 5' 8" inches tall
- Bicycle is equipped with an alloy crank that delivers smooth gear changes, requiring minimal maintenance
- Mountain bike has twist shifters with a rear derailleur to make gear changes quick and easy
- Lightweight and sturdy alloy wheel and wide knobby mountain tires offer stability and balance to riders on all terrains and in all weather conditions
- Quick-release seat posts for easy adjustments, arrives 80% assembled, will need the following tool: Phillips head screwdriver, 2.5-8mm Allen wrenches, adjustable wrench, pliers with cable cutters
Why a 36er makes sense when you’re built like a redwood
In cycling, fit is everything. It’s the difference between a bike that disappears beneath you—letting you focus on the ride—and a bike that constantly reminds you it wasn’t made for you. For very tall riders, the usual compromises pile up fast: extra-long seatposts, towering stacks of spacers, stems that feel like outstretched arms, and frames that still look undersized once you’ve maxed out adjustments.
The beauty of a 36er isn’t that it’s “bigger” for the sake of spectacle. It’s that the geometry can finally start to match long limbs and high saddle heights without turning the bike into an awkward lever. Bigger wheels lift the axle height, change the whole relationship between rider and ground, and help create a proportionate cockpit. In other words, it’s not a novelty—at least not for the rider who actually needs it.
There’s also a practical, campus-commuter logic here. A 36-inch wheel rolls over cracks, curbs, and rough pavement with a calmness that surprises people the first time they try one. That “monster truck” rollover effect is real. For a rider with long legs and a powerful stride, it can feel like the bike finally keeps up with their natural cadence and momentum.
The bigger point: cycling is quietly becoming the tall-person mobility hack
Rioux isn’t the first elite big man to discover that bikes can be the easiest way to reclaim day-to-day independence. The sports world has flirted with big-wheel bikes for years. When you can’t fold yourself into standard vehicles without drama, the simplest solution is often the one you power yourself. No seat rails to max out. No headliner to graze. No steering wheel wedged into your thighs. Just a frame, two wheels, and the freedom to move.
And there’s something refreshing about that in 2026: the most extraordinary body on the court choosing an ordinary act—riding across campus—to make life smoother. The spectacle fades. The practicality remains. That’s the part I admire.
If you’re not 7’9”, what should you take from this?
Most of us won’t ever swing a leg over a true 36er, and that’s fine. But Rioux’s story highlights a truth that applies to every rider: get the right bike for your body, not the bike the market assumes you have. If you’re tall (say 6’4” and up), don’t accept a “close enough” fit. Prioritize stack and reach, look for brands that offer true XL/XXL geometries, and work with a fitter who understands long-limbed riders.
And if you’re simply curious about big wheels, comfort, and rolling efficiency, there are ways to explore the same idea without chasing a unicorn frame. Start with the fundamentals: contact points, stability, and tools that keep your ride reliable.
Gear I’d recommend for tall riders and campus commuters
These aren’t “because you’re 7’9” picks—these are smart, real-world items that make daily riding better, especially if your bike setup is on the larger side and you’re putting in steady miles:
- PCS-10.3 - Deluxe Home Mechanic Repair Stand
- Includes 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex wrenches
- Wrenches made from industrial tool steel, through hardened and tempered for long life
- Chamfered tips for a perfect fit
- Fast. Easy. Clean. Designed to keep your bike chain fast and clean by reducing friction, repelling dirt, and improving pedaling efficiency in dry and dusty conditions.
- Non-Stick Ceramic Technology – Advanced ceramic additives form a dry, wax-like film that reduces friction, improves drivetrain efficiency, and delivers smooth, consistent performance.
- Quick-Drying, Dry-to-the-Touch Formula – Sets up fast and dries clean, helping prevent dirt, dust, and grime from sticking to chains and components.
- Long-Lasting Clean Performance – Strongly repels grit and grime to minimize drivetrain wear, extend chain life, and maintain quiet, efficient operation between applications.
- Complete Chain Coverage – Designed to lubricate internal chain contact points for smoother, longer-lasting performance.
- 13mm hardened MAX-PERFORMANCE STEEL SHACKLE resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks
- Includes 4’ KRYPTOFLEX DOUBLE LOOP CABLE for securing front wheel or accessories
- Reinforced CUFF OVER CROSSBAR and cylinder for added security
- HIGH SECURITY DISC-STYLE CYLINDER
- BENT FOOT SHACKLE design for ease of use
- Intense 800 Lumen USB rechargeable bicycle headlight in a sleek design that covers the range from road cycling to mountain biking
- 9 modes (hours): Low (6: 30), Med (3), High (1: 30), Boost (1), Steady Pulse (3: 30), Daylighting (12), Triple Flash (18), Zoom (3: 30), Walking (110)
- Steady Pulse alerts with pulses as its overlapping steady beam lights the night; Daylighting's powerful flashes make you stand out in broad daylight
- Extra wide, long range beam; USB charging; light activation lockout; low battery indicator; water resistant; weighs only 140 grams
- Designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA
- Compact Power Pump: A fold-out foot pad and flexible hose turn this mini pump into a portable floor pump, so roadside fills are faster and steadier.
- Precision Inflation: Capable of 160 psi / 11 bar, enough for skinny road tires, and it still fills fat MTB tires with ease on road, gravel and trail.
- Universal Valve Fit: Works with Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves via one reliable head with integrated dust cap to keep it clean during travel or storage.
- Durable Build & Ergonomic Design: Features a butted aluminum barrel and T-type dual-density polymer handle for durability and a comfortable, stable grip.
- Lightweight & Bike-Mountable: Weighs only 5.43 oz (154 g) and measures 10.2" long, with a centerline mount bracket (TRP-3C) for secure on-frame carry.
- THE FLAT-LESS TIRE - The most puncture-resistant pneumatic tire offers the best puncture protection for your bike and is ideal for long, worry-free rides.
- ANTI-AGING SIDEWALL - The special sidewall of the Schwalbe Marathon Plus bicycle tire is resistant to typical overloads caused by low air pressure and does not show any cracks.
- VARIOUS SIZES – The bicycle tire is available in sizes 16, 20, and 24 inches, as well as 26, 27, and 28 inches, making it suitable for different types of bicycles, including e-bikes, road bikes, and MTBs.
- OUTSTANDING SAFETY - The Marathon Plus offers optimal protection against punctures, including thumbtacks, thanks to its robust 5 mm puncture protection layer.
- BRAND EXPERTISE - Schwalbe stands for over 100 years of tradition and expertise in the field of bicycle tires, which guarantees quality and reliability in every product.
The editorial takeaway
We love to treat unusual bikes as curiosities. The tall rider on a big-wheel bike becomes a viral clip, a walking punchline, a “look at that!” moment. But there’s a more useful interpretation: cycling is one of the few forms of transport that can be scaled—up or down—without asking permission from automakers, transit systems, or the dimensions of a parking space.
Rioux on a 36er is funny for half a second, and then it’s inspiring for much longer. It’s a reminder that the best equipment isn’t what looks normal. It’s what lets you move through your day with less compromise. If you’re a tall rider who’s been making do, consider this your nudge: stop settling. Fit matters. Freedom matters. And sometimes the solution really is… a bigger wheel.
FAQ
What kind of a bike does a 7’9″ human ride?
Typically, something purpose-built with proportional geometry—like a 36er (a bike with 36-inch wheels) or a custom extra-large frame. The goal is stable handling and a cockpit that fits long legs and arms without extreme component compromises.
Is a 36er faster than a normal bike?
Not automatically. Bigger wheels can carry momentum well and roll smoothly over rough surfaces, but speed depends on gearing, aerodynamics, rider power, and terrain. Many 36ers are optimized for comfort and rollover rather than outright racing speed.
Are 36-inch wheels hard to handle?
They can feel different at low speeds and during tight turns, and mounting/dismounting takes practice. Once moving, many riders find them stable—especially on imperfect pavement.
Do tall riders need special saddles or handlebars?
Not necessarily “special,” but they benefit from the right widths, reaches, and saddle shapes for their anatomy. A professional fit helps determine whether you need longer cranks, a different bar rise, or more supportive saddle options.
If I’m tall (but not 7’9”), what’s the best first step?
Start with frame geometry: choose a brand that offers true XL/XXL sizing with adequate stack and reach. Then dial in contact points (saddle height/setback, stem length, handlebar width) and avoid maxing out components just to make a too-small frame work.
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