Bike Suggestions for bigger guy

gbargsley
gbargsley Posts: 55
in Fitness and Exercise
I really enjoy riding the bike at the gym and would like to transition to biking outside. It really sounds good to get out on the road in this nice weather and ride. I have tried a couple bikes in the past, but with my weight currently around 350 it is hard to find a good solid bike to support my weight.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a durable and comfortable bike that I could get some good use out of?

Thanks
gb

Replies

  • Wuggums
    Wuggums Posts: 339 Member
    I was about the same weight when I started biking and I was concerned about finding a bike that could support my weight. I ended up with a Diamondback Wildwood Deluxe. It is a "comfort" bike, so you sit up straighter when you ride - more comfortable on the back and bum. And, it has a heavier frame than most of the other bikes I found - making it sturdier. I never had a problem riding it at my highest weight and I still enjoy it today. I'd prefer a faster bike now, and I'm looking at investing in a good road bike, but I still get good use out of it!
  • myofibril
    myofibril Posts: 4,500 Member
    It's a tough one as most bike manufacturers have a maximum load value of about 250lbs so you will need to check the specs of the particular model.

    I guess some bikes with steel frames would support a higher weight in practice but you might want to consider reinforcing the back wheel and frame as that is where most of your weight will be distributed.

    You might want to check out this website as it gives some useful info on what else to look for:

    http://www.supersizedcycles.com/
  • paulrb02
    paulrb02 Posts: 1
    #270 mountain biker here. I'm not sure if you want a road bike or a mountain bike. But the same is true for both. Go to a local bike shop and buy a bike from them (NOT Walmart) It will probably be an aluminum frame. Most bike frames will handle your weight just fine. The wheels on the other hand will not. Now for you the wheels should last 4-5 months on rough trails or maybe up to a year on the road. I think by then you will have lost more weight, and also you see if you like riding bike "in the wild". Buying a stout set of wheels from the beginning will cost you alot of money. I say use the cheap ones until they break, you'll get a good taste of what you like and don't like, then buy on a good set of wheels.

    edit: also if you are worried about breaking the frame, most manufactures have a 2 year warranty on them. and Trek has a life time warranty.


    Mountain bike for bike guys(there are lots of 300+ in here): http://forums.mtbr.com/clydesdales-tall-riders/

    I don't know a good road forum though.
  • myofibril
    myofibril Posts: 4,500 Member
    ^^^^ Good advice.

    Get to know the dudes in your local bike shop and avoid large chains if you can help it. Standards of assembly are generally woeful as are the components on their cheap models.

    Trek is a good choice.

    Get out in the sunshine and have a blast. I'm excited for you!
  • gbargsley
    gbargsley Posts: 55
    Tanks for the suggestions.

    I am going to see if I can find a Diamondback Wildwood today. Also found people talking about the Giant Sedona.

    Hopefully I can find something today and go for my first ride.

    gb
  • LouisAA1978
    LouisAA1978 Posts: 275
    i was 360 when a bought a schwinn from walmart for like 150 well after 350 miles on it i have had no problems and love it i can ride for hours with no trouble
  • gbargsley
    gbargsley Posts: 55
    Got myself a Haro Flightline Two 29er. Took it out today and it was great.

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