reno327

Hello, I'm an uber-clyde rider at 410 #s....I need help with recommendations of cromoly steel framed bikes with rigid steel forks. After reading many threads, it seems that the opinions seem to favor rigid forks and steel framed bikes. I would appreciate anyone's input, thank you.

bdinger

Surly, Salsa, Trek and Bianchi all make great steel frames or bikes. I personally ride a Surly Long Haul Trucker, by far the best bike I've owned. Amazingly smooth ride, and the stock components are up to us 300+ folk.

The Trek 520 is another great choice, had some of the components been more what I wanted and the price closer to the LHT, I would have gone with it.

And finally - check out your local craigslist. Used steel MTBs make great clyde bikes.

reno327

Thanks for the input......all nice bikes........I'm still new to riding, I was hoping to find a bike for around $500 or so. I'm looking at biking on asphalt, but I'm not into the road bikes (leaning all the way over) yet. Any other recommendations......I bought the Kona Smoke 2-9 and I'm also looking for a second bike for similar riding.

Crank57

Steel frame, solid fork are good ideas. Don't forget the wheels. I have noticed other posts where tandem bike wheels with high number of heavy guage spokes are just as important as the frame.

AbundantChoice

I think only about 2 of us on the board ride them, but have you considered a Worksman cycle?

Theyre actually industrial bikes, so they can stand up to just about *anything* you throw at them. Weight won't be an issue. Theyre extremely heavy however, and the only gearing options are one-speed or hub-based 3-speed, so you won't be setting any speed records, and if your area is hilly they might be a bad idea. You can get one set up for ~ $500-600 easy.

tigereye

I'm going through the same decision right now. For around $500 you can look at the Jamis Coda or the KHS Flite 220 or 220t. The Jamis is a flat bar hybrid whereas the Flite is a road bike, but speced to the low end of the scale.

Harry Stone

Good idea. Years ago I worked in a factory where they got used quite a bit. I saw them loaded with lots of weight all the time.

Oh, and another vote for a Surly Long Haul Trucker. I started out just over 300 and mine has taken a beating so far without a hitch.

v1k1ng1001

I would build pay the extra cash and build up a Surly Long Haul Trucker, maybe with a flat bar (if that is what you want).

txvintage

There are a ton of choices in the vintage market. They might not have the "Shwag" factor with younger riders, but the right specimen can be a true joy to ride from a comfort point of view.

Lot's of "upgrade" potential too as you advance.

bdinger

I'm actually in the process of figuring out if I'm going to switch to a MTB style bar (Jones H-Bar) with thumbies or a Moustache bar. Riding in the drops doesn't agree well with my car-accident-damaged back, I've found after many miles now .

Also OP, the Smoke 2-9 is a great "all arounder". You may just keep that and save up the cash for what you really want, when you know what it is . I say that because it took me three bikes to figure it out.. and who knows if I really "figured it out" this time!!

v1k1ng1001

Go with the moustache bar. Serious style points.

KMRider

This is what I put together in a steel frame:

Its all toured out with racks, panniers and a Brooks B17 special but, you get the idea...it supports my #250 nicely

vorkus

I can't offer a suggestion specifically on steel, but I started with a Diamondback Wildewood Deluxe mountain bike (aluminum). I think it was 2003. I was about $400 if I recall. I weighed in at about 385 when I started.

I do highly recommend you invest in the tools and a book on truing your own wheels. It didn't take to many rides before I had wacked mine out pretty good. I trued them then a few times and they have been good since.

goldenbrowns

www.jamisbikes.com

They have quite a few steel road, commuter, and flat bar fitness/road bikes. This 260 lb Clyde is the very happy owner of a Jamis Aurora. Good luck!

Sam Wade

I started at 429# with a steel frame Trek and it was misery. My Back ached, my arms hurt holding "me" up. Go get a Townie from Electra. I have ridden mine down 70 pounds and I love it. No pain, just a good ride and a good work of the legs.
Shoot me a PM if you want some help.
-Sam

wrk101

Picked this one up on Craigs List for $75, added trekking bars and slicks, so I have about $120 into it as it sits. Deore LX and DX components. 1992 Trek 950, true temper lugged chrome moly frame. Strong 26 inch wheels. There are many comparable bikes by other manufacturers.

SuperFatDave

Hybrid or mountain bike?

Try Jamis, KHS, Kona and GT.

Depending on what your lbs's sell you may be able to find something.

Otherwise you'll need to do a lil online research.

LordBass

These are great choices in the $500 range. If you are new to riding, you probably don't want to mess with maintenance on an old bike, and buying can be hard unless you know what you are looking at. The above bikes from a good LBS will give you a great intro to road cycling.