6'5" 450lbs looking for a bike to ride
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
6'5" 450lbs looking for a bike to ride
Hello everyone,
I am 6'5" and hover currently around 450 lbs and was looking into cycling to get into better shape. I noticed most bikes have a 300 lbs rating on them and I tired looking for something with a higher weight limit but I haven't been very lucky. I called a local bike shop and they recommended the Specialized Roll Sport or the Specialized Rockhopper. Would this bike hold up? If not is there anything I can do to it or any other bike recommendations?
I am 6'5" and hover currently around 450 lbs and was looking into cycling to get into better shape. I noticed most bikes have a 300 lbs rating on them and I tired looking for something with a higher weight limit but I haven't been very lucky. I called a local bike shop and they recommended the Specialized Roll Sport or the Specialized Rockhopper. Would this bike hold up? If not is there anything I can do to it or any other bike recommendations?
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I’m in a similar boat as you and this forum has helped a lot! A lot of the guys suggested a touring bike like a Karate Monkey from Surly or even a Long Haul Trucker. I went to several bike shops and the consensus was to get me on a mtb. I’m 6’3 375 so not far off from you. The Rockhopper Elite is what I have decided on. Apparently it is easier to change out forks and tires on a mtb to match what type of riding you want to do. From what I gather from research, and replies here, is that the frames should be good for us, but the components ie. wheels and tires and spokes are what we need to focus on with our weight. I’m going to be upgrading the saddle as well. It should get me going for a while. You can check out www.prowheelbuilder.com and input your request for wheels and they will recommend something for you. There’s going to be pros and cons on whatever bike we get, but I felt pretty good on the specialized so I felt like the bike chose me. Others with more knowledge can definitely steer you better than I can but that is what I decided.
TL;DR Specialized Rockhopper Elite with upgraded real wheel and new seat.
TL;DR Specialized Rockhopper Elite with upgraded real wheel and new seat.
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I’m in a similar boat as you and this forum has helped a lot! A lot of the guys suggested a touring bike like a Karate Monkey from Surly or even a Long Haul Trucker. I went to several bike shops and the consensus was to get me on a mtb. I’m 6’3 375 so not far off from you. The Rockhopper Elite is what I have decided on. Apparently it is easier to change out forks and tires on a mtb to match what type of riding you want to do. From what I gather from research, and replies here, is that the frames should be good for us, but the components ie. wheels and tires and spokes are what we need to focus on with our weight. I’m going to be upgrading the saddle as well. It should get me going for a while. You can check out www.prowheelbuilder.com and input your request for wheels and they will recommend something for you. There’s going to be pros and cons on whatever bike we get, but I felt pretty good on the specialized so I felt like the bike chose me. Others with more knowledge can definitely steer you better than I can but that is what I decided.
TL;DR Specialized Rockhopper Elite with upgraded real wheel and new seat.
TL;DR Specialized Rockhopper Elite with upgraded real wheel and new seat.
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 9
Bikes: Trek 820
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm right there with you (6'5" and currently about 415lbs, after regaining a bunch and getting all the way back to 430...). I'm currently on a Trek 820 I picked up back in April (XXL frame) and it's been good so far, approaching the 500 mile mark with it. I went with it for the steel frame aspect - so if it has a catastrophic failure it'll likely just bend vs. shattering like aluminium. It came with nice Bontrager LT3 hard case tires and so far haven't had a single issue with anything (pinch flats were a big worry). Currently riding a mix of paved bike paths and non-paved limestone trails.
Though a couple years ago I did go from about 380ish lbs down to the 300 mark on my old Giant Rincon with some Bontrager H2 hard case tires - but with the previous stress placed on that aluminium frame I didn't want to push it.
I set a goal and once I reach it I'll get a much nicer bike, but if I frag the 820 on the way at least it's not a super large investment...
Though a couple years ago I did go from about 380ish lbs down to the 300 mark on my old Giant Rincon with some Bontrager H2 hard case tires - but with the previous stress placed on that aluminium frame I didn't want to push it.
I set a goal and once I reach it I'll get a much nicer bike, but if I frag the 820 on the way at least it's not a super large investment...
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm right there with you (6'5" and currently about 415lbs, after regaining a bunch and getting all the way back to 430...). I'm currently on a Trek 820 I picked up back in April (XXL frame) and it's been good so far, approaching the 500 mile mark with it. I went with it for the steel frame aspect - so if it has a catastrophic failure it'll likely just bend vs. shattering like aluminium. It came with nice Bontrager LT3 hard case tires and so far haven't had a single issue with anything (pinch flats were a big worry). Currently riding a mix of paved bike paths and non-paved limestone trails.
Though a couple years ago I did go from about 380ish lbs down to the 300 mark on my old Giant Rincon with some Bontrager H2 hard case tires - but with the previous stress placed on that aluminium frame I didn't want to push it.
I set a goal and once I reach it I'll get a much nicer bike, but if I frag the 820 on the way at least it's not a super large investment...
Though a couple years ago I did go from about 380ish lbs down to the 300 mark on my old Giant Rincon with some Bontrager H2 hard case tires - but with the previous stress placed on that aluminium frame I didn't want to push it.
I set a goal and once I reach it I'll get a much nicer bike, but if I frag the 820 on the way at least it's not a super large investment...
#6
Señor Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,066
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
215 Posts
If you are going for steel, you need to find robust steel like a surly or the mentioned Trek 820. Lightweight steel will flex excessively and be *more* likely to break than a sturdy aluminum frame.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
9 Posts
Im between 380-400 (havent weighed myself lately) and got a specialized Roll Elite. Love it. Its super comfy but can really get going and Doesnt have that 50s cruiser style that makes me feel goofy. Lol
#8
Junior Member
I'm right there with you (6'5" and currently about 415lbs, after regaining a bunch and getting all the way back to 430...). I'm currently on a Trek 820 I picked up back in April (XXL frame) and it's been good so far, approaching the 500 mile mark with it. I went with it for the steel frame aspect - so if it has a catastrophic failure it'll likely just bend vs. shattering like aluminium. It came with nice Bontrager LT3 hard case tires and so far haven't had a single issue with anything (pinch flats were a big worry). Currently riding a mix of paved bike paths and non-paved limestone trails.
Likes For taylorgeo:
#9
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,505
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3654 Post(s)
Liked 5,391 Times
in
2,736 Posts
A Worksman Trike would be ideal. https://www.worksmancycles.com/ I think they retain their value so if something else becomes appropriate in the future, easy to move it along.
#10
Junior Member
A Worksman Trike would be ideal. https://www.worksmancycles.com/ I think they retain their value so if something else becomes appropriate in the future, easy to move it along.
Craftsmanship looks incredible, though.
#11
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,505
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3654 Post(s)
Liked 5,391 Times
in
2,736 Posts
Well, hiking is a good option for you and even more so for OP since he's carrying the equivalent of yet another adult. Load three people on an apparatus designed for one, other options may seem more attractive!
#12
Junior Member
Will keep you updated on my progress.
Thanks, shelb!
Likes For taylorgeo: