Lost 360 lb uber clyde
08-18-18, 03:39 PM
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Lost 360 lb uber clyde
I'm not a newbie, but I feel like one. I've been riding a Kona Smoke with 700c wheels for a few years. Looking to move on to another bicycle, possibly a road bike. I tested out a Kona Sutra, beautiful bike but riding the drop bars seemed hard due to the bar ends that come with the bike and not to mention my gut. . . . . Main reason for the Kona Sutra . . . . it's steel and has a 36 spoke count like my Kona Smoke. I've kept away from aluminum due to my weight . . . . am I right to shy away from 6061 aluminum at my weight? Shop guy suggested a hybrid with a regular handlebar, please give me some input.
08-18-18, 03:57 PM
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What is your weight now? The title says "lost 360", so I am guessing it is down from when you got the Kona Smoke?
I'm a big fan of steel vs. aluminum, but I don't think aluminum frames would be more fragile. A 36 or 40 spoke rear wheel can only help.
I'm a big fan of steel vs. aluminum, but I don't think aluminum frames would be more fragile. A 36 or 40 spoke rear wheel can only help.
08-18-18, 04:20 PM
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Yes wgscott, I was 409 lbs, down to 360 lbs and a short 5'6", short legs. Looking to upgrade, but bar end shifters on a drop bar seems difficult. Steel with 36 spokes on the Kona Sutra seemed attrative to me . . . .
08-19-18, 06:23 PM
#4
SuperGimp
So don't get a bike with bar end shifters - those always seem to be more suited to touring bikes anyway, although I can't imagine why. You probably also want a bike with a more upright "fit" if your gut is interfering.
look for a bike with integrated shifters / brakes (brifters, STI... it's the new normal).
Most of my riding is done "on the hoods" so my hands are on the top part of the bar holding on to the brake structure. Can shift or brake from there without moving. I can also put my hands on the flat part of the bar for a change. I personally rarely ride down in the drops.
I don't think steel will be any more durable than a well made aluminum bike either.
look for a bike with integrated shifters / brakes (brifters, STI... it's the new normal).
Most of my riding is done "on the hoods" so my hands are on the top part of the bar holding on to the brake structure. Can shift or brake from there without moving. I can also put my hands on the flat part of the bar for a change. I personally rarely ride down in the drops.
I don't think steel will be any more durable than a well made aluminum bike either.
08-22-18, 12:48 PM
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As a 320lb guy myself I will say steel is what you want. I had a Kona Sutra LTD for a while and loved it! Such a versatile bike.
Aluminum will I’ll be fine for you, but steel just rides so much better. Any in the super Clyde category I find myself if, a lighter bike doesn’t make me any faster. I get faster as I drop weight.
Aluminum will I’ll be fine for you, but steel just rides so much better. Any in the super Clyde category I find myself if, a lighter bike doesn’t make me any faster. I get faster as I drop weight.
08-22-18, 05:15 PM
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OP.... look at the Kona Rove instead
or Prettry sure you could replace the bar end shifters with Sora 9sp
I tried bar end shifters....did not like....hit them with my knee when stopped...not by belly
or Prettry sure you could replace the bar end shifters with Sora 9sp
I tried bar end shifters....did not like....hit them with my knee when stopped...not by belly
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
