Techeun

Hello!
I'm currently looking at purchasing a new bike, as my Kent 29 Walmart bike (that I got for $25 brand new :x) probably won't last as long as I'll need it.
I'm currently 345lbs (6ft), down from 373 since febuary, and am falling in love with riding.
I've had my eye on a few bikes, but I'm not sure if it can take my weight. So I'm coming here for help. Even though there are thousands of post identical to this one. I've read that a lot of bikes are built to surpass their recommended weight, so I've been looking at a couple of options.
The Trek Marlin series is on top of my list. Marlin 5, or 7 in particular. It states on the website that the maximum weight of cargo, bike, and passenger is 300lb, which is discouraging. Are there any modifications I could do to it out of the box, to be able to hold up my weight? Or would the frame not be strong enough to hold me. The bike I have now is doing just fine at holding me, but it's got dual suspension thats a bit squishy, and I'm kind of afraid to push it to more than a casual back yard trail.
The Raleigh Tokul series as well, I can't find anything that's telling me a max weight, but I'm seeing good reviews online. Though I'm more comfortable with the 29 size, as I'm a big guy.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I live in Atlanta and there are a good amount of trails that I'm dying to try out, but I'm not confident in my bike.
Thanks in advance!

carlosponti

have you thought about looking at a mid fat bike? 27.5+ or 29+

Techeun

carlosponti

friend of mine started with a marlin 5 he wasnt very comfortable on it, he's in the 300 lb range. He got the roscoe 7 it was more comfortable for him. But I understand the budget deal thats what I had to do. I have a fuji 29er. The one issue my friend had was spoke tension backing off on his marlin 5

Techeun

Thanks for the reply!
I've seen some posts saying that the marlin woulndt be a good fit, so i've crossed it off the list. I drool over the roscoe 7, I love the it. Who knows, I might ride this kent until it's done, and save up for that in the meantime.
Thanks

carlosponti

Couple of reviews I saw online of the nishiki Colorado comp looked like a good bike it's a 27.5+ with seam nx 1x11 drive train. It had mechanical disk breaks and a cheap coil fork but is at around same price as the Roscoe 7. Roscoe has an air coil and hydraulic brakes. Would certainly be better than the Kent you own now.

washed up

You might also post in the Clydesdale Forum as you may get more responses. Also, the major concern is usually wheel strength over frame strength.