I'm 400 lbs...is there a bike for me?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm 400 lbs...is there a bike for me?
Hey fellow cyclist. As you can see I'm very new to this site, as well to the cycling world. I've done some research online, all have turned out to be dead ends. I found one site but the bikes are over 1200 dollars! , I'm a 6'4 400 lb man and would love to ride a bike, I have had this urge for years but have fear of embarrasment going to stores and they not having a bike for a man of my size! So you guys help will be greatly appreciated! peace!
*update*
whats the best bike a big man should get for around 320? or will i probably not be able to afford a decent bike with my range?
i found this bike on ebay, do yall think it would do well?
https://cgi.ebay.com/SPECIALIZED-HARD...QQcmdZViewItem
*update*
whats the best bike a big man should get for around 320? or will i probably not be able to afford a decent bike with my range?
i found this bike on ebay, do yall think it would do well?
https://cgi.ebay.com/SPECIALIZED-HARD...QQcmdZViewItem
Last edited by Need-A-Bike; 06-01-08 at 03:22 AM.
#2
Gorntastic!
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: United States of Mexico
Posts: 3,424
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Welcome! You're in the right place.
Don't feel embarassed about stopping by your LBS. They are supposed to be there to help you. If not, just move along to the next shop. Basically everyone modifies their bike somewhat so that it works best for them. It is OK to ask about this. The main problem with heavier riders is the strength/durability of the wheels. On mtbikes and hybrids, another worry is that heavier riders tend to overload the front suspension. Many have opted to go back to rigid forks instead.
Hardrocks have a great following on the clydes' forum and would be a good choice I think. Budget for the aforementioned modifications in case you need them and you should be fine. Be sure that the bike will fit you before you bid!!!
Don't feel embarassed about stopping by your LBS. They are supposed to be there to help you. If not, just move along to the next shop. Basically everyone modifies their bike somewhat so that it works best for them. It is OK to ask about this. The main problem with heavier riders is the strength/durability of the wheels. On mtbikes and hybrids, another worry is that heavier riders tend to overload the front suspension. Many have opted to go back to rigid forks instead.
Hardrocks have a great following on the clydes' forum and would be a good choice I think. Budget for the aforementioned modifications in case you need them and you should be fine. Be sure that the bike will fit you before you bid!!!
__________________
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
yeh now after reading the threads i think i want a Giant Sedona, I scrambled up 320 dollars, now im on the searching, I'm in western ny and i cant find them! anyoen know a good site that i can buy it from around this price range?
*update* the trek 7200 is looking pretty cool too, anyone know a price range?
*update* the trek 7200 is looking pretty cool too, anyone know a price range?
Last edited by Need-A-Bike; 06-01-08 at 03:21 AM.
Likes For Need-A-Bike:
#4
Bikezilla
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Flori-Duh
Posts: 881
Bikes: Co-Motion Mazama
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is a bike for you, don't be discouraged. I rode 7,500 miles on my Trek 7200 and I stand 340#s. I paid about $500.00 for it brand new. The stock wheel-set held up for 2,000 miles before a spoke popped. Once I had the wheels hand-built at my LBS I never had a problem again.
Good luck in your search. There are a few guys on here that are your size, so I hope they chime in soon.
Good luck in your search. There are a few guys on here that are your size, so I hope they chime in soon.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
thats cool, thanks for the advice, do you think i could get anything decent for 320? that trek 7200 seems so sweet but i def cant afford that anytime soon
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
man im so eager to have a bike its 6 am and havent been to sleep yet lol its been like 4 hours of me trying to find a bike online...am i overstressing this....didnt seem like i would be this hard!
#7
Bikezilla
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Flori-Duh
Posts: 881
Bikes: Co-Motion Mazama
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would go to your LBS and get professionally fitted for a bike. After that check craiglist.com or yard sales for quality used bikes in your area.
#8
VoodooChile
Join Date: May 2008
Location: AZ
Posts: 1,048
Bikes: Salsa Casseroll
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Need-A,
Welcome to the forum! Like some others have suggested, a trip to a local bike shop (LBS) is probably in order. You might find something in your size and price range on the floor. A few months ago I purchased a left over 2007 Trek 7300 for the price of a new 7200. The Trek 7000 is right in your price range.
Good luck, and have fun!
Welcome to the forum! Like some others have suggested, a trip to a local bike shop (LBS) is probably in order. You might find something in your size and price range on the floor. A few months ago I purchased a left over 2007 Trek 7300 for the price of a new 7200. The Trek 7000 is right in your price range.
Good luck, and have fun!
#9
Chubby super biker
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 1,980
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Welcome! I started a little over your weight, and put close to 1,000 miles on a late 90's low-end Raleigh MTB before buying a new bike. Worked fine for me, what finally made me buy a new bike was a chaos of repairs - new tires, new chain, then two popped spokes in one day. I picked up a '07 Hardrock Sport when I was still over 400, and it's got about 2,500-3,000 miles on it, been great for me and I paid $349 for it new.
Now I'm down to 340, and I still love it - two years later. Granted it's had it's share of abuse related issues, just discovered yesterday that the rim is cracked around some of the spoke holes - I don't blame it too much, though. I mean seirously, $350 and I've ridden the thing like I stole it every time I've gotten on it, and it's only once left me stranded. Can't say that about my other bikes . I'd recommend one, just swap the tires with some Specialized Nimbus slicks and you're good.
As far as fit, you'll need AT LEAST a 21in frame, maybe even one of the 23's. I ride a 19, and at 6 2 it's almost too small for me.
The Sedonas are extremely popular around here - both locally and on bikeforms - as are the Trek 7x00 series. All are excellent choices and will serve you well. In your price range there are definitely options.
Good luck!
Now I'm down to 340, and I still love it - two years later. Granted it's had it's share of abuse related issues, just discovered yesterday that the rim is cracked around some of the spoke holes - I don't blame it too much, though. I mean seirously, $350 and I've ridden the thing like I stole it every time I've gotten on it, and it's only once left me stranded. Can't say that about my other bikes . I'd recommend one, just swap the tires with some Specialized Nimbus slicks and you're good.
As far as fit, you'll need AT LEAST a 21in frame, maybe even one of the 23's. I ride a 19, and at 6 2 it's almost too small for me.
The Sedonas are extremely popular around here - both locally and on bikeforms - as are the Trek 7x00 series. All are excellent choices and will serve you well. In your price range there are definitely options.
Good luck!
#10
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 1,371
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I started out on a mountain bike and at first I broke a spoke on my rear wheel EVERY TIME I went for a ride. I had the LBS rebuild the wheel with a heavy duty rim and Swiss DT spokes and that solved that problem for good. FYI
#11
VoodooChile
Join Date: May 2008
Location: AZ
Posts: 1,048
Bikes: Salsa Casseroll
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Exactly. Look around, get a bike and ride!
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 124
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hello and welcome!
When I first started out I was 410 at 6'5". If I had read this forum before buying my bike I would have purchased the Specialized Hardrock. I've read many good thing about that bike for people our size.
The bike I bought was a Trek Navigator 2.0, and broke the rear wheel, seatpost, pedals, saddle, and lastly even cracked the frame. Now I must say Trek has been fantastic on their warranty and I had everything fixed or replaced and kept on riding. but like I said, I wish I had read this forum first and got the Hardrock at the time. I am now down to 280 and upgrading to a Trek 7.3 FX next week.
Jake
When I first started out I was 410 at 6'5". If I had read this forum before buying my bike I would have purchased the Specialized Hardrock. I've read many good thing about that bike for people our size.
The bike I bought was a Trek Navigator 2.0, and broke the rear wheel, seatpost, pedals, saddle, and lastly even cracked the frame. Now I must say Trek has been fantastic on their warranty and I had everything fixed or replaced and kept on riding. but like I said, I wish I had read this forum first and got the Hardrock at the time. I am now down to 280 and upgrading to a Trek 7.3 FX next week.
Jake
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 104
Bikes: 2008 Trek 7.3 FX, 2007 Trek 1000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would look at the Trek 7.2FX. It goes for about 460.00 USD new. It doesn't have the front suspension fork, which at your weight will just be working against your pedaling effort anyway. It does have a suspension seatpost, which you could replace inexpensively. I'm sure there are other brands that offer equivalent models. Check craigslist too. As others have said, you may have to have your spokes and wheels worked on some. Good luck.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,866
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7 AXS, Trek Emonda ALR AXS, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 761 Post(s)
Liked 1,719 Times
in
1,004 Posts
I started out at 375 on a Trek 7300 with the standard wheels set. They last a short time, but they have since changed the basic wheel set since I got mine. They are a great bike, but you really need to be sized and make sure what you get is fit for you. Have fun riding and post your adventures.
#15
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
wow guys thanks a million, one of my aint concerns is the handle bar, on the trek it seems as if the handle bar is too low (or is that just my wrong preception?) the sedona seems like a good fit but my LBS doesnt sell them!!!!!! thats the one i think i want, so idk i guess i gotta do some seaching, i wish there was a web site that had them, but it seems hard to find, and wow you guys weight lost are a HUGE inspiration...i cant wait to start riding, im strong willed and will be dedicated to it!
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto (again) Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,931
Bikes: Old Bike: 1975 Raleigh Delta, New Bike: 2004 Norco Bushpilot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
wow guys thanks a million, one of my aint concerns is the handle bar, on the trek it seems as if the handle bar is too low (or is that just my wrong preception?) the sedona seems like a good fit but my LBS doesnt sell them!!!!!! thats the one i think i want, so idk i guess i gotta do some seaching, i wish there was a web site that had them, but it seems hard to find, and wow you guys weight lost are a HUGE inspiration...i cant wait to start riding, im strong willed and will be dedicated to it!
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Chicago
Posts: 72
Bikes: Specialized Roll Low Entry - 2018
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 50 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Check out the bike mentioned in my profile. I went to my local bike shop and he told me about a gentleman your exact height and size who rode it daily last summer. He worked at the store as well. From my understanding he rode the heck out of it and wasn’t gentle. But the bike held up through his abuse. From that moment it’s been a go to recommendation for the salesperson for heavy riders since most aren’t doing what the other did. It’s very sturdy. Wide wheels and a smooth ride. The perfect bike to get back into the swing of things. And you don’t need to swap the tires out in the winter. Good luck!
Sarah
Sarah
#20
Professional amateur
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Ga.
Posts: 688
Bikes: Does a Big Wheel count ?
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 302 Post(s)
Liked 136 Times
in
92 Posts
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Chicago
Posts: 72
Bikes: Specialized Roll Low Entry - 2018
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)Tagged: 0 Thread(s)Quoted: 50 Post(s)Likes: 0Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 64
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
9 Posts
OP, regardless of what you buy at some point you’ll need to have some part of it replaced or repaired at your local bike shop.
If only for that fact you might as well go talk to them now. They may well have some experience that can help or save you money in the long term.
Top priority is to get a frame that fits you.
If only for that fact you might as well go talk to them now. They may well have some experience that can help or save you money in the long term.
Top priority is to get a frame that fits you.
#23
Professional amateur
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Ga.
Posts: 688
Bikes: Does a Big Wheel count ?
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 302 Post(s)
Liked 136 Times
in
92 Posts
or, click this......https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ro...xoC4fMQAvD_BwE
Last edited by Brocephus; 07-11-19 at 06:35 AM.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Yolo County, West Sacramento CA
Posts: 517
Bikes: Modified 26 inch frame Schwinn Varsity with 700c wheels and 10 speed cassette hub. Ryan Vanguard recumbent. 67cm 27"x1 1/4" Schwinn Sports Tourer from the 1980's. 1980's 68cm Nishiki Sebring with 700c aero wheels, 30 speeds, flat bar bicycle.
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 131 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times
in
102 Posts
Need a Bike most MTB's are strong enough for heavy riders. Even used bikes MTB's on Craigslist will qualify. Older chromoly steel MTB's with solid forks are extremely durable and many have high end components from their era. Older bicycles may need rebuilding or major maintenance done but still can be very reasonable in price for the amount of service one can get from them. At our heavier weights wheel durability can be an issue. If you buy a bicycle and the wheels cause problems there are good blogs in here covering those problems.
#25
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for the replys, I went and picked up a L Norco bigfoot fatbike yesterday, not disappointed at all specially after I swapped out the seat for something more suiting my stature. 6k on it today, second day with it, haven't ridden a bike in about 23 yrs lol since about 12 yrs old. 350 lbs and dropping. Can't wait til I drop more and get to start really trail riding this bike. Got the entire family on bikes now.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sezotove
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
5
06-21-17 06:16 AM
painted_klown
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
55
02-20-13 05:37 AM
be84
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
21
12-09-09 10:31 AM