pstock

I am not a Clydesdale but as I am selling a bunch of my big (60-62cm) frames I am getting a lot of inquiries from heavier cyclsts, many of them new to road cycling, asking for advice on what bike/frame/wheels would be most suitable.
this morning for instance, I had a fellow who is 6.3" 260lbs ask for help. (I don't think any of my bikes are suitable, mostly because they are oddball old fashioned steel framed collectors items.)
so I am trying to guide him through his search, likely for a 2nd hand (as a novice he doesn't want to spend a fortunte) carbon or aluminum/carbon (or even all aluminum) frame.

the best I could do was to throw out the option of a cyclocross frame (which I am guessing are designed for heavier loads as they are meant to be pouunded around an offroad race course.) but that's just a guess.

so, what are the basics that a heavier rider has to consider when hunting for a first road bike?
are certain makes and models and materials better to handle a heavier rider?
wheels?

I'll pass this along to Winston.

Peter

squirtdad

I would send a clyde to a quality steel frame before I would send them to carbon or aluminum frame.

260 6'3' is not problem if it is a quality bike

most critical is having wheels of 32 spoke count..... many newer carbon/aluminum road bikes do not

would be interesting to see what you consider oddball steel collectors bikes

here bikes from toronto craigslist the IMHO would work for clydes

https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...871459364.html

https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...851610604.html

https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...873950479.html

https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...871414021.html

https://toronto.craigslist.org/tor/b...855646200.html

pstock

very helpful, thank you.

here's my "oddball" collection. I guess I only describe them as "oddball" because new riders are rarely receptive to the idea of anything but a modern bike.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details...dId=1417832558

(BTW unlike in the USA, up here, north of the border a want ad service called Kijiji.ca generally dominates Craigslist by a factor of about 10 to 1 in terms of number of listings.)

Kedosto

I'm about the same size as your friend and the issue has never been about the frame. The wheels are the single most important thing to consider for guys our size. Most stock wheels included in off-the-shelf bicycles won't last long for big guys. True, a hand tighten/tune will help, but eventually something gives - usually a straight gauge spoke gives out, or a nipple pulls through the rim. The typical low spoke counts don't help either.

The best, most reliable solution is a quality, hand-built wheelset using strong rims, butted spokes, and a higher spoke count. What non Clydes fail to understand is that when your friend throws his leg over the top tube, he's already exceeding the weight of most fully (heavily) loaded touring rigs. As such, it's from a touring mindset that he needs to start the wheelset process.

I recommend a stout touring rim with a MINIMUM spoke count of 36 rear and 32 front paired with quality double butted spokes, built by a competent wheelsmith. These are my minimum recommendations based on my real world experience. If he plans on carrying anything (ie. touring) he should be considering 40/36 counts and/or triple butted spokes. Basically, when he's reaching the point where average cyclists are crying "overkill" he's just about right. Been there, done that.

You didn't ask, but my other Clyde recommendation is to never ride a tire width narrower measured in millimeters than one's waist size measured in inches. He can ride any frame material he wants.


-Kedosto

squirtdad

I consider those classsic not oddball....... and a total sweet spot is a steel frame likes those with modern gear.....see my De Rosa below

You should consider putting these on the Classic and Vintage For Sale (Canadian location may complicate a bit....but you would be surprised

I am 6" and at 264 today this is the ride steel with modern gear . Mavic open pro rims with 32 spoke count.
no problem with handling my weight......... even with a recent unplanned jump off a curb