Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > General Cycling Discussion
Reload this Page >

Now's your chance to make a difference in the world & help this fat Dude find a bike

Notices
General Cycling Discussion Have a cycling related question or comment that doesn't fit in one of the other specialty forums? Drop on in and post in here! When possible, please select the forum above that most fits your post!

Now's your chance to make a difference in the world & help this fat Dude find a bike

Old 03-29-21, 08:41 AM
  #1  
PoorFatBiker
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Now's your chance to make a difference in the world & help this fat Dude find a bike

Hi guys,
My first ever post on a Forum (thank you thank you)

I'm looking for a bike and the struggle is real. I'm 6 foot / 6 foot 1, 350 pounds.

I'm struggling trying to find a good bike (schwinn bonafind, merax....) or should I just buy a regular bike and get some heavy duty wheels and tires ?

I'm stuck and any help would be greatly apreciated, im in canada so preferably canadian dollars if you have any reccomendations.

Thanks a bunch in advance,
Cheers!
PoorFatBiker is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 09:21 AM
  #2  
Phil_gretz
Zip tie Karen
 
Phil_gretz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,006

Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,542 Times in 806 Posts
You don't have classified ads in your area? Find a 1980s/90s steel rigid forked MTB. 26" wheels with 36 spokes. Your frame size will be 20 or 21" (in MTB parlance). There were plenty of brands with this product in that time period. 3 x 7 speed will be the gear set, with twist grip shifters, or if you're lucky, trigger shifters. V-brakes, but sometimes cantilevers. This bike is your ticket. When you find it, come back, and we'll help you fix it to your tastes.
Phil_gretz is offline  
Likes For Phil_gretz:
Old 03-29-21, 09:32 AM
  #3  
PoorFatBiker
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Phil_gretz Thank you so much for the time you took to reply ! really appreciate it. Let the hunting begin...
PoorFatBiker is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 09:36 AM
  #4  
Bigbus
Very Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Always on the Run
Posts: 1,211

Bikes: Giant Quasar & Fuji Roubaix

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 413 Post(s)
Liked 343 Times in 244 Posts
Everything Phil said but I might add not to rule out disk brakes and 3x8 drive train. Stay away from suspension bikes. Good luck,
Bigbus is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 12:13 PM
  #5  
katsup
Senior Member
 
katsup's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,775

Bikes: 1995 ParkPre Pro 825 2021 Soma Fog Cutter v2 and 2021 Cotic SolarisMax

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 606 Post(s)
Liked 557 Times in 317 Posts
You can post links (once you have 10 posts) to this board and we can give you our opinion as well.

Where are you located? Some of us like to search and make recommendations.
katsup is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 12:57 PM
  #6  
DangerousDanR
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Fargo ND
Posts: 901

Bikes: Time Scylon, Lynskey R350, Ritchey Breakaway, Ritchey Double Switchback, Lynskey Ridgeline, ICAN Fatbike

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 460 Post(s)
Liked 539 Times in 302 Posts
You don't mention what part of Canada you are in, but if it is the part that is in "The Great White North" (AL, SK, MB, etc.) you might want to consider getting a fat tire bike that can be ridden year round, even when there is snow on the ground. I found mine to be a blast down here in tropical, sunny, warm Fargo North Dakota...

If you are over on the left coast, then that older mountain bike sounds like a good idea.
DangerousDanR is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 01:12 PM
  #7  
CAT7RDR
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,084

Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 811 Post(s)
Liked 1,946 Times in 936 Posts
Your other option is a steel touring bike with 36 spoke wheelsets. Fuji, Surly and Trek are examples of manufacturers that have produced steel LHT bikes for decades and would have gearing to carry weight.

You may want to check this thread on occasion:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...t-ii-2433.html

Last edited by CAT7RDR; 03-29-21 at 01:49 PM.
CAT7RDR is offline  
Likes For CAT7RDR:
Old 03-29-21, 01:37 PM
  #8  
VegasTriker
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sin City, Nevada
Posts: 2,879

Bikes: Catrike 700, Greenspeed GTO trike, , Linear LWB recumbent, Haluzak Horizon SWB recumbent, Balance 450 MTB, Cannondale SM800 Beast of the East

Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 521 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 227 Times in 179 Posts
If you go searching for a used bike, enlist the help of someone who is already an avid cyclist to help you sort out the trash from the treasures. There is a lot of overpriced crap on CL in my location. Most of the decent ones are $$$.

The fact that you even considered the Schwinn Bonafide tells me that you aren't familiar with what to look for. That bike comes in just one frame size. If someone offered to sell you clothing in "one size fits all" how good do you think it would fit you at 6'1" and 350 pounds? The other thing that screams out to me is the cheap front suspension on that bike. Stick with a bike that has a solid front fork and NO suspension. I'd rather see the manufacturer use better components on the rest of the bike than sell one with nearly worthless suspension. It's a sales gimmick.

If there is a bike club in your area, contact them and ask if there is anyone willing to help you make a good choice.
VegasTriker is offline  
Likes For VegasTriker:
Old 03-29-21, 03:58 PM
  #9  
Koyote
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,768
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6882 Post(s)
Liked 10,875 Times in 4,639 Posts
Lots of good advice here. PoorFatBiker might also be interested in this subforum. ("Clydesdale" is a larger than-average cyclist.)
Koyote is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 08:34 PM
  #10  
veganbikes
Clark W. Griswold
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,280

Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4253 Post(s)
Liked 3,866 Times in 2,579 Posts
Originally Posted by PoorFatBiker
Hi guys,
My first ever post on a Forum (thank you thank you)

I'm looking for a bike and the struggle is real. I'm 6 foot / 6 foot 1, 350 pounds.

I'm struggling trying to find a good bike (schwinn bonafind, merax....) or should I just buy a regular bike and get some heavy duty wheels and tires ?

I'm stuck and any help would be greatly apreciated, im in canada so preferably canadian dollars if you have any reccomendations.

Thanks a bunch in advance,
Cheers!
Lennard Zinn understands big and tall folks being a tall folk himself. He built these as a cheaper alternative to his custom stuff. They aren't cheap bikes like Schwinn but are of quality and will last a long long long long long time.
https://bikeclydesdale.com

Unfortunately the bikes you listed wouldn't work well for your height and wouldn't last long for anyone but especially someone with some weight on them. Never heard of Bonafind but the other two brands are pretty low on the quality scale.

If you are looking to go cheaper find a larger sized bike and get someone to build some custom wheels for them for your weight and what you are doing with it. Try and find a touring bike or similar that can handle lots of weight.
veganbikes is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 08:57 PM
  #11  
Bigbus
Very Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Always on the Run
Posts: 1,211

Bikes: Giant Quasar & Fuji Roubaix

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 413 Post(s)
Liked 343 Times in 244 Posts
Originally Posted by DangerousDanR
You don't mention what part of Canada you are in, but if it is the part that is in "The Great White North" (AL, SK, MB, etc.) you might want to consider getting a fat tire bike that can be ridden year round, even when there is snow on the ground. I found mine to be a blast down here in tropical, sunny, warm Fargo North Dakota...
If you are over on the left coast, then that older mountain bike sounds like a good idea.
Hey, I'm over here on the left hand coast and I still found the semi-fat 3" tires to be a good bike with zero suspension. I carried a 60# pack on my back along with a 20" Stihl, panniers front and rear with survival gear, radio equipment as well as wilderness first aid kit when doing search and rescue. We had Motobecanes with hyd disk brakes and they rode beautiful both up and down the mountains and they weren't very expensive.
Bigbus is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 08:57 PM
  #12  
blue192
Senior Member
 
blue192's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 509

Bikes: Norco Scene 1, Khs Westwood, Jamis Allegro 3x

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 142 Post(s)
Liked 74 Times in 47 Posts
You are in Canada like me so I will suggest a local store selling the Opus bike brand. This brand is quite popular here north of the border and has a style for just about every rider. But at 350 pounds you may break a spoke or two during use, does not matter which brand they all have similar issues with heavier riders.
blue192 is offline  
Old 03-29-21, 09:54 PM
  #13  
Sertsa
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 174
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 61 Post(s)
Liked 164 Times in 67 Posts
Hi and welcome! As was mentioned, you may want to check out the Clydesdales/Athenas sub-forum for those of us over 200lbs. There are also several of us have lost or are in the process of losing weight, if you're interested in discussing that. I'll also answer questions if I can.

If it helps, in May, 2018 I weighed 440lbs. I'm currently at 212lbs (6'2" man). If you have any questions about the process let me know.

As for bikes at your weight and height, I'll defer to others. I waited until I was under 250lbs to finally buy a bike. Before that I spent quite a bit of time on an exercise bike (mostly at a gym, pre-pandemic) and a lot of hiking/walking.
Sertsa is offline  
Likes For Sertsa:
Old 03-29-21, 10:23 PM
  #14  
alo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 255 Times in 185 Posts
There are people making electric bicycles using motor bike wheels. I think it would be a good business if someone made a pedal version. These would be good for heavy people, cargo bikes, and those who wanted to ride in really rough conditions.
alo is offline  
Old 03-30-21, 02:48 AM
  #15  
a_d_a_m
Senior Member
 
a_d_a_m's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Ohio
Posts: 523

Bikes: 2021 Kona Sutra, Ragley parts-cycle

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 128 Post(s)
Liked 1,241 Times in 336 Posts
Originally Posted by PoorFatBiker
I'm looking for a bike and the struggle is real. I'm 6 foot / 6 foot 1, 350 pounds.
As said before, jump in the Clyde subforum. But alas, welcome to BFn.

I am close to your size and can echo what some have said...you might want to consider getting a steel mountain bike frame and building that up. My bike shop built this out of parts they had around the shop that probably wouldn't have gotten sold otherwise.



They started with a simple formula:
-steel MTB frame
-cruiser handlebar
-26x2.1 tires
-1x10 drivetrain
-mechanical disc brakes

I added:
-Brooks B17 saddle
-handlebar riser
-ESI Chunky handlebar grips

It has logged around 3100 miles and only left me high and dry twice.
a_d_a_m is offline  
Old 03-30-21, 02:07 PM
  #16  
cbrstar
BMX Connoisseur
 
cbrstar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Canada
Posts: 774

Bikes: 1988 Kuwahara Newport, 1983 Nishiki, 1984 Diamond Back Viper, 1991 Dyno Compe

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 399 Post(s)
Liked 108 Times in 69 Posts
Just throwing this out there. I'm not sure of the brand but a gentleman in my town who was 350-400 pounds bought a electric bike. Just getting his body moving everyday with the help of the electric bike he dropped over 100lbs and some say 150lbs over the course of the riding season. The bike looked a little bit like a motorcycle to be honest and it had some beefy fat tires on it. If you can afford it I think it's something to consider.
cbrstar is offline  
Likes For cbrstar:
Old 03-30-21, 08:29 PM
  #17  
PoorFatBiker
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
You guys are great ! I'm in Montreal Canada (east coast).
i started looking and found a lot of 1990s MTB on facebook marketplace.
Ranging from 150 to 250$ which I think is very reasonable. I'm going to try to make post post so I can share links and pictures.

I'm really happy with everyones feedback especially the tip of "staying away fro suspensions" since it's a sales gimmick. It's tough because I find those big suspensions so beautiful.

Another off the rack bike was the "Mongoose Malus" 7 speed fat bike any thoughts on that? (Alot of videos about up grades to it to make it better)

I was hoping to put under 1000$ on this bike and mainly use it in National parks here to lose weight and get my heart rate up.

thanks again guys really appreciate everyones help!
PoorFatBiker is offline  
Likes For PoorFatBiker:
Old 03-30-21, 08:35 PM
  #18  
PoorFatBiker
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by katsup
You can post links (once you have 10 posts) to this board and we can give you our opinion as well.

Where are you located? Some of us like to search and make recommendations.
I'm in Montreal, quebec Canada.

I don't mind if I need to drivtoup to 150 km away to pick up a bike.
PoorFatBiker is offline  
Likes For PoorFatBiker:
Old 03-30-21, 11:28 PM
  #19  
phughes
Senior Member
 
phughes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,064
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 1,253 Times in 724 Posts
Originally Posted by PoorFatBiker
I'm in Montreal, quebec Canada.

I don't mind if I need to drivtoup to 150 km away to pick up a bike.
Welcome, and since others mentioned the Clydesdales section of the forum, I don't have a lot to contribute. I will recommend finding a bike with a high spoke count, 32 or 36 spokes. I run 36 spoke wheels. I would also suggest a steel framed bike, and the suggestion of an older mountain bike is a good one if you are looking used. I ride a Surly Long Haul Trucker touring bike. It would be a great option if you are buying new, as are the other touring bikes mentioned.

Best of luck and whatever you find, enjoy riding!
phughes is offline  
Old 03-31-21, 12:40 AM
  #20  
alo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 255 Times in 185 Posts
I think full suspension is good for heavy riders. You break less wheels. You just need a suspension you can adjust to take your weight.
alo is offline  
Old 03-31-21, 12:43 AM
  #21  
alo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 255 Times in 185 Posts
Unless you go for something heavy duty, I have found my fat bike to be stronger than regular mountain bikes. I am amazed I have not broken a wheel. I am heavy, and ride rough tracks.
alo is offline  
Old 03-31-21, 06:09 AM
  #22  
PoorFatBiker
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by alo
Unless you go for something heavy duty, I have found my fat bike to be stronger than regular mountain bikes. I am amazed I have not broken a wheel. I am heavy, and ride rough tracks.
what fat bike are you riding and how much do you weight?
PoorFatBiker is offline  
Old 03-31-21, 08:39 AM
  #23  
alo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 529 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 255 Times in 185 Posts
Originally Posted by PoorFatBiker
what fat bike are you riding and how much do you weight?
My bike is an X-treme 26x4.0 fat bike. It has 36 spoke wheels. I believe it was manufactured in Taiwan. I bought it in S E Asia. It has a steel frame. I cannot find pictures of this model on the internet. A lot of X-treme bikes on the internet are electric. I don't know if it is available in Canada. Just look for a decent steel framed fat bike.

Last year I weighed 130 kg (287 lb). I am now down to 111kg (245 lb). When I have time, I may start a topic on how I lose weight. I ride on a lot of very rough tracks, so my bike gets much rougher treatment than those who ride on smooth surfaces. I have broken the rear axle in the back wheel on this bike, but not spokes. I have broken spokes in other bikes.

I am the same height as you. Be aware that a regular sized mountain bike or fat bike is too small. I have raised the handlebars. I also have a long seat post and a large seat. A regular seat is just too uncomfortable for me.

If you will only ever ride on hard surfaces, a regular mountain bike may be ideal (particularly if you get one with heavy duty wheels). For mud, sand and snow, the fat bike leaves the others behind.

I also buy things based on value for money. If you come across a good fat bike at a good price, buy it. If you come across a good mountain bike at a good price buy it.

Others have said don't get suspension. I like suspension, but you need suspension that can be adjusted up to take your weight.

If you find that you break spokes, I suggest looking for stronger spokes to replace each one when it breaks. I like to learn and do this type of thing myself. If you break a spoke and don't replace it, the wheel becomes weaker, and it is not long before another one breaks, then another, and the wheel becomes unusable.

If you read some of my other posts, you may realize I often do things differently. I have mentioned using motorbike mirrors on my bicycle, and motorbike tubes, and these are only the things I have had time to write about. In the future, I am thinking of experimenting with motorbike spokes in bicycle wheels. I have not done this yet. It is just an idea I have been thinking about.

Last edited by alo; 03-31-21 at 08:50 AM.
alo is offline  
Old 03-31-21, 08:50 PM
  #24  
PoorFatBiker
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by alo
My bike is an X-treme 26x4.0 fat bike. It has 36 spoke wheels. I believe it was manufactured in Taiwan. I bought it in S E Asia. It has a steel frame. I cannot find pictures of this model on the internet. A lot of X-treme bikes on the internet are electric. I don't know if it is available in Canada. Just look for a decent steel framed fat bike.

Last year I weighed 130 kg (287 lb). I am now down to 111kg (245 lb). When I have time, I may start a topic on how I lose weight. I ride on a lot of very rough tracks, so my bike gets much rougher treatment than those who ride on smooth surfaces. I have broken the rear axle in the back wheel on this bike, but not spokes. I have broken spokes in other bikes.

I am the same height as you. Be aware that a regular sized mountain bike or fat bike is too small. I have raised the handlebars. I also have a long seat post and a large seat. A regular seat is just too uncomfortable for me.

If you will only ever ride on hard surfaces, a regular mountain bike may be ideal (particularly if you get one with heavy duty wheels). For mud, sand and snow, the fat bike leaves the others behind.

I also buy things based on value for money. If you come across a good fat bike at a good price, buy it. If you come across a good mountain bike at a good price buy it.

Others have said don't get suspension. I like suspension, but you need suspension that can be adjusted up to take your weight.

If you find that you break spokes, I suggest looking for stronger spokes to replace each one when it breaks. I like to learn and do this type of thing myself. If you break a spoke and don't replace it, the wheel becomes weaker, and it is not long before another one breaks, then another, and the wheel becomes unusable.

If you read some of my other posts, you may realize I often do things differently. I have mentioned using motorbike mirrors on my bicycle, and motorbike tubes, and these are only the things I have had time to write about. In the future, I am thinking of experimenting with motorbike spokes in bicycle wheels. I have not done this yet. It is just an idea I have been thinking about.
Thank you very much for taking the time to write !
PoorFatBiker is offline  
Old 03-31-21, 08:51 PM
  #25  
PoorFatBiker
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by DangerousDanR
You don't mention what part of Canada you are in, but if it is the part that is in "The Great White North" (AL, SK, MB, etc.) you might want to consider getting a fat tire bike that can be ridden year round, even when there is snow on the ground. I found mine to be a blast down here in tropical, sunny, warm Fargo North Dakota...

If you are over on the left coast, then that older mountain bike sounds like a good idea.
Interesting...
PoorFatBiker is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.