Texas_SS

I’m looking at getting a MTB to help me lose weight, I am current under 360 pounds and would only ride the bike on paved streets until I lost more weight. Then eventually going to trails.

I was looking at a trek marlin 5 or maybe a trek Farley, but the weight limits say 300 pounds. Do y’all think it’ll be fine for now while using it on the streets?

Thanks, I am new to all this and want to make a lifestyle change.

shelbyfv

Check this similar thread https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdal...-lb-rider.html and his numerous subsequent threads. Seriously, bikes may be hard to find right now. You might be better off walking for awhile, get down to a weight appropriate for the bike you want.

taylorgeo

Though you WILL find some fantastic information from some fantastic members by clicking this link, I would not listen to shelbyfv, the somewhat antagonistic mayor and sheriff of BF, about walking INSTEAD of biking. Also, your inquiry was more specific than mine, since you know you want a MTB.

shelbyfv

Got a bike yet taylor? Tex, I stand by the walking suggestion. If the other poster had been walking during these months he's been nattering about a bike in the sky, his weight limit concerns might have melted away.

a_d_a_m

I'm not going to get in the mix between those two^^^

But to the O/P: I'm somewhere between 300 and 350 (haven't weighed in about five months); at my heaviest I was 360.

I'm just riding around on a steel Ragley mountain frame with decent parts hung from it including a Mavic downhill wheel out back - actually cracked the original wheel in half, so went with a stronger piece just to hold my fat ass. Breakage might happen but it isn't the end of the world. Consider a break a chance to upgrade! Find yourself a halfway decent USED steel mountain frames and stick to paved roads and gravel type rail trails for a while. Once you lighten up, you can try some pump tracks and mountain stuff (I've done it even over 300#).

I just did 50 miles today on this disasterpiece:


That's my third half-century of the year and all have been closer to 350#.
Don't wait to get under 300.
Get a bike, and get on it. What's the worst that could happen? You break it? Big deal. Fix it with stronger parts and keep on riding.
Start at 1 mile and increase gradually.
Walking sucks.

taylorgeo

Cool bike! A few questions, if you don't mind:

What kind of seatpost is that? Two-bolt?
Thru-axle on the front fork?
Tire size/width?
And how's the standover height?

Again, very cool bike!

shelbyfv

As Adam has experienced, it's generally the rear wheel that lets go if you load the bike over the limit. If you understand this going in and are prepared to replace it if/when it happens it might be worth taking a chance. However, there is no way of actually knowing what the weak part of any given bike is. You'll be buying a new bike with no expectation of warranty if you break something.

Bob the Mech

24 spoke front: 242lbs rear: 198lbs
28 spoke front and rear: 242lbs
32 spoke front and rear: 264lbs
36 spoke front and rear: 308lbs
weight limits including rider, bike, gear and luggage.
From a manufacturer hand book.

is there any wiggle room in weight limits...from a warranty stand point, probably not.

fietsbob

Trek 820 have been steel for decades , fit a non suspension fork on it >'suspension corrected' keeps the head angle as designed..

a_d_a_m

Thanks for the compliment!

One bolt post, quick release up front, 30.3” standover height, 26x2.1 tire. I’ve never been asked some of these questions so I’m not sure the right way to answer or if more info is desired. Ha. If you want more details I’m happy to provide as best I can.

I have my B17 saddle a bit higher compared to how it was fit for me from the shop.

taylorgeo

You've answered them perfectly, thanks! This is a great forum to learn. Was just curious, when you're standing over the bar, how many inches of clearance do you have?

a_d_a_m

I have maybe .002” clearance in padded shorts. In plain clothes...I need to be on tiptoes or stand one foot on the ground and one still up on the pedal.

My shoes (I don’t clip) give me JUST enough height so I’m not smushing anything when I’m wearing bike shorts, though.

I wear Adidas Super Skate shoes when I ride.

Bob the Mech

I'm 5 ft 5 inches tall, with a 29" inseem. 50cm road frame with a horizontal top tube 1 inch clearance.
Compact road frame 50cm sloping top tube 3 inches clearance.
MTB 17 inch frame, 3 inches clearance. All with cycling shoes on.

billm67

I have a Raleigh mountain bike with an aluminum frame that I have had for many years. I have replaced spokes on the rear wheel twice in 20 years of ownership. A good solid bike will hold up. If not upgrade the wheels so they hold up. The bigger problem is finding a bike with the shortage.

OldCruiser

I know you’re looking at mountain bikes , but you might consider a multi speed beach cruiser to get started riding .
I like Electra bikes .
The Electra 7d is a steel frame bike that’s built like a tank . 36 spoke wheels and 26x2.1” Tires .

taylorgeo

I'm actually going to try one out tomorrow. Are the handlebars awkward? Seems like it would be easy to lose control of the bike.

jk95

OP, did you manage to find a suitable bike ?

Texas_SS

yes i did I went with a trek Roscoe 7 and it holds me well. Thanks!

shelbyfv

Seems like a fine

choice. The 27.5+ should give you confidence. Good looking bike as well!