Originally Posted by edtrek

6 ft 1 in. 235 lbs.
I've always thought that the Clydesdale category started at 200 pounds.
The problem with any criteria are the exceptions: a 6ft5in guy at 210 is probably
way leaner that a 5ft guy at 195.

I did a Google search on "Clydesdale Athena" and most sites agree that the
men's Clydesdale category starts at 200 pounds, and the women's Athena at 150.

When I was a runner I always appreciated the category just because it gave me
a chance to see how my times were in comparison to similar folks. Among bicyclists
the term "Clydesdale" seems to be a codeword for entree in discussions of stronger
wheels, frames, etc.

My Trek1100 couldn't keep the rear wheel trued, so the shop rebuilt it with a 3x pattern
and I've never had a problem since. I have re-geared all my bikes to help climbing; I think
most OEM bikes aren't geared for moving 230-pounders up hills.