Trek FX3
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Trek FX3
Hello All! Pretty large Athena here (north of 350) looking for some advice on any necessary upgrades for my Trek Bike.
I’ve got a stock Trek FX3 from around 2017. Anyone have any thoughts if this would be reliable for someone of my size? Or are there any necessary upgrades to make the bike more capable of handling my weight? I would prefer to try to upgrade this bike compared to putting money into getting a new bike.
Any advice is appreciated!
I’ve got a stock Trek FX3 from around 2017. Anyone have any thoughts if this would be reliable for someone of my size? Or are there any necessary upgrades to make the bike more capable of handling my weight? I would prefer to try to upgrade this bike compared to putting money into getting a new bike.
Any advice is appreciated!
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The listed weight limit for that bike is 300#, this includes rider, bike and any extra equipment or cargo. That said i have exceeded the weight limit on several bikes and with care it hasn't been a problem for me. You do not need a new bike the Trek should be fine as is check that the derailleurs and brakes are adjusted properly and ride. If you got it used have the chain wear checked and replace if needed. One word of advice is to learn to take your weight off the seat on any dips or bumps to help with wheel life, this will keep you from needing to have the wheels trued often.
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And those weight limits are usually lawyer limits anyway. If the weight rating for a bike is 300 pounds, it doesn't mean you'll experience catastrophic bike failure if the total load is 301 pounds. There's probably some fudge factor involved, whether it means fudging the numbers to ensure safety, or weight gain from eating too much fudge, like me.
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And those weight limits are usually lawyer limits anyway. If the weight rating for a bike is 300 pounds, it doesn't mean you'll experience catastrophic bike failure if the total load is 301 pounds. There's probably some fudge factor involved, whether it means fudging the numbers to ensure safety, or weight gain from eating too much fudge, like me.
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The main complain for people of our stature is the wheel coming out of true or breaking spokes. The biggest upgrade here is to learn to ride light. Don't go riding up curbs and through potholes. Stand when you go over sharp bumps. This will put less point pressure on the tires. Inflate your tires before every ride to the max tire pressure or the first ride each day, this will eliminate pinch flats.
Now ride the heck out of that bike.
Now ride the heck out of that bike.
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I exceed the recommended weight limit for a Kona Sutra. Foolishly, I also purchased rear panniers instead of front, so all of the weight is on the rear wheel. So, naturally, my rear wheel started breaking spokes inside of 1000 miles and had failed completely by 1500 miles (thankfully just after the end of my first tour). I had a new Clyde rear wheel built up and it's been trouble-free so far.
Short story long, I agree with everyone else with regards to your FX3 - probably going to be fine but pay attention to the wheels and ride light!
Short story long, I agree with everyone else with regards to your FX3 - probably going to be fine but pay attention to the wheels and ride light!