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

Fat Guy Wanting a Nicer 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!

Fat Guy Wanting a Nicer Bike

Old 06-24-22, 10:27 AM
  #26  
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 nomadmax
All I can say is:

You need more than one bike.
Don't we all?
phughes is offline  
Likes For phughes:
Old 06-24-22, 01:16 PM
  #27  
wvridgerider
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Wild Wonderful West Virginia
Posts: 545

Bikes: Gunnar Crosshairs, Surly Karate Monkey, Specialized Fuze, Bianchi Volpe, too many others and a lot of broken frame

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 70 Times in 21 Posts
I weigh 290 at 6'1" yes I am hefty. I built my own wheels, Velocity Atlas 36 spoke laced to Shimano hubs. They hold up fine, dont go out of true. For tires i run 32mm Gatorskins. I venture onto some rough gravel also.
Bike choice is a Gunnar Crosshairs. I like steel bikes.
My other bikes are a Surly Karate Monkey and a Specialized Fuse aluminum.
wvridgerider is offline  
Old 06-24-22, 01:32 PM
  #28  
livedarklions
Tragically Ignorant
 
livedarklions's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613

Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times in 5,053 Posts
Originally Posted by LarrySellerz
don’t let people tell you you’re too fat for a drop bar road bike.

I can say this from experience as a former 300+ pound person. When I was heavy, the issue with me and drop bars was a big deal because of where on my body I was storing the fat. This varies a lot from person to person. I agree you OP shouldn't let anyone tell OP what will or won't work, but should definitely try riding a drop bar before buying one.
livedarklions is offline  
Likes For livedarklions:
Old 06-24-22, 03:12 PM
  #29  
3alarmer 
Friendship is Magic
 
3alarmer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,932

Bikes: old ones

Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26250 Post(s)
Liked 10,232 Times in 7,101 Posts
.
...for the issues you describe, I can't suggest much more than learning more about wheels and constructing them. A modern box section alloy rim with at least 36 spokes, laced to any sort of decent hub, with the spokes tensioned to maximum recommended tension for the rim, and well balanced as to equal tensions, ought to work. I'm riding on a variety of wheelsets like that here, on a number of different bikes, mostly on 700x25 0r 28 tires, sometimes on 27"x1 1/8 or 1 1/4. And I'm averaging in the 250-260# range, so not a good climber. My wheels seem to do OK, at least the ones I build myself.
__________________
3alarmer is offline  
Old 06-24-22, 03:20 PM
  #30  
stevel610 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Valley Forge: Birthplace of Freedom
Posts: 1,298

Bikes: Novara Safari, CAAD9, WABI Classic, WABI Thunder

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 364 Post(s)
Liked 456 Times in 239 Posts
Just buy a WABI Thunder, have 32/35c tires spec'd and enjoy yourself more than you thought you could.
__________________
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
stevel610 is offline  
Old 06-24-22, 03:57 PM
  #31  
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
The only thing I can add, after popping multiple spokes on a few different rear wheels and bikes, is I learned to lift myself off the saddle when going over rough tarmac, gaps, expansion cracks and other jarring surfaces.
CAT7RDR is offline  
Likes For CAT7RDR:
Old 06-24-22, 05:52 PM
  #32  
Clyde1820
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 1,944

Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 610 Post(s)
Liked 558 Times in 423 Posts
Originally Posted by B.U.F.F.
Jamis Coda S2 ... broke numerous spokes on both rear and front wheels, after replacing them (and subsequently breaking them) I just bought a new wheelset. Fast-forward to two days ago and I realized one of my spokes while riding was super loose. I took it to the shop and they're going to do a tune on it, but my bike is down until the 28th ...
Might spring for a second wheelset, one with more spokes and built with a tougher rim, tougher spokes and a high-quality build (very reputable wheel shop). The bike sounds like a good one. If it fits and rides well for you, a second heavier-duty wheelset might suit you while the weight's coming off, and then you could wap to the other lighter-built wheelset once you're down to "fighting" weight.

For wheelsets, check out Velomine for some options:

https://www.velomine.com
Clyde1820 is offline  
Old 06-24-22, 06:41 PM
  #33  
Daniel4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,497

Bikes: Sekine 1979 ten speed racer

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1477 Post(s)
Liked 637 Times in 436 Posts
I must have dyslexia or something. I originally read "Nice guy wants fat bike."
Daniel4 is offline  
Likes For Daniel4:
Old 06-24-22, 08:40 PM
  #34  
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
You may want to consider a touring bike. The Surly Long Haul trucker can haul up to 300 pounds according to Surly. I have hauled a total of about 270 pounds on my Long Haul Trucker with no issues. That isn't normal for me, but I have done it.

New rims for your current bike would work well though. Welcome to the forum, and enjoy the ride!
phughes is offline  
Old 06-25-22, 03:48 AM
  #35  
livedarklions
Tragically Ignorant
 
livedarklions's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613

Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times in 5,053 Posts
Originally Posted by CAT7RDR
The only thing I can add, after popping multiple spokes on a few different rear wheels and bikes, is I learned to lift myself off the saddle when going over rough tarmac, gaps, expansion cracks and other jarring surfaces.

That's good advice for any weight rider (unless you're on a recumbent, lol). A lot easier on your butt as well.
livedarklions is offline  
Likes For livedarklions:
Old 06-25-22, 03:56 AM
  #36  
livedarklions
Tragically Ignorant
 
livedarklions's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613

Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times in 5,053 Posts
B.U.F.F. I'm pretty much an ignoramus when it comes to wheels, but given your screen name, I suggest you get some B-52 imagery on your bike.

Welcome to the Forum! Let us know what you end up doing and how it works out. Have fun.
livedarklions is offline  
Old 06-25-22, 06:54 AM
  #37  
burnthesheep
Newbie racer
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3,406

Bikes: Propel, red is faster

Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1575 Post(s)
Liked 1,568 Times in 973 Posts
Serious option, tandem bike wheelset. Should easily work for you.

Also look at a cyclocross or gravel bike instead of pure road bike for tire clearance larger than 28. Almost a road bike in geometry but can fit often 38’s.
burnthesheep is offline  
Old 06-26-22, 11:11 AM
  #38  
cyclist2000
Senior Member
 
cyclist2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Up
Posts: 4,695

Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 305 Post(s)
Liked 2,038 Times in 604 Posts
I like the idea of getting gravel bike, the 40 mm wide tires are quite luxurious. I still try to ride light by missing the potholes, rough spots, don't jump curbs or do bunny hops or stand on the pedals if any of these things can't be avoided. As you get more confident with the wheels on the bike, you can start going to some thinner tires and eventually get a second set of wheels. I'm not sure how these wheels will stand up to my weight (200 lbs) since I haven't put too much mileage on them but they have stood up to my riding for the last few months.

If you are bored because your bike is in the shop, then you really need an additional bike. I am constantly working on swapping gear from bike to bike so one of my bikes is normally isn't in riding condition but I normally have a standby bike so I am always able to ride.
cyclist2000 is offline  
Old 06-26-22, 08:32 PM
  #39  
rosefarts
With a mighty wind
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,555
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1073 Post(s)
Liked 841 Times in 475 Posts
Get a steel gravel bike, use 23-25 internal width rims, 32-36 holes, brass nipples, light purple locktite on the threads, and handbuilt by a solid builder. Ride 38-45mm tires.

The final product should be 22-23lbs. It’ll be a tank. And really really fun.

For perspective, it’s about 6lbs heavier than a super light carbon on top or carbon beast that you absolutely will destroy.

So many options on the market but in your position, I’d probably go for the Surly Disc Trucker people have been mentioning bit most any bike that fits what I just mentioned will be great.
rosefarts is offline  
Old 06-29-22, 12:26 PM
  #40  
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
I ran across this today while looking for somehting else. Keep in mind though, evidently a lot of manufacturers include the bike weight in the total load capacity. https://www.thebikeseat.com/bicycle-load-capacity.html
phughes is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


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.